Tin Pan South to Kick Off with Annual Party on Music Row

It's time to celebrate Nashville's outstanding songwriters... Tin Pan South is here!

'Tunesmithing' to Return to Aloft West End with Dec. 16 Holiday Show

     NASHVILLE -- "Tunesmithing" songwriters night will celebrate the holiday season with a special show from 7-9:30 p.m. Dec. 16 (Saturday) at WXYZ Restaurant/Bar at the Aloft Nashville West End Hotel, 1719 West End Ave. 

     Attendees will enjoy original and classic holiday songs, poems and/or stories by AJ Bigler, Sally Burgess, Kelley Cline, Wil Comstock, Valerie Connelly, Gordon Ellis, Suzahn Fiering, Dar Frantz, Mark Horwitz, Les Kerr, Michael Laidley, Candy Paull, Angel Pontier, and Chuck Whiting. Admission is free. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.

     Nashville composer/educator/publicist Chuck Whiting will emcee the show. Songwriter/audio engineer AJ Bigler will handle sound. "Tunesmithing" songwriters showcase is sponsored by Music City Arts Network and Shine Time Books and Music. 

     "We are thrilled to be returning to the Aloft West End in Nashville," said Whiting. "Our annual holiday 'Tunesmithing' will feature a mix of original songs, carols, poems and stories. We always have a wonderful time."

     The monthly show was founded in 2003 to spotlight emerging, professional and hit songwriters, as well as artists of all kinds. The event offers mentoring, career growth and networking opportunities for artists at all levels. 

     For more information about "Tunesmithing", call (615) 423-9857, write Info@Tunesmithing.com, or visit http://www.Tunesmithing.com.

Songwriters to take Stage for Holiday 'Tunesmithing' on Dec. 14

         NASHVILLE, Tenn. (December 2016) -- "Tunesmithing" will celebrate the holiday season with a special show from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Dec. 14 (Wednesday) at The Well Coffeehouse, 690 Old Hickory Blvd. in Brentwood. 

          Attendees will enjoy original and classic holiday songs and/or stories by AJ Bigler, Katie Brooks, Everette Brown, Butterfly, Kelley Cline, Wil Comstock, Gordon Ellis, Dar Frantz, Donna Frost, Lisa Hannah, Mark Horwitz, Paul Nielsen, Candy Paull, Angel Pontier, and Chuck Whiting. 

          Admission is free. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Publicist Chuck Whiting will emcee the show. Songwriter/audio engineer AJ Bigler will handle sound. "Tunesmithing" songwriters showcase is sponsored by Music City Arts Network and Shine Time Books and Music. The monthly show was founded in 2003 to spotlight emerging, professional and hit songwriters, as well as artists of all kinds. The event offers mentoring, career growth and networking opportunities for artists at all levels. 

          For more information about "Tunesmithing", call (615) 423-9857, write Info@Tunesmithing.com, or visit http://www.Tunesmithing.com.

 

'Nashville' Stars Close Out Tin Pan South with a Musical Show Dedicated to Saving Dogs

Saturday, First show at 3rd and Lindsley

The Musical World of ABC's "Nashville; Benefit for Bonaparte's Retreat

Starring the cast of 'Nashville'

Report from MCAU Contributing Writer Wil Comstock

         Leaving my part-time Saturday job early, I raced downtown to get in line for this much-anticipated show. Turning onto Lindsley, I immediately found a place to park. “Ahhh, the gods must be with me!” On foot rounding the corner onto 3^rd Ave. my heart sinks. The line extends at least three quarters of the way down the long office complex. MCAU Editor Chuck Whiting is saving a place for me somewhere in that long line, and now it is beginning to move into the now open venue! “Don’t panic, stay calm, you’ll get in”, I keep saying to myself as I scan the crowd for Chuck’s familiar face. Found him... whew!   Soon inside, I run upstairs while Chuck looks for seats on the ground floor. I quickly found a table in the corner, not a great view. I texted my buddy and waited, and waited. With my jacket over the chair to secure the table, I stepped to the balcony railing and began to search the crowd... where is Chuck? Finally a text, “ I have a table.” But where? Eventually looking down, I spot him just below me. He has a better view than I do, so I grab my jacket and fly down the stairs.   

         Emcee Emmylou Harris, the founder of Bonaparte’s Retreat, took the stage. (Bonaparte’s mission is to provide nurturing care for dogs when their allotted time at a shelter has elapsed... with the goal of placing the canines in the right home.) She welcomed everyone and introduced the first act, singer-songwriter Janet Dryer, who placed nine songs to date on the show "Nashville". Dryer opened with the haunting “This Town”, fueled by the ghostly chords of guitarist Colin Linden. I am really liking this girl! Twisting a familiar phrase, she said, “This is a song about love.” She then launched into “Love Don’t Conquer All”.  Janet said, “I and Loretta Lynn have the same hair stylist. The stylist told me every time Loretta comes in, she sits down and says, 'Honey, Jack it to Jesus and spray it to hell.'" I let those words roll around for a while in my head and finally came up with a song for Loretta.” The crowd cracked up listening to “Jack it to Jesus and Spray it to Hell”!   

 

Janet Dryer (Photo by Chuck Whiting)

         An explosion of shouts and applause erupted as Emmylou introduced heartthrob Chis Carmack ("Nashville’s" Will Lexington). Wearing a big smile and showing much appreciation, Chris rocked the house with “What If I Was Willing”. As the cheers died down, he asked if there were any bachelorette parties, and a few girls screamed. Carmack said, “My best friend Adam is here with his bachelor party. This next song, which will be in the 'Nashville' season finale, I wrote for his wedding.” Choking up, he continued, “It’s called 'Brothers'." The women responded with “awww” as Chris tenderly sang to his friend Adam, who was standing with friends at the bar. The "Nashville" star asked if anyone liked the blues. There were some whoops and hollers when he said he wanted to play his favorite B.B. King song. He slowly ground into “Sweet Little Angel”, trading off guitar solos with band leader Colin Linden. Who knew this guy was this talented?

Chris Carmack (Photo by Chuck Whiting)

 

         Chris introduced his ex TV wife Aubry Peebles (Layla Grant), who put a smile on all the guys' faces as she sweetly sang “She Don’t Have to Know”.

         Emmylou returned, introducing "Nashville’s" music director, Colin Linden, who in turn introduced the house band: Kevin McKendree on keys, Greg Kaplan on guitar and stringed instruments, Johnny Hammond on bass, and Gary Craig on drums. Colin picked up the ukulele and played “Knob and Tube”, the kick-off song on his 12th album "Rich in Love". His voice sounded familiar. Where have I heard bluesy, old-timey rock like this before... hmmm? The crowd was swaying, I was swaying. I looked over at Chuck, and he was swaying too, oh yeah! Linden, feeding off the audience, fired into the title cut off his new album, “Rich in Love”. Closing my eyes, I felt like I am sitting on the stoop outside an old country store on a hot Mississippi Delta afternoon. Colin told us, “My favorite band in history recorded this next song of mine... I was thrilled to meet Rick Danko, Garth Hudson, and Levon Helm when they cut 'Remedy'." Mystery solved. Colin is hugely influenced by one of my favorites groups, The Band.

 

Colin Linden (Photo by Chuck Whiting)

         Emmylou entered with a guitar to much applause. After her dog Bonaparte died in 2004, she went to the animal shelter and asked, “What dog is next?” (to be euthanized). They brought her Bella, who she adopted. Bella traveled with her all over the world and was the inspiration for the song she treated us to, “Bella”. We met three of the dogs now staying at Bonaparte’s, who are available for adoption.

Emmylou Harris introduces dogs rescued by Bonaparte's Retreat. (Photo by Chuck Whiting)

         A short-haired Clare Bowen (Scarlett O’Conner) and fiancé Brandon Young appeared on stage to much clapping and cheering. Their first song, “Long Runner”, brought the house down. Clare said the next song was one she wrote for her mother. I wasn't sure about the title, but it sure sounded great. It might be called “I’m Rolling, I’m Moving, I’m Shaking”... then again, it may not! I leaned over to Chuck and asked what the title was, but he shruged back at me.

Clare Bowen (Photo by Chuck Whiting)

         Clare introduced Jonathan Jackson (Avery Barkley), and once again the women start shouting. Jackson flashed a big smile, and strumed the opening chords to the rocker, “Don’t Ask Me Why”.

         Clare returned, dedicating her last song to all of the dogs at Bonaparte’s Retreat. With Colin Linden on acoustic guitar, she closed the evening with “When the Right One Comes Along”. Midway through, I ran out the door to get in line for the 9:30 show saying,"Burrr it’s cold out here!" But I didn't have any complaints about the show I'd just seen.

         Music City Arts Network is posting coverage and tweeting out messages about this year's Tin Pan South songwriting festival. Follow us http://www.Twitter.com/MusicCityArts and http://www.Facebook.com/MusicCityArts. Please share your TPS experiences with us.

'Tunesmithing' to Spotlight Five Songwriting Acts on April 15

 

           NASHVILLE, Tenn. (April 2015) -- "Tunesmithing" will spotlight five songwriting acts from 7-9:30 p.m. April 15 (Wednesday) at WXYZ Restaurant/Bar at the Aloft Nashville Hotel, 1719 West End Ave. (near Music Row). 

          Attendees will enjoy original songs by country/folk singer-songwriter-poet Ted Jones, folk/gospel songwriter Jay Hoppus, the Americana/country/pop duo Lisa Hannah & Paul Nielsen, country/Americana singer-songwriter Debbie Pascarella, and country singer-songwriter Andrew Salgado. 

Singer/songwriter/poet Ted Jones (Photo provided by Ted Jones)

          Admission is free. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Publicist Chuck Whiting will emcee the show. Songwriter/audio engineer AJ Bigler will handle sound. "Tunesmithing" songwriters showcase is sponsored by Whiting Publicity & Promotions, Music City Arts Update, and Shine Time Books and Music .

          The monthly show was founded in 2003 to spotlight emerging, professional and hit songwriters. The event offers mentoring, career growth and networking opportunities for tunesmiths at all levels. For more information about "Tunesmithing", call (615) 423-9857, write Info@Tunesmithing.com, or visit http://www.Tunesmithing.com .

Douglas Corner Shows Touch Hearts on 'Tin Pan South's' Second Night

'TIN PAN SOUTH' REPORT

Day Two: March 25 (Wednesday)

         For these two MCAU writers, the quality of day two measured up to the first night, but in a different way. The shows we attended on Wednesday were beautiful, eloquent and less produced, offering a living room-like acoustic feel with playful camaraderie. Douglas Corner is perfect for these kinds of shows with songwriters (most of them good friends) facing each other as they perform in a square-shaped pattern. The give-and-take is warm, friendly and down-to-earth... a pleasant treat for the music lovers and fans who surround them.

Rachel Thibodeau and Blessing Offer Celebrate after their
"Tin Pan South" show at Douglas Corner on March 25

First Show (Early Show at Douglas Corner):  

         The first show featured Rob Crosby, Allen Shamblin, Angela Kaset, and Brett Jones.

         Angela Kaset kicked this round off with her Lorrie Morgan hit, “Something in Red”.  Why does this song always make me cry?  What a slice of life, so honest and true.  She reflected over her life with the tender “Jesus with the Light Brown Hair”, later joking it was inspired by the Stephen Foster song “Jeanie with the Light Brown Hair”.  Kasset said writing was therapy as she introduced “Sunshine Through the Pain”, which was inspired by the losses the Nashville Music Community has suffered this past year.  She caused a little controversy when she sang a line from the tongue-in-cheek tune "More For Me": "Give up what you've got and they'll be more for me”. Crosby interrupted, saying, "It’s a song about Republicans!" He later confessed, “My father would say it’s a song about Democrats. I guess you could look at it from both sides.”

         Brett Jones (I mistakenly thought I was going to see Brett James but was not disappointed!) had us all rockin’ on His Jason Aldean hit “Crazy Town” (inspired by all of the changes that have taken place in Nashville over the 25 years that Jones has lived here).  I was a little insulted, but smiled, when Brett said don’t look for any country boys in New Jersey as he related an experience he had there while introducing “That’s How Country Boys Grow”.  But I got over it and enjoyed his 2009 cut by Billy Currington.  I hope Brett gets over it too!  Everyone listened intently as he told us that his brother’s name is on the Vietnam Memorial in Washington. He then segued into “If Heaven Wasn’t so Far Away”, a tribute to his brother.  He had us belly laughing and shaking our heads on “Monkey with a Blue Tail”, an upbeat cut from his “Cowboy Sailor” album.  The inspiration from this one came one Sunday when his wife dragged him to church to hear a boring preacher. His eyes were on the 4-year-old in front of him coloring a monkey with a blue tail!

         Any bill that has Allen Shamblin on it is going to be great. I love everything he writes and no one puts more heart into his songs than he does. I remember having tears in my eyes the first time I heard co-writer Marc Beeson perform "What I'm For" several years ago. It was just as moving when Shamblin sang the line, “You don't have to guess what I'm against if you know what I'm for”.  Can it get any better?  By the way... Pat Green cut this song.  We all related to “The House That Built Me”, which won a Grammy for Miranda Lambert.  To celebrate the 25th anniversary of his first publishing deal, Allen decided to write a children’s song “I Like Frogs” with the line, “Just like me they hate biology!"  Six months after he signed his deal, he was told his option was coming up and he would be dropped if he couldn’t produce a song that was a potential cut.  At an all-time low and thinking of returning home, he turned on the TV and a preacher was pointing his finger at him saying, “There is someone willing to give up on their dream... the last stretch of the race is always the hardest.” Allen took heart and wrote his first number one, “He Walked on Water”, a song we all hope to hear Randy Travis sing again.  Allen closed by saying, shortly after moving to Nashville on Dec. 31, 1987, he had no money, no job, no friends, and he prayed “God help me”.  He then said “God has answered my prayer” as he closed with “I Can’t Make You Love Me”.

         I first started listening to Country Music in 1991. One of the first albums I bought was Rob Crosby’s “Solid Ground”.  I’ve been a fan ever since. Rob’s first song was the Trace Adkins' cut “Till The Last Shot’s Fired”. It begins with the Civil War Battle of Nashville, moves to World War II, and ends with Vietnam and Afghanistan. “No we can’t come home till the last shot’s fired." Everyone clapped and sang along on the chorus of “I Want to be Your Friday Night" (cut by Lady Antebellum and Eric Paslay). You could hear a pin drop when he played “Concrete Angel”, a song about child abuse that Martina McBride brought to number five.  Rob closed with a song he wrote with Carl Perkins and Dottie Moore, the energetic “Mile out of Memphis”, a duet by Paul Simon and Carl Perkins (a song that stayed in my head all night).

-- Wil Comstock, MCAU Contributing Writer

 Second Show (Late Show at Douglas Corner):

         I arrived at Douglas Corner in a rather anxious mood. The night before, I was thrilled by the big-show mix of beautiful voices, guitars and percussion at 3rd and Lindsley. But now my thoughts were on the whirlwind of the day's events. The lovely J.Karen Thomas (who died Thursday) was in her last days of battling a serious illness, and various busy personal challenges cluttered my mind. I needed to be touched and encouraged... moved by messages of love, hope, togetherness and friendship. The evening of heartfelt performances by Jamie Floyd, Blessing Offor, Mark D. Sanders, and Rachel Thibodeau did just that... with "a little bit of country, a little bit of rock 'n' roll, and insatiable accents of R&B, jazz and pop."

         Stevie Wonder is one my favorite artists, so hearing the multi-talented Blessing Offor soulfully sing about love and togetherness was a true blessing. He began his set with a jazzy number called "Star Gazing", delighting the audience with his souring, wandering vocals and expert guitar riffs. His funkiest number, "Bad", was playful and fun... accented with masterful "dobro'n" by Josh Matheny. Tender moments came after he moved to piano. The sultry and romantic "Grow Together" encouraged us to "put (our) roots down", and the gospel-like ballad "This Is Life" (with lovely dobro accents) revealed how a loving relationship can "keep you going in the dark". The song that resonates with me the most though is "Fingers". The gentle tune included the memorable lines, "My fingers are always looking for yours... Tell me what your fingers know." Of course, wise-cracker Mark D. Sanders had to "ruin" the performance afterwards (and prompt a few laughs) by saying he was going to write a song about his wife giving him "the finger". Oh well... Not everyone is a quiet romantic like me.

Blessing Offor

         I loved every song that Jamie Floyd performed. The clarity and power of her vocals came through immediately on the bluesy, knock-out number "Casino". I was deeply touched by "The People You Knew", a song co-written with Bostonian Lori McKenna. How do you feel when you "can't call someone anymore... not (knowing) what we're missing." As I listened, I thought about potential friendships that never happened, romances that never materialized, and the deaths of friends and family members who touched my life. Her background vocalist boyfriend, Dave (sitting to her left), joined Jamie on the delightful "Trouble Get Me Off Your Mind", a song featured in the Dolly Parton movie, "A Country Christmas Story". She closed her set with "The Blade" a tune co-written with Marc Beeson and Allen Shamblin. I can still hear her singing the stinging words, "You caught it by the handle... I caught it by the blade". Unfortunately, we all get hurt sometimes. What can we learn from it?

Josh Matheny's dobro
playing was outstanding

         Piano writer Rachel Thibodeau was very apologetic when she walked in late... seeming to have just stepped out of the shower. She has an exuberant, happy-go-lucky personally (with humility) that works well in a Douglas Corner "living room" environment. "I haven't performed in a year, so I'm very nervous," she told her songwriting friends and the crowd. Her charm made an occasional flub refreshing... encouraging songwriters like me to stop worrying about every note and to just have fun. Her gentle rendition of "Where Do We Go From Here" came to life with the aching cry of Josh's dobro. She introduced "I Give It To You" by thanking Martina McBride. "I was at a crossroads when I wrote it," she told the crowd. "I didn't know that Martina had the song. She told me she had been listening to a rough, taped version for three years." Rachel held her 5-year-old daughter on her knee briefly before performing the Billy Currington hit "Directions", the song that "bought" her house.

Rachel Thibodeau cuts up with Blessing Offor

         I've seen Mark D. Sanders many times over the years, and every one of his performances seems better than the last. Mark is a class act... a humble guy who loves family along with an easy-going life of fishing and shooting the bull. He's an excellent storyteller and "jokemeister" who can get away with saying things someone like me would get slapped for (i.e. "My wife gave me the finger.") The audience was treated to hits like "Blue Clear Sky", "(This Ain't) No Thinkin' Thing", and "Heads Carolina, Tails California". The audience especially appreciated it when he was joined by his daughter, Sophie, on a new song they co-wrote called "Sailing On". "I love my children... all five of them," Mark noted with a smile. "My daughter asked me to write with her after she returned from the Peace Corps." The poignant lyric includes the lines, "It's hard to leave, but you go because you have to... Love can be a distant island." I was glad Mark left one of his best songs for last (one I definitely needed to hear that night). "I Hope You Dance" remains one of my favorite country songs. How many times have we shyly sat on a chair while others danced around us?

Like family... Great music and good times

         In retrospect, hanging out at Douglas Corner was the perfect thing to do on the second night of "Tin Pan South". I feel encouraged... looking forward to hearing more talented artists and writing more songs.

        

-- Chuck Whiting, MCAU Editor

All photos by Chuck Whiting.

See photos from the TPS Opening Party at the Roundabout at www.MusicCityArtsUpdate.com.

Do you have a "Tin Pan South" story/experience to tell.  We can only be so many places at one time. Please send it to us at Info@MusicCityArtsUpdate.com .

     Check out the "Tin Pan South" schedule at http://www.tinpansouth.com/2015/schedule.html .

Beloved Nashville Actor/Singer/Songwriter J.Karen Thomas Dies

Editor's Note: We lost the beautiful, wonderfully talented actor/singer/songwriter J.Karen Thomas on March 26, 2015. I will never forget her performances at my "Tunesmithing" events... She was a lovely, giving and graceful lady in every way. It's hard to believe she's gone. Joe Pagetta, a writer for the blog How To Play Nashville, wrote an excellent article about her. She will definitely be missed. -- Chuck Whiting, MCAU Editor

From the Blog, How To Play Nashville:

            J. Karen Thomas, a beloved and vital member of Nashville’s theater, film, television and music communities, died this morning at age 50, her longtime partner of almost 20 years, Colette Divine, has confirmed.  She was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma in January and had been undergoing treatment.

            A native of Nashville and graduate of Mississippi State, Thomas was a professional SAG actress, singer-songwriter and voice-over artist best known to contemporary television viewers for her role as Audrey Carlisle, the wife of mayor Coleman Carlisle (Robert Wisdom) in the first season of ABC’s "NASHVILLE". She was also on "Drop Dead Diva" and "Army Wives". Her numerous other television credits include guest appearances on "Criminal Minds" and "Ellen".  Her film career included working alongside Robin Williams in the Nashville-shot "Boulevard", as well as roles in "The Identical" and "Captive". She and Divine were also in the documentary, "Who Killed the Electric Car?".

            As a theater performer, she was most recently in the Nashville Repertory Theatre’s 2015 production of "Company". In 2013, she was awarded the  Circle Award for Best Supporting Actress as Shug Avery in "The Color Purple Musical".

            As a singer, she released two CDs and shared the stage with Keb’Mo, Cliff Richmond and The Time Jumpers. Her performance at the Ryman Auditorium as a guest soloist with Nashville in Harmony garnered her a standing ovation. She also sang at Cannes Film Festival’s AmPav and performed in shows for Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines and Disney Sea in Tokyo.

            Thomas was a dedicated community volunteer. Among the many organizations she donated her time to were TreePeople, Outfest, GLADD, Plug in America, ANSA, Nashville Film Festival, POWER UP, Artists for a World without HIV, Fort Campbell’s Barsanti Elementary and SAG’s BookPALS. She and Divine were also avid supporters and frequenters of the Belcourt Theatre.

J.Karen Thomas performs
at "Tunesmithing in December 2015.

            Bo Sebastian, an actor, writer, life and health coach and friend of Thomas’, wrote on Facebook this morning that she passed this morning “at the height of her beautiful singing and acting talent.

            “I had the pleasure of working with her often enough to know her heart and her inner voice,” he continued. “My soul aches at the loss of her humanness.”

            It is asked at this time that flowers and plants not be sent. A GoFundMe Page that is still active was set up in January to help fund Thomas’ rising medical costs. Arrangements have not yet been announced.

-- Joe Pagetta (March 26, 2015)

http://www.howtoplaynashville.com/nashville-based-actress-and-singer-j-karen-thomas-dies-at-50/

'Tunesmithing' to Spotlight Piano Writers in Nashville on Jan. 21

         NASHVILLE, Tenn. (January 2015) -- "Tunesmithing" will spotlight five songwriters during a special "piano night" from 7-9:30 p.m. Jan. 21 (Wednesday) at WXYZ Restaurant/Bar at the Aloft Nashville Hotel, 1719 West End Ave. (near Music Row). 

          Attendees will enjoy original songs by some of Nashville's most successful piano writers, including Valerie Connelly ("Fearless"/musical), Jimmy Borja ("If The Feeling Is Gone"/Philippine hit song), Warren Evans ("Refractions"/instrumental CD), Melissa Javors ("Wild Horses"/Peter, Paul and Mary), and Debbie Mathis Watts ("The Ryman Diaries"/popular historical musical).

           Admission is free. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Publicists Chuck Whiting and Scott Johnson will emcee the show. Songwriter/audio engineer AJ Bigler will handle sound. "Tunesmithing" songwriters showcase is sponsored by Whiting Publicity & Promotions, Music City Arts Update, and Shine Time Records and Books. The monthly show was founded in 2003 to spotlight emerging, professional and hit songwriters. The event offers mentoring, career growth and networking opportunities for tunesmiths at all levels. 

           For more information about "Tunesmithing", call (615) 423-9857, write Info@Tunesmithing.com, or visit http://www.Tunesmithing.com.

Hit Songwriter Casey Kelly to Headline 'Tunesmithing' on Oct. 15

     NASHVILLE -- The monthly "Tunesmithing" songwriters showcase will spotlight five professional songwriting acts from 7-9:30 p.m. Oct. 15 (Wednesday) at WXYZ Restaurant/Bar at the Aloft Nashville Hotel, 1719 West End Ave. (near Music Row). 

     Taking the stage for 25-minute performances will be Scott Barrier, Leslie Ellis, Casey Kelley ("The Cowboy Rides Away"/George Strait), Sarah Spencer, and CJ Watson & Asteria Lux. Admission is free. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.

Casey Kelly

 

     Publicists Chuck Whiting and Scott Johnson will emcee the show. Songwriter/audio engineer AJ Bigler will handle sound. "Tunesmithing" is sponsored by Whiting Publicity & Promotions, Music City Arts Update, and Shine Time Records and Books. 

     "Tunesmithing" was founded in 2003 to spotlight emerging, professional and hit songwriters. The event offers mentoring, career growth and networking opportunities for tunesmiths at all levels. For more information about "Tunesmithing", call (615) 423-9857, write Info@Tunesmithing.com, or visit http://www.Tunesmithing.com.

SongU Launches 'Be The Change' Songwriting Competition

          NASHVILLE -- Help encourage others with a song! SongU has launched the "Be The Change" songwriting competition to do just that. 

          From Danny Arena and Sara Light: As songwriters, one of the important roles we can serve is reflecting upon current topical issues in society. From social commentary songs like "Ohio" (Kent State), "Papa Don't Preach" (Teenage Pregnancy) or "Same Love" (Gay Rights) to hope inspiring songs like "The Sunny Side Of The Street" (The Great Depression), "You've Got A Friend" (MusiCares, etc.), and "It's Gonna Be All Right" (Hope / Inspirational) , songwriters possess the ability to be an active part of the changing social fabric of society through song.

BACKGROUND

          Upon reacting to the recent death of Robin Williams, actor Alan Alda said, “Can we turn the loss of this artist we loved so much into something that pushes back against the ravages of despair? Maybe our grief can be transformed into an awakening…saving countless other lives.” According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, statistics shows that suicide attributed to depression claims more than 38,000 American lives each year—significantly more than people killed in car accidents or by homicide and almost identical in number to causes of death from breast cancer or prostate cancer. The World Health Organization reports that by 2030, depression will outpace cancer, stroke and accidents as the world's leading cause of disability and death. Despite the statistics, it remains a health problem “that often gets little attention” according to Jeffrey Lieberman, Chairman of psychiatry at New York's Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons.

THE SONG CHALLENGE

           We are challenging you to write a song in any genre that addresses the topical issue of giving someone hope when they may feel hopeless. Lyrically this can run the gamut in terms of how you approach the song. So think of a few approaches before deciding on one. Approaches like "Tomorrow", "You've Got A Friend" or "It's Gonna Be All Right" work universally because they remind people they're not alone and that things can get better. So think on it before deciding on an approach.

WHO CAN ENTER

           This song challenge is open to all songwriters, whether or not they are SongU.com members. You can write the song alone or with a co-writer.

HOW THE COMPETITION WORKS

          This will be an elimination style competition with two rounds.

• ROUND 1 - DEADLINE SEPTEMBER 30th. For round one, you are to post a link to your completed song on our SongU.com Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/SongUNews under the pinned top that says "BE THE CHANGE SONGS". Completed songs do not have to be demoed. Worktapes are fine but should be clear and audible. The 10 songs that earn the most "likes" on our SongU.com Facebook page by OCTOBER 15 will move on to Round 2.
  
• ROUND 2 - In round two, we will challenge the writers of the Top 10 songs from Round 1 to put together a video to their song that can be shared on social media to help spread the message. This does not have to be an intricate video. It can be a video like a slideshow of people holding various cardboard signs, quotes, sayings which has proven an effective technique in other viral videos (see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7r6sJRNOVcU). 

HOW TO PARTICIPATE

          Just go to the SongU.com Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SongUNews and find the topic at the top that says "Be The Change Song Challenge". Read the additional guidelines before posting the link to your song.

ARE THERE ANY SMALL PRINT DETAILS?


          Nope. There is no cost to participate. You retain all rights to your song. This can be the first song you've ever written or you can be a seasoned writer. The only thing you need is a song you've written and a desire to be part of the change. 

GOOD LUCK TO ALL!

         Let's make a difference 

'Tunesmithing' to Return on July 16 at Aloft Nashville Hotel on West End

     NASHVILLE - The monthly "Tunesmithing" songwriters showcase will spotlight seven professional songwriters from 7-9:30 p.m. July 16 (Wednesday) at its new home, WXYZ Restaurant/Bar at the Aloft Nashville Hotel, 1719 West End Ave. (near Music Row).

     Taking the stage for the "Professional Songwriters Segment" at 7 p.m. will be AJ Bigler (Producer/Se Live' Music), Gordon Ellis ("Memory Machine"/international airplay), Lisa Hannah & Paul Nielsen (Lisa: "Brand New Sun" CD; Paul: song cut by Little River Band), Sean & Laurie O'Shea (Laurie: former Disney World cast member; Sean: interviewed on ABC's "Good Morning America"), and Debbie Pascarella ("Wish I Was Kissing My H.S. Boyfriend"/VH1 Song of the Year Contest Winner in the country category).

Sean and Laurie O'Shea

     Admission is free. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Publicists Chuck Whiting and Scott Johnson will emcee the show. Songwriter/audio engineer AJ Bigler will handle sound. "Tunesmithing" is sponsored by Whiting Publicity & Promotions, Music City Arts Update, and Shine Time Records and Books.

     "Tunesmithing" was founded in 2003 to spotlight emerging, professional and hit songwriters. The event offers mentoring, career growth and networking opportunities for tunesmiths at all levels. Future shows include a spotlight on film and TV music (Aug. 20) and a special Americana "Tunesmithing" to celebrate the Americana Music Festival (Sept. 16).

     For more information about "Tunesmithing", call (615) 423-9857, write Info@Tunesmithing.com, or visit http://www.Tunesmithing.com.

LA Film/TV composer Stephen Endelman to Lead Seminar at Score-Com in Nashville

            NASHVILLE -- The Nashville Composers Association and Film-Com are joining forces to present the two-day seminar “Understanding Film Music – Succeeding Under Pressure” with LA-based Film and TV composer, Stephen Endelman.

            The annual seminar known as Score-Com will occur at Ocean Way Studios on Music Row from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday (June 14 and 15), with a special networking event on Saturday night. Attendees of “Understanding Film Music – Succeeding Under Pressure” will learn about how to use effective compositional techniques in film and TV applications, including analyses of movie scenes to determine what works well and why. Endelman will also discuss how to set yourself up in business as a composer. The agenda and topics that will be covered in the symposium include

            * Overview of film and TV scoring from Endelman's perspective using scenes from his movies to explore different musical genres and emotions and techniques. For example: The use of ostinatos in action cues or long lyrical lines or three-note phrases.

            * Discussion and debate about technology, traditional instrumentation, EDM, synth-based compositions, and orchestra.

            * How one sets himself/herself up in business as a composer and what one needs to know.

            * Deconstruction of five scenes from five of Edelman's movies to see what works and doesn’t.

            Endelman will come to Nashville with three 2-minute scenes for which each participant will each choose a scene. Attendees will discuss the scenes and talk about how they should be scored. The scenes to be scored will be made available just a few days before the Symposium. Participation in the scoring exercise is completely optional, but it will provide professional, invaluable and positive feedback for one's music. On the second day of the symposium, attendees will listen to each composition and discuss the results. Individuals who are interested in participating in the scoring critique can check back or more info.

            All symposium attendees are invited to a Film-Com networking event on Saturday. Heavy hors d’oeuvres will be provided. Attendees are encouraged to bring business cards, demos, and other promotional materials.

            All paid attendees will also receive all-access laminates to attend Film-Com ("Filmolution") film and television business events. Highlights of Film-Com include

            * A Film-Com Kick-Off Reception at Zeitgeist Gallery from 7-9 p.m. June 14.

            * Business panels at the Ford Theatre, Country Music Hall of Fame, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 17-20.

            * The New Project Expo at Titans Stadium from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on (Friday and Saturday) June 18-19.

            Score-Com attendees must register by May 31 to receive an all-access Film-Com laminate. Please click this link to register: http://nashvillecomposers.org/events/registration/.  Seating is limited.  Regular enrollment fee is $85; NCA members may register for $55.

            Grammy-nominated composer, arranger and producer Stephen Endelman has successfully demonstrated his ability to write music and collaborate in a variety of genres. His scores range from lush, classical orchestrations, to contemporary, pop-driven tapestries. In the contemporary music world, Endelman has worked with music icons including Elvis Costello, Sheryl Crow, Robbie Williams, Alanis Morissette, Natalie Cole and soprano Renee Fleming. As a film composer, Endelman has collaborated with Oscar-lauded filmmakers including David O. Russell ("Flirting With Disaster"), Martin Scorsese ("Kicked in the Head"), Irwin Winkler ("Home of the Brave"), David Mamet ("Redbelt"), Bruce Beresford ("Evelyn") and Robert Deniro ("A Bronx Tale"). Endelman’s wide-ranging works have spanned the rich orchestral score for "The Englishman Who Went Up a Hill, but Came Down a Mountain", to his minimalist, modern score for the hit comedy "Flirting with Disaster".

            Endelman has scored nearly 100 film and television projects as well as produced numerous recording artists. He has received numerous accolades including Grammy nominations and several ASCAP Film & TV Music Awards for scoring excellence. He was awarded the prestigious ASCAP Foundation Award as Resident Composer at the Metropolitan Opera Guild where he was a resident artist for several years. Endelman currently resides in Los Angeles.