PLAIN FOLK

by Les Pearson

Songwriter Nights Are A Hothouse for Local Talent!

At a time when greenhouses are firing up for Spring crops, there’s a new nursery on the block. And this year’s crop? Home grown songwriters!

The Folk Music Club has strong vernal urges. On Saturday, February 4, The Club hosted its first Songwriters Night at the Café Caprice. Ten talented acts sprouted in a house warmed by the appreciative applause of more than forty patrons. It was a night to remember.

Now, exactly one month later, the second Songwriters Night is slated for this Saturday, March 4. Songwriters who wish to perform should sign up by 7:30 p.m. The show begins at 8:00 p.m.

There is better than a grain farmer’s prospects that this showcase will feature another bumper crop of fine original tunes. That’s right. Original. Many of these performers have been writing songs for years. Not many have performed in public.

Joelle Steabner jams with the Live Music Club. February 4 marked her wider public debut. As the first act, what a debut! Joelle was followed by Tina Bannow. Tina is returning to the concert stage after a hiatus and motherhood. Her lyrics reflect themes and wisdom found in the best folk tunes.

Zoe Bahnmiller’s a cappella blues are as earthy and convoluted as an Ani DiFranco. Her stylized jazz was one of the evening’s many delights and proof that Songwriters Night is for all genres.

At eighteen, Abigail Johnson is a seasoned songwriter. (Her first CD is cooking just offstage.) On February 4, she premiered her first “happy” original song. Another helping please, Abby!

If there was room, the crowd would have rolled in the aisles for Cal Berg’s comic banter. This harmonica playin’, guitar pickin’, blues man from Oyen admits he is not a singer. But I’ve read his gritty lyrics. There’s delta gravel in Cal’s voice.

Ron Mason has professional credentials, including a CD. He and the Godards—Greg and Marylou of Poet Lark fame—were two creamy, caramel, mid-evening acts. Their original songs are now recognized local standards. Even these veterans have fresh originals!

Jordan Bouchard and Jason Hill were two songwriting strangers who just showed up to play. Their fine country western tunes had toes tapping. Pat O’Brian is also new on the Hat’s music scene. Pat is an American immigrant with a fine traditional acoustic sound.

Gary Bourdon may be a bone cruncher by day, but a tender vocal tribute to his wife was the grande finale show stealer.

The evening’s hostess and moving spirit behind Songwriters Night is Phyllis Sinclair. Not only is Phyllis an exceptional hostess for these events, she is an exceptional performer herself. She sees these showcases as an important way to nurture her own performing skills and those of other local songwriters.

Join us on Saturday and watch the talent grow! Or sample songs from the first Songwriters by logging on to Stuart Hickey’s web site at http://www3.telus.net/~cshickey/ Savour the amazing sound bouquet