Hailing from Edmonton, Alberta, Kent Shores is currently based in the Edmonton area as an active performer, composer, teacher, and clinician. Kent graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies from the University of North Texas and has been noted as “a young talent whose skill level belies his age” 

Over the course of his career, Kent has had the fortune to study with several heavy hitters in the music world. His teachers include Bobby Cairns, Poovalur Sriji, Fred Hamilton, Rich McLure, Noel Johnston, Carl Lotsberg, and Jose Aponte. In fact, it was Cairns’ passionate instruction that truly inspired Kent to pursue music after he began studying with him at the age of 15.

Kent has also had the privilege to perform with a great number of talented musicians since first picking up the guitar at age 7. These include Tedashii,  Greg Waits, Tommy Banks, Charlie Austin, Ginny Mac, Ryan Brockington, UNT's Four O'Clock Lab Band, UNT's Latin Jazz Ensemble, Anna Beaumont, John Stowell, Poovalur Sriji, and VVS Murari.
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He has also opened for Loverboy, Trooper, April Wine, the Chuck Rainey Coalition, Mali Music, Mindless Behavior, The Funky Knuckles, and Asleep at the Wheel.

​He has performed at the Edmonton International Jazz Festival, The Accordion Kings and Queens Festival, Denton Arts and Jazz Festival, The Yardbird Suite, The Dallas Fusion Fest, Kaleido Festival, Found Fest, Beaumont Blues and Roots, UpFest, and the Edmonton Works Festival.

In the summer of 2013, Kent was a guest clinician at a music camp held in Dharmasthala, India where he taught Western music and lectured on the fusion of Indian and Western music. 

Kent released his debut album “Dreamer” in 2015. The album features all original music and combines multiple genres, showcasing what he does best. Kent blends jazz, rock, fusion, hip-hop, gospel, and South Indian music, creating an interesting and beautiful melodic experience across its 11 tracks. The album is available for purchase on Bandcamp.

Currently, Kent is performing in the Edmonton area in various groups. He is a member of Five on the Side and The Tsunami Brothers. He also performs with his own group, playing a mix of original material and standards.

Kent also works as an audio engineer and producer. He has worked with Raine Radtke and her People Skills, Jess Tollestrup, Emily Guthrie and the Wildflowers, Sole Rhythm, Nick Samoil, the Rule of Thirds, Experience Points, Funk Velvet, and Mary-Lee Bird. 

Kent teaches private lessons in person and via Skype.