Shen Fine (short for “Shenandoah’s Finest”) began as the brainchild of founder Steve Moreno on vocals, mandolin, and harmonica, who was joined by Randy Jones on guitar and vocals, Jessie Trainum on fiddle and vocals, and Molly McElwee on flute.  By April of 2001, Molly had decided to leave the group to concentrate on getting her degree from James Madison University.  She contacted her friend, Cheryl Tobler, who joined the band when Molly left.  Cheryl brought along Shannon Dove, to be the sound man for the group. Shannon’s talents for singing and guitar playing quickly became apparent, and over time he became a full-fledged performing member of the band.  Brent Holl first played with the group in May 2001 and has been a leading member ever since. Randy left the group in 2003 to pursue a demanding new career in publishing.  Steve retired from his job in the Valley in the fall of 2004, but returns to the Valley from his home in California every spring to tend his vineyards in Madison County and to play a few guest appearances with the band.  Jessie, since first joining the group, has not only gotten married, but become the mother of beautiful, bouncing, baby Rose Trainum! With her current busy life, she now makes guest appearances with the band.

Shen Fine has come a long way since playing its first gig on St. Patty’s Day in 2001.  Over the past four years, Shen Fine has performed at numerous venues and functions, including: First Night Harrisonburg, Massanutten Beer and Wine Festival, Shenandoah Valley International Festival, Staunton Victorian Festival, Skyland Lodge and Big Meadows Lodge in the Shenandoah National Park, James Madison University, Eastern Mennonite University, Blue Ridge Community College, The Daily Grind, The Clocktower in Staunton, Calhoun’s Restaurant, The Little Grill, North River Grill, The Artful Dodger, Pine Tavern in beautiful Floyd County, Court Square Theater, Four Points Sheraton, as well as numerous weddings, receptions, and other events.

Shen Fine has released four CDs. The first CD, “The Valley Road,” was released in 2002 and featured several original songs by Steve and Randy.  The band’s second CD, “Two Pints,” was released in the fall of 2004 and featured a mix of powerful vocals, creative harmonies, and fiery instrumentals. “Granny Mary”  released in the spring of 2005, featured even more original songs and showcases the band’s ability to perform not only Celtic material, but blues, folk, and old-time as well! Shen Fine's newest release is "Primer and the Paint."  This recording features friends of the band, Jessica Holl Kennedy on vocals and Bart Reardon on guitar along with Shannon, Brent, and Cheryl Tobler, who has just returned to the group. Click on the above links for more CD information and some audio previews.