Southwestern songstress Shari Rowe has always been drawn to wide open spaces and the feeling of freedom in her life and music. The Arizona native has traveled the world with her magnetic melodies and vibrant storytelling, but the Wild West always ropes her back in, no matter how far she's gone. Rowe recently traded the wild nights and city lights in Nashville, Tennessee, for some space to breathe and create in Peoria, Arizona.
“I feel very inspired being out here in the West,” says Rowe. “As a writer, I draw a lot of inspiration from nature, and Arizona is so unique. Because it's the Wild West, it feels free and open, and I feel most like myself here.”
What Makes the West Valley Special
Rowe has found her home in the desert, and her return means more visits to one of her favorite local spots, Caramba Mexican Food, a West Valley-founded gem.
“I absolutely love Mexican food, and I swear that’s one of the best things about Arizona,” Rowe explains. “A shredded beef enchilada with green sauce, like whenever I’m out of town, I try to find anything that comes close.”
Besides the proximity to good Mexican food, she says she loves having the balance that Peoria offers with access to city life and nature.
While Rowe loves what the city offers, especially great shopping and restaurants, she appreciates the open spaces in the West Valley. “I love that I can just go up the street and hiking up a mountain to get a different perspective. So many desert areas are nearby, and it's all so convenient.”
The Early Years in Arizona
This balance of wilderness and city life is nothing new to Rowe. Growing up, she was a city girl during the week and a country girl on weekends, traveling to her relatives’ homes to ride horses along the riverbed or canal banks.
“I just felt so free and so much like myself on those weekends, and I literally would write music by myself to the rhythm of the horse's hooves,” Rowe reminisces. “It was just this magical time. I felt like it was truly an escape for me.”
The singer-songwriter says these childhood moments were the foundation of her musical journey, even though she couldn’t fully recognize it then. As she grew and deepened her understanding of music and the industry, that early inspiration became clearer. She had always loved to sing and was belting out tunes with her sisters and attempting to sing before she could even talk.
Her passion took shape when she joined the choir, and a teacher singled her out for one of her first solo performances, giving her the confidence to keep going. Around 19 or 20, while singing with her sisters, she started learning more about the industry and began working with a producer who helped her discover her songwriting abilities. That’s when she truly began honing her craft.
Rowe's Love of Music Becomes Her Career
This dedication led to the release of her own music, including the “Night Like This” EP and singles like “Long Hugs” and “Last Time.” Her persistence and hard work paved the way for formative opportunities, such as opening for legendary artists like Diamond Rio, Jimmie Allen, and Wynonna Judd.
She still remembers a pivotal moment when Judd pulled her aside after a show.
“She pulled me close to her and whispered in my ear ‘Us girls gotta stick together, don't give up and don't let anyone ever steal your joy,’” recalls Rowe.
Rowe took this advice to heart and says she’s been intentional about remembering Judd's words. She works hard to hold onto the simple joy of being able to create music. Her uplifting sounds reflect her dedication to faith, family, and charity.
Advice From a Country Music Artist
Now a seasoned artist, the Southwesterner shares her wisdom with young women trying to break into the music industry.
“If you have a strong idea of who you are and who you want to be and you can begin to authentically express that in your music, I think that's something to guard,” Rowe says.
Despite the ups and downs, Rowe has remained steadfast in her journey and is now recording her debut album, which will be released by the end of summer 2025.
This project leans more into an Americana folk sound and blends traditional country with her love for a “good hook that gets stuck in your head.”
Local fans can experience the troubadour’s talent and charming stage presence at Foley Ranch in Desert Ridge Marketplace on Friday, June 27, at 7 p.m. For updates on her upcoming shows, visit Rowe's website at sharirowe.com.
“I feel very inspired being out here in the West. As a writer, I draw a lot of inspiration from nature, and Arizona is so unique. Because it's the Wild West, it feels free and open, and I feel most like myself here.