Those who know me well know that the Winter Solstice (otherwise known as the shortest day of the year) is my least favorite day. But this year just might be different thanks to a dear friend’s generosity and the talents of Leah Shaw, a North Carolina-bred singer songwriter.

Shaw is described as having an energy-infused, soulful folk-pop sound developed through busking in the New York City subways.

She’s releasing her new single, “Merry Christmas Darling,” at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 21, Muddy Creek Music Hall,  5455 Bethania Road, Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

Tickets are $12.

According to the website, Shaw performs honest, melodic music inspired by her own experience wandering away from home and learning to develop her own voice. Her new EP “Home” featuring the 2014 Our State North Carolina Magazine song of the year is now available on iTunes, Spotify, Amazon and more.

I am looking forward to hearing her play for the first time. I’ll let you know what I think.