Get Lit!/Spokane Songwriters Event
The Spokane Songwriters Organization is excited to be participating in an event in connection with the EWU Get Lit! festival this year. Join us for Songwriters in the Round – Poetry of the Song, Sunday April 15th, 2 to 5 pm, Holy Names Music Center Recital Hall. Artists include: Dave McRae, Steve Schennum, Cheryl Branz, Bill Tierney, Laddie Ray Melvin, Kevin Brown, Bill Kostelec and Kathy Kostelec. $10 suggested donation (students free) and free refreshments for all. Check out the full Get Lit! festival at http://outreach.ewu.edu/getlit/2528.xml
Feb. 2012 Brick & Mortar Show
Jan 12, 2012 Brick & Mortar shows, Events, News
The February Brick & Mortar show will feature songwriters Kevin Brown and Bill Kostelec (bios below). This promises to be another great night of original music in Spokane! Join us Thursday, February 2nd from 7 to 9 pm at Chairs Coffee 113 W. Indiana. And don’t forget we’ll kick the night off with a half hour open mic. Hope to see you there!
Kevin Brown
Kevin Brown is an active member of the Spokane roots music community. For the last decade he has hosted the radio show “Front Porch Bluegrass” on Spokane Public Radio, served as the Music Director for the Blue Waters Bluegrass Festival, and played mandolin in the Rhythm & Bluegrass band Big Red Barn. In 2010 Kevin released his first solo album of original songs, “The County Primaries”, which NoDepression.com called “easily one of the best debut albums of 2010.”
http://www.brownknows.com
http://www.facebook.com/brownknows
http://kevinbrown.bandcamp.com
http://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/KevinBrown3
Bill Kostelec
Bill Kostelec is a founding member of the songwriters organization and member of the board of directors. He is a prolific songwriter known for sometimes edgy lyrics and storytelling in the American roots music tradition. He performs with his wife Kathy as The Blue Ribbon Tea Company. They released their 5th cd in 2011.
www.theblueribbonteacompany.com
http://www.reverbnation.com/blueribbonteacompany
www.facebook.com/blueribbontea
www.myspace.com/theblueribbonteacompany
Jan. 2012 Brick & Mortar Show
Dec 27, 2011 Brick & Mortar shows, Events, News
We’ve got a great show lined up to kick off our 2012 Brick & Mortar events with featured sets by 2 well noted local songwriters and performers: Laddie Ray Melvin and Stan Hall (bios below). We will start the night with a half-hour open mic. (sign-up starts at 6:30). The last few months have seen record attendance and full houses so lets keep up the momentum and have a great 2012! See you at Chairs… 113 W. Indiana, Thursday, January 5th from 7 to 9 pm.
Laddie Ray Melvin
Laddie Ray Melvin has been a performing songwriter in the Pacific Northwest for many years and has participated in the Spokane Songwriter shows since the beginning in 2005. He has served as the regular host for the Brick & Mortar shows since 2008 and he is also on the board of directors for the organization.
www.laddieraymelvin.com
www.myspace.com/laddieraymelvin
Stan Hall
Stan Hall is a well known guitarist in the Inland Northwest Bluegrass scene. For the last few years he has fronted the band “Heartbreak Pass” which was invited to play Wintergrass during the first six months of the bands career, largely on the reputation they gained on their picking and songwriting skills. Stan’s songs were a huge part of that band, he is currently working towards a solo release of some more originals.
Dec. 2011 Brick & Mortar Show
The December Brick & Mortar Show will feature songwriters Dave McRae and Cris Conerty. Both have new cds to celebrate so join us for this special night! Read more about Dave and Cris and their new releases below, and join us Thursday, December 1st 7 to 9 pm at Chairs Coffee 113 W. Indiana. Laddie Ray Melvin is our host for the night which starts with an half hour open mic. Hope to see you there!
Dave McRae
“I’m finally holding the physical proof of “Maui Winds & other folkabilly fantasies” in my hands. It’s got a striking cover designed by Leanne Cooley, and a real nice newly mastered sound on the CD. I’m real pleased with it. There are 12 tracks, eleven written by me and one by my friend Jerry Holmes. Lots of my picking pals took part and a good deal of it is fairly complicated studio production. I’m still listening with a bit of amazement, although I well remember the year and a half it took to produce. What kind of music? I still call it folkabilly– with a lot of the beach and a bit of swamp and desert thrown in. Whatever that means– it’s pretty eclectic.” Dave
Dave McRae is a multitalented musician and songwriter who sings, plays Banjo, Guitar, Bass, Dobro and a host of bizarre rythmic attachments found in his custom tool belt you will see attached to his waist at all times. He plays with the bands Wide River and Sidetrack and has also entertained many as a solo performer at Brick & Mortar shows. He is also on the board of directors for the organization.
Cris Conerty
Here’s To Sorrow, to be released January 2012, is Cris Conerty’s debut album of twelve life-inspired original piano-driven country tunes featuring close harmonies, heart-and-soul lead vocals, and an array of traditional instruments that brings to life her story of love lost and the unexpected “happily ever after” she was lucky enough to get. The gutsy, gospel-tinged title cut, heavily featuring the dobro played by Spokane’s Kelly Bogan, pays tribute to the unsung hero of life’s journey: sorrow, and can be downloaded now for free until Dec. 17 at http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/crisconerty2
Cris also has a Kickstarter.com crowdfunding campaign and invites songwriter fans to check out her project at http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1057285803/heres-to-sorrow-debut-cd
Learn more about Cris’ music, listen to song excerpts, read lyrics and learn the inspiration behind the album at www.crisconerty.com .
“Life set to music” describes the songs of Cris Conerty. Singing and songwriting has been a continual thread woven in Cris’ life, providing a passionate outlet for emotions. “Music has been my playmate, my lover, and my crying towel,” – a statement attributed to singer Buffy Sainte-Marie, with which Cris could not agree more. Since joining Nashville Songwriter’s Association International and traveling to Nashville, Tennessee for the first time in April 2009, Cris has devoted herself to professional songwriting, primarily in the country/folk genre. Cris composes primarily on the piano but has written numerous songs with guitar and often interchanges the two instruments.
Cristine Desiree’ Conerty (maiden name Sullens) was born in Bellevue, WA August 25, 1961, and is the daughter of long-time Spokane area residents and arts supporters Darrell and Karen Sullens. She grew up listening to the acoustic folk and country music of Bobbie Gentry, Joan Baez, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Peter, Paul, and Mary, Johnny Cash, Glen Campbell, Charley Pride, Merle Haggard, Simon and Garfunkel, and Bob Dylan. Straying from her country/folk roots for a time, and due to her love for the piano, she was later drawn to the piano-based sounds of Elton John, Stevie Wonder, Carole King, ABBA, Billy Joel, and virtually any band or singer that featured the piano. Cris has always had a passion for intricate vocal harmonies and has always favored music across all genres that feature multiple voices and harmony. For eight years Cris was active in Sweet Adelines International, both as a chorus director and performer, singing and arranging complex vocal a cappella harmonies in the traditional grass roots barbershop style, and she remains a member of the international organization to this day. Ultimately Cris has come full circle to the folk and country music of her childhood, but appreciates and draws inspiration from virtually all genres of music.
Cris has a lifetime of original music spanning a wealth of subject matter and styles, including hymn and choir arrangements, and is currently tackling the huge job of transcribing them from her “head,” scribbles on music manuscript paper, and scores of lyric and lead sheets to a permanent collection of songs to record and leave as a legacy to her family and others. In addition, she works everyday creating new music, and honing her songwriting craft. She currently resides in eastern Washington State in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, youngest son, and golden retriever. www.crisconerty.com
Nov. 2011 Brick & Mortar show
Oct 21, 2011 Brick & Mortar shows, Events
The November Brick & Mortar show will feature songwriters Kevin Schibel and Allen Surdez (bios below). As usual we will begin with a half hour open mic so come if you can and help support your local songwriters!
Thursday, November 3rd 7 to 9 pm
Chairs Coffee 113 W. Indiana
***free***
Kevin Schibel
Nick Straight and Kevin Schibel have been playing music together for more than a dozen years. As Union Street, they use music as a connection between people from all corners of life. Their lyrics are portraits of the journey we are all on. Twelve string guitar, 6 string guitar, harmonica and vocal harmonies are the tools Nick and Kevin use to paint those pictures. If you’ve lived, then you’ve felt their music.
Allen Surdez
I was a 12 year old boy living in Illinois. My older brother bought me a small guitar and a chord book and said here learn what you can. so I learnd some chords wrote some songs and thuought I was going to be a star.(the dream of every kid). so here I am 45 years later still trying.
The Wanderers & BRTC
The Wanderers will be in Spokane for a house concert on Tuesday, November 8th 7 pm. The Wanderers are a true treasure to the northwest folk music community. Their beautifully blended harmonies, insturments, and authentic sound is testament to over 50 years performing together. They are also well known and well respected Woody Guthrie historians and recovered and published Woody’s Columbia River Collection. Carl has performed the sound tracks for 3 public television documentaries for KCTS in Seattle. They perform a varitey of folk songs written from Woody’s day to our day. http://www.thewanderersfolk.com/
The Blue Ribbon Tea Company will kick off the night with a few songs… Perhaps with something new, or perhaps something from their 5th cd released this year (“a dynamic collection of 14 tracks” Tiffany Harms The Pacific Northwest Inlander), or perhaps some of both. You just never know what Bill & Kathy might come out with next… http://theblueribbonteacompany.com/
$10 suggested donation and ALL proceeds to the traveling Wanderers. Join us for a fun night of good music, good company, and free refreshments to boot!
The show will be held at the home of Bill & Kathy Kostelec (Cherry Street Studios) To reserve a space and get directions (near downtown Spokane) e-mail contact@spokanesongwriters.org or call 509-363-0144.
October 2011 Brick & Mortar Show
Sep 14, 2011 Brick & Mortar shows, Events, News
Join us for the October Brick & Mortar Show featuring Michael Dwyer and Cheryl Branz (bios below). The show starts at 7 pm with a half hour open mic and will be hosted by Laddie Ray Melvin. Mark your calendar for Thursday, Oct. 6th and come on out and support your local songwriters!
Michael J. Dwyer
Michael J. Dwyer
For more than 3 decades Mike has been playing guitar and singing the music that inspired him from the start. At an early age his influences varied from Bob Dylan to Bob Marley and everything in between.
As a singer-songwriter his style gravitates toward Americana acoustic. Mike’s lyrics are thoughtful, engaging and whimsical with a bit of sarcasm thrown into the mix for good measure.
The late 1970’s and early 1980’s found Mike touring nationally and internationally in a rock n roll band called Heirborn. Throughout the latter part of the 1980’s Mike would align himself in various musical incarnations such as the Lehnen-Dwyer Band and The Paradise Highway Band.
As a solo artist Mike is known to have an easy, open, playful manner with his audience often times coaxing the crowd to join in to singing along with the more familiar tunes in his repertoire.
Mike mixes it up with a generous portion of cover tunes by artists such as the Eagles, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Bob Dylan, Sting, Bruce Springsteen, Simon & Garfunkel, Linda Ronstadt, Joni Mitchell, The Beatles, Neil Young, Fleetwood Mac and many more artists that had an influence on our culture and our lives.
Mike has recently moved to the Spokane urban center and is enjoying the benefits of living “in the city.” Mike’s music works in the urban café, martini lounge, pub or wine room and supper club environment. His style is intimate and engaging. http://www.reverbnation.com/mikedwyer
Cheryl Branz
Cheryl Branz is a local singer/songwriter who performs throughout the
region armed with her acoustic guitar, versatile voice and engaging
personality. In 2006, she released her first cd of all original music
titled, “Disappear.” She followed that up in 2008 with a holiday cd,
“The Christmas Gift” blending elements of folk, jazz and classical
styles in one seamless package. Known for her powerful vocals and
honest lyric style, she continues to gather a loyal following of fans
throughout the area.
www.cherylbranz.com
September 2011 Brick & Mortar show
Aug 18, 2011 Brick & Mortar shows, Events, News
The September Brick & Mortar show will feature songwriters Jerry Reynolds and Stan Hall (bios below). As usual the show will begin with a half hour open mic. Join us and host Laddie Ray Melvin Thursday, September 1st, 7 to 9 pm at Chairs 113 W. Indiana. Hope to see you there!
Jerry Reynolds
Jerry Reynolds wrote his first two songs on a Silvertone acoustic guitar bought from Sears-Roebuck catalog in 1962. Then one day, someone came along that knew how to play a guitar and very respectfully asked Jerry if he could tune up the Silvertone. Jerry was delighted, and said, “Sho nuf, man! Tune that baby up.” Jerry has been searching for those first two songs of his ever since.
Jerry was fortunate to have the opportunity to contribute music to “The Most Dangerous Woman In America”, a play that finished a run at The Odd Duck theater in Seattle on June 5th and will soon be performed in L.A. as part of the 2010 Inaugural Hollywood Fringe Festival. For those interested in the project more information can be found at theresediekhans.webs.com and some of the music Jerry wrote for the play is in rotation at myspace.com/jerrylynnreynolds.
theresediekhans.webs.com
myspace.com/jerrylynnreynolds
Stan Hall
Stan Hall is a well known guitarist in the Inland Northwest Bluegrass scene. For the last few years he has fronted the band “Heartbreak Pass” which was invited to play Wintergrass during the first six months of the bands career, largely on the reputation they gained on their picking and songwriting skills. Stan’s songs were a huge part of that band, he is currently working towards a solo release of some more originals.
Pigout Songwriter Stage Schedule
The Spokane Songwriters Organization is excited to announce the schedule for the Pigout in the Park SSO stage! Please come out and join us Sunday, September 4th from noon till 9 pm at Riverfront Park, Runners Stage near city hall.
12:00–12:50 Cheryl Branz
1:00 -1:50 Bill Tierney
2:00-2:50 Geoff Haworth
3:00-3:50 Invitational open mic hour
4:00-4:50 Laddie Ray Melvin
5:00-5:50 Brett Dodd
6:00-6:50 Blue Ribbon Tea Company-Bill & Kathy Kostelec will share the slot
7:00-7:50 Kevin Brown
8:00-8:50 Dave McCrae
Invitation Open Mic performers: Liz Rognes, Stan Hall, Adam Kogler, Jerry Reynolds, and Adam Lambert
Board members Laddie Ray Melvin, Bob Lavigne, Bill & Kathy Kostelec, and Dave McRae will host throughout the day.
A special thank you to board member Darlene Melvin for arranging the schedule!
The Wayne Drury Project w/Laddie Ray Melvin
The Wayne Drury Project
Laddie Ray Melvin, a regional singer and songwriter will be performing in London during September with The Wayne Drury Project. The “Project” consists of a group of musicians who have learned the songs of Wayne Drury and will perform them in London.
Wayne Drury is one of the great undiscovered talents of the alt country generation. His songs were written between 1970 and 1985 and were for the most part, never played in public. Since the late 1970’s his battle with MS brought his music to a complete halt. He is currently bedridden in a care facility in Eugene, Oregon. Wayne’s singing partner, Rob Anderson recently unearthed rough recordings of some of Wayne’s early work and launched a campaign to bring the songs to the public in London where Rob now resides. In the past few years, Rob found Laddie Ray on the internet and they reconnected. They had lost contact in the late eighties several years after Rob moved to France. While talking about the “old days”, they reminisced about the many times they played music together in the Willamette Valley.
During their email conversations they talked of musicians they both knew in the sixties and seventies. The idea for the project began there. Laddie Ray Melvin will be flying to London in September and will be performing Wayne’s songs with Rob and other London musicians. Included in the project are: Wizz Jones, The Flynn Brothers, Laddie Ray Melvin, Geri Van Essen, Mark Langmead, Alan McMahon and Rob Anderson.
They will perform at Wizz’s Sitting Room at The Selkirk, The Ivy House, The 12 Bar Club and The Troubadour.