Spencer Suchan LIVE at Shiny Top Brewing
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What began as a way to pass time during the COVID‑19 lockdown has grown into a full‑fledged musical passion for Gowrie resident Spencer Suchan, a 19‑year‑old country singer and guitarist who is quickly becoming a familiar name at venues across the region.
Suchan first picked up a guitar at age 13, looking for something to do while the world was shut down. Singing had always been something he enjoyed, but he never considered himself particularly good at it until others encouraged him to keep going. Introductory lessons with local musician Ronley King helped him learn the basics, and from there he never stopped playing.
His musical influences read like a who’s who of classic country: George Strait, Merle Haggard, and George Jones top the list. “There are a lot more than that,” he said, “but the list would fill the page.”
Suchan’s first live performance came unexpectedly while he was working in the kitchen at ShinyTop Brewing in Fort Dodge. When the owner learned he could sing and play guitar, he encouraged him to perform. At first, Suchan brushed off the idea, but eventually he agreed to try a small family‑and‑friends show. That debut turned into a six‑hour performance with almost no breaks. “I learned a valuable lesson right from the start — take some breaks,” he said with
a laugh. Despite the nerves, the experience pushed him out of his comfort zone and sparked his love for performing.
Today, Suchan plays an average of five shows a month, balancing his music with a full‑time job. He says he doesn’t have a single favorite venue, but he’s grateful for the strong support system that follows him from show to show. Word of mouth and recommendations from other local musicians have helped him book more performances than he ever expected. “Our area is so full of talented musicians,” he said. “I love not only playing at venues but listening to others in the area when they play.”
His setlists lean heavily into classic country songs from the 60s through the 90s, earning him the affectionate nickname of “the oldest 19‑year‑old.” He stays true to that old‑school sound, though he admits a few newer artists make the cut if they carry that traditional country feel. When he wants to impress a crowd, he often turns to “The Auctioneer” by Leroy Van Dyke.
Suchan isn’t just a performer; he’s also a songwriter. He is currently recording three original songs at a studio in Des Moines, with hopes of releasing them on major platforms in 2026. His writing draws from real‑life themes, heartbreak, love, and good times — all rooted in the classic country style he loves. He plans to keep writing and recording as inspiration strikes.
As for big dreams, Suchan says he’s already living one. “I’m enjoying every second of it,” he said. Still, he hopes that someday he’ll get the chance to perform on a big stage alongside a major country star. If he could collaborate with anyone, the choice is easy: George Strait. “Strait a day keeps the doctor away,” he joked.
Fans may be surprised to learn that he has recently taken up the fiddle, hoping to incorporate it into future shows. “It’s a very challenging instrument,” he said, “but I enjoy learning new things in music.”
What started as a small family‑and‑friends performance has grown into a steady stream of shows and a deep passion for keeping traditional country music alive. Suchan credits his family, friends, and fellow musicians for their constant support.
Suchan first picked up a guitar at age 13, looking for something to do while the world was shut down. Singing had always been something he enjoyed, but he never considered himself particularly good at it until others encouraged him to keep going. Introductory lessons with local musician Ronley King helped him learn the basics, and from there he never stopped playing.
His musical influences read like a who’s who of classic country: George Strait, Merle Haggard, and George Jones top the list. “There are a lot more than that,” he said, “but the list would fill the page.”
Suchan’s first live performance came unexpectedly while he was working in the kitchen at ShinyTop Brewing in Fort Dodge. When the owner learned he could sing and play guitar, he encouraged him to perform. At first, Suchan brushed off the idea, but eventually he agreed to try a small family‑and‑friends show. That debut turned into a six‑hour performance with almost no breaks. “I learned a valuable lesson right from the start — take some breaks,” he said with
a laugh. Despite the nerves, the experience pushed him out of his comfort zone and sparked his love for performing.
Today, Suchan plays an average of five shows a month, balancing his music with a full‑time job. He says he doesn’t have a single favorite venue, but he’s grateful for the strong support system that follows him from show to show. Word of mouth and recommendations from other local musicians have helped him book more performances than he ever expected. “Our area is so full of talented musicians,” he said. “I love not only playing at venues but listening to others in the area when they play.”
His setlists lean heavily into classic country songs from the 60s through the 90s, earning him the affectionate nickname of “the oldest 19‑year‑old.” He stays true to that old‑school sound, though he admits a few newer artists make the cut if they carry that traditional country feel. When he wants to impress a crowd, he often turns to “The Auctioneer” by Leroy Van Dyke.
Suchan isn’t just a performer; he’s also a songwriter. He is currently recording three original songs at a studio in Des Moines, with hopes of releasing them on major platforms in 2026. His writing draws from real‑life themes, heartbreak, love, and good times — all rooted in the classic country style he loves. He plans to keep writing and recording as inspiration strikes.
As for big dreams, Suchan says he’s already living one. “I’m enjoying every second of it,” he said. Still, he hopes that someday he’ll get the chance to perform on a big stage alongside a major country star. If he could collaborate with anyone, the choice is easy: George Strait. “Strait a day keeps the doctor away,” he joked.
Fans may be surprised to learn that he has recently taken up the fiddle, hoping to incorporate it into future shows. “It’s a very challenging instrument,” he said, “but I enjoy learning new things in music.”
What started as a small family‑and‑friends performance has grown into a steady stream of shows and a deep passion for keeping traditional country music alive. Suchan credits his family, friends, and fellow musicians for their constant support.
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Where is it happening?
520 Central Avenue, Fort Dodge, IA, United States, Iowa 50501
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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Host or PublisherShinyTop Brewing
