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Songwriters At Play!: Calendar

Monday, September 6th, 2010

Rose's Landing

Listen up Morro Bay, here comes Lipbone! - 7-10 pm

725 Embarcadero
Morro Bay California 93442
805-772-4441
Price: Free!

That's not a trombone you're hearing...It's a human voice. Former subway musician Lipbone Redding revs up the party and makes lots of sounds with only his lips. He not only imitates a trombone, he is an accomplished soloist, songwriter, guitarist and entertainer. He's the Jazz, Blues, Jam and Soul version of a human beat-box.

Inventive voicestrumentalist and Southern Gentleman, Lipbone Redding, creates original songs that effervesce with New Orleans swing, Memphis grooves and New York City style.

Check him out at http://www.lipbone.com/ and come for the fun at Rose’s Monday Night Sept 6.

Songwriters At Play showcases are held every Monday night, 7-10pm, at Rose’s Landing, 725 Embarcadero, Morro Bay, CA 93442, 805-772-4441. There is no cover charge, and all ages are welcome. The venue serves a full dinner menu, beer, and wine.

Tuesday, September 7th, 2010

Steynberg Gallery

The Jade Jackson Trio to headline at The Steynberg - 6:30-9:30 pm

1531 Monterey St
San Luis Obispo California 93401
US (805) 547-0278
Price: $5.00

The Jade Jackson Trio amazed us when they played a guest set at the July 6 Steynberg showcase. So we asked them to come back for a full 45 minutes as our featured artist on Sept. 7.

Jade Jackson, a recent high school grad from Santa Margarita has been playing guitar, writing songs, and playing local coffee shops, wineries and restaurants for over 3 years. She has opened for The Charlie Daniels Band, The Devil Makes Three, Phil Vassar and Billy Carrington. She is soon to release her debut CD that she recorded at Painted Skies Studios in Cambria. You can hear some of her original tunes at http://www.myspace.com/jadinejackson
Backing up Jade is bass player Charlie Kleemann, and master lead guitarist Jeff Bedrosian. The trio opened for Merle Haggard at Pozo Saloon last April, and played two stages at the 2010 Live Oak Music Festival.

Songwriters At Play showcases are held every Tuesday, 6:30-9:30pm at the Steynberg Gallery, 1531 Monterey Street, San Luis Obispo, 805-547-0278. Up to eight guest songwriters perform before and after the featured set. There is a $5 cover charge for the showcases at the Steynberg Gallery. All ages are welcome. The gallery has a cafe serving hot dinner entrees, soups, salads, coffee, tea, beer and wine.

Thursday, September 9th, 2010

The Porch

Nashville’s Mare Wakefield plays Santa Margarita - 6:30-9:30 pm

22322 El Camino Real
Santa Margarita California 93453
USA 805-438-3376
Price: Free!

Mare Wakefield is heading to Gemany and the Netherlands with her fourth studio album in tow, but not before stopping off for a featured performance at The Porch in Santa Margarita.

Originally from Southeast Texas, Mare (pronounced Mary) went from playing Oregon coffee shops to headlining major Northwest festivals before a songwriting scholarship brought her to Boston’s Berklee College of Music. Currently based in Nashville, her latest record Ironwood was named a staff favorite at CDBaby.com. To sample some tunes, go to http://www.myspace.com/marewakefield
Here’s what the folks are saying about Mare:
"More than your typical fly-by-night coffeehouse folk artist, Wakefield is musically sophisticated; weaving elements of jazz and bluegrass into her compositions ... Don't pass up the opportunity to see her perform."
Cheryl Eddy - San Francisco Bay Guardian

"Cozy brilliance ... Could she be the merger of Maria McKee, Natalie Merchant, Shawn Colvin and Dolly Parton?"
Michelle Manker - Louisville Eccentric Observer

Songwriters At Play holds showcases are held every Thursday night, 6:30-9:30 at The Porch, 22322 El Camino Real, Santa Margarita, 805-438-3376. The showcase includes one featured act and up to 8 others playing 3-song sets. We pass the tip jar during the featured set, otherwise no cover. All ages are welcome. Have a pizza!

Monday, September 13th, 2010

Rose's Landing

Bob Dylan Song Night - 7:00 - 10:00 pm

725 Embarcadero
Morro Bay California 93442
805-772-4441
Price: Free!

Songwriters At Play usually showcases original songs, but on Sept. 13, we'll pay tribute to the songs of Bob Dylan.

Charlie Kleeman is set to play One More Cup of Coffee, Seven Curses, and It Ain't Me Babe. Dave Carroll is covering the big hits -- Like a Rolling Stone, The Times They Are a'Changin', Subterranean Homesick Blues. Host Steve Key is doing three from the Blood on the Tracks album: Tangled Up in Blue, Simple Twist of Fate, You’re Gonna Make Me Lonesome. More performers to be announced soon!

Songwriters At Play showcases are held every Monday night, 7-10pm, at Rose’s Landing, 725 Embarcadero, Morro Bay, CA 93442, 805-772-4441. There is no cover charge, and all ages are welcome. The venue serves a full dinner menu, beer, and wine.

Tuesday, September 14th, 2010

Steynberg Gallery

Adam Pasion of Briertone plays SLO - 6:30 - 9:30 pm

1531 Monterey St
San Luis Obispo California 93401
US (805) 547-0278
Price: $5.00

Arroyo Grande's Adam Pasion had a six-year run fronting the popular local rock band, Briertone. He released his first solo CD in 2008, the Americana-folk-bluegrass recording, "O Hear the Rattling". We featured him on a Santa Maria showcase last year, and he's played two guest sets at Fin's in Grover Beach. Now we're proud to feature Adam Pasion at the Steynberg Gallery on Sept. 14. Preview his music here: http://www.adampasion.com
Songwriters At Play showcases are held every Tuesday, 6:30-9:30pm at the Steynberg Gallery, 1531 Monterey Street, San Luis Obispo, 805-547-0278. Up to eight guest songwriters perform before and after the featured set. There is a $5 cover charge for the showcases at the Steynberg Gallery. All ages are welcome. The gallery has a cafe serving hot dinner entrees, soups, salads, coffee, tea, beer and wine.

Wednesday, September 15th, 2010

Spyglass Inn

New Spyglass Showcase features Paul Hobbs & friends - 6:30 - 9:30

2705 Spyglass Drive
Shell Beach California 93449
805-773-4855
Price: Free!

We celebrate our newest showcase venue with a trio of songwriters: Santa Maria’s Paul Hobbs has invited longtime friends Sean Landers and Brad Gooding to share the featured set. Paul has played many of our showcases, and is known all over the Central Coast for performances over four decades. Recently his songs have received steady airplay on The Krush 92.5FM. Preview his music here: http://www.myspace.com/paulhobbsca
Brad Gooding is a singer/songwriter/entertainer currently living in North Hollywood. Sean Landers is also a writer whose style blends jazz, pop and other styles with his off-beat sense of humor; he has performed throughout the US, Canada, and abroad.

Guest performers will include Meredith Hobbs, Nina Jo Smith, and Bill Stapley.

Songwriters at Play showcases will be held every Wed. 6:30-9:30 at Spyglass Inn, 2705 Spyglass Drive, Shell Beach, CA 93449-1795, (805) 773-4855. Look for us in the banquet room, to the left of the bar. It is a great listening room with a beautiful view, excellent food and spirits. We pass a tip bucket for the featured act, but otherwise no cover charge, all ages OK.

Thursday, September 16th, 2010

The Porch

Paul Sprawl returns to play The Porch - 6:30-9:30 pm

22322 El Camino Real
Santa Margarita California 93453
USA 805-438-3376
Price: Free!

We welcome the return of showcase favorite Paul Sprawl. Paul’s songs combine percussive guitar techniques with bottleneck, tapping, harmonica, and songs of the downtrodden and forgotten. He travels with a truck stop guide next to the driver's seat, has eight CD’s to his credit, and has been a touring musician for over a decade, performing in coffee houses, truck stops, bars, and concert halls all over the US, Canada and Germany.

Listen for yourself at http://www.myspace.com/paulsprawlmusic ,and come out to hear him live and in person at The Porch.

Songwriters At Play holds showcases are held every Thursday night, 6:30-9:30 at The Porch, 22322 El Camino Real, Santa Margarita, 805-438-3376. The showcase includes one featured act and up to 8 others playing 3-song sets. We pass the tip jar during the featured set, otherwise no cover. All ages are welcome. Have a pizza!

Monday, September 20th, 2010

Rose's Landing

Bummer Night - 7:00 - 10:00 PM

725 Embarcadero
Morro Bay California 93442
805-772-4441
Price: Free!

Sad songs say so much...and on Sept. 20, Songwriters At Play celebrates the art of the heart-tugging balladry with a whole night of sad songs. It's called "Bummer Night", inspired by the long-running show of the same name at La Zona Rosa in Austin TX, hosted by Sarah Elizabeth Campbell.

Songwriters at Play host Steve Key will pass the tip bucket, and will also judge the performances -- saddest song of the night gets all the tips. Key will open the show with two of the saddest songs he knows -- Ain’t Life a Brook by Ferron, and For Real by Bob Franke.

Some of our favorite showcase performers have already signed up -- Steve Bernal, Tennessee Jimmy Harrell, and Jennifer Martin, who will be accompanied by fellow Cuesta College instructor Marcy Irving on Steve Gillette's folk standard, Darcy Farrow, and the Sarah Brightman show-stopper, Tell Me on a Sunday. Martin is also set to solo on The Water is Wide. More performers to be announced soon!

Songwriters At Play showcases are held every Monday night, 7-10pm, at Rose’s Landing, 725 Embarcadero, Morro Bay, CA 93442, 805-772-4441. There is no cover charge, and all ages are welcome. The venue serves a full dinner menu, beer, and wine.

Tuesday, September 21st, 2010

Steynberg Gallery

Jeni and Billy bring Appalachia to SLO - 6:30 - 9:30 pm

1531 Monterey St
San Luis Obispo California 93401
US (805) 547-0278
Price: $5.00

Jeni and Billy’s “New Old Music” is featured on our Sept. 21st showcase at the Steynberg Gallery in San Luis Obispo and at The Porch in Santa Margarita on September 30th.

Sharing the duties of songwriting, arranging, and performing, Jeni & Billy bring to the work very distinct musical backgrounds that both draw from the deep well of Appalachian roots music. They tell the stories of miners, preachers, ramblers, lovers, and plain-living folks. http://www.jeniandbilly.com/
Jeni grew up in Southwest Virginia, trained formally with Pulitzer Prize winning Northern Irish poet, Paul Muldoon, and earned a Masters in English Literature.

Billy grew up with the sounds of Tin Pan Alley and his mother’s piano at home in Baltimore, but spent his weekend nights high atop a hill in the nearby community of Oella — the home of Appalachian migrants who came to the city looking for work in the mills. There, among people much like Jeni’s grandparents, Billy fell in love with country music.

In the fall of 2008, Jeni & Billy released their first full-length recording project, Jewell Ridge Coal -- a love letter to the forgotten coal mining community where Jeni grew up. Debuting at Number 5 on the International Folk & Bluegrass DJ Chart, Jewell Ridge Coal appeared on top ten lists from LA to New York to Belfast. “Anyone who enjoyed Kathy Mattea’s masterly Coal would almost certainly enjoy Jeni and Billy’s equally well crafted Jewell Ridge Coal. . . the haunting fragile vocals of Jeni and the subtle instrumentation of Billy that are the real highlights”.

Songwriters At Play showcases are held every Tuesday, 6:30-9:30pm at the Steynberg Gallery, 1531 Monterey Street, San Luis Obispo, 805-547-0278. Up to eight guest songwriters perform before and after the featured set. There is a $5 cover charge for the showcases at the Steynberg Gallery. All ages are welcome. The gallery has a cafe serving hot dinner entrees, soups, salads, coffee, tea, beer and wine.

Wednesday, September 22nd, 2010

Spyglass Inn

Spyglass Showcase features LA’s Freddy & Francine - 6:30 - 9:30 pm

2705 Spyglass Drive
Shell Beach California 93449
805-773-4855
Price: Free!

Freddy & Francine is the result of a multitude of late-night writing sessions between Bianca Caruso and Lee Ferris. Drawing from influences like Ray LaMontagne, The Swell Season and The Rolling Stones, Freddy and Francine are building their story behind beautiful vocal harmonies, a solid writing style and a captivating live set. Check them out at http://www.myspace.com/freddyandfrancine
Their tireless approach, along with the addition of drummer Christopher Allis and bassist John Classick, lead to their first full-length album, The Briar Patch. Released in 2009, The Briar Patch, has gained Freddy & Francine lots of loyal fans as well as some major love at Morning Becomes Eclectic on 89.9 KCRW.

Songwriters at Play showcases will be held every Wed. 6:30-9:30 at Spyglass Inn, 2705 Spyglass Drive, Shell Beach, CA 93449-1795, (805) 773-4855. Look for us in the banquet room, to the left of the bar. It is a great listening room with a beautiful view, excellent food and spirits. We pass a tip bucket for the featured act, but otherwise no cover charge, all ages OK.

Thursday, September 23rd, 2010

The Porch

Greenwich Village folkie Rod MacDonald comes to Porch - 6:30 - 9:30 pm

22322 El Camino Real
Santa Margarita California 93453
USA 805-438-3376
Price: Free!

Rod MacDonald became a major part of the 80s Greenwich Village folk renaissance, and performed with Pete Seeger, Tom Chapin, Dave Van Ronk, Suzanne Vega, Doc Watson, John Gorka, and Emmylou Harris. Rod frequently headlined at New York's Speakeasy and Folk City clubs, and his memorable performance at The Bottom Line of what became his signature song, "American Jerusalem", was heralded by fans and media alike as a "defining moment in folk music history".

Throughout an international music career that spans thirty-five years, the award-winning singer/songwriter has performed at many of the world’s finest clubs, coffeehouses and major festivals. Seamlessly weaving beautiful love songs in between his trademark political-socio commentaries, Rod has been described by All Music Guide as “one of the most politically and socially aware lyricists of our times.”

Rod has released nine solo CDs in the U.S. and Europe, including “After The War’, his most recent of some of his most-loved songs. http://www.rodmacdonald.net/
"... considered by many to be one of the preeminent folk musicians of his time, rivaling the likes of Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen." Tampa Tribune

Songwriters At Play holds showcases are held every Thursday night, 6:30-9:30 at The Porch, 22322 El Camino Real, Santa Margarita, 805-438-3376. The showcase includes one featured act and up to eight others playing 3-song sets. We pass the tip jar during the featured set, otherwise no cover. All ages are welcome. Have a pizza!

Monday, September 27th, 2010

Rose's Landing

Central Coast native Peter Beck plays Rose’s - 7:00 - 10:00 pm

725 Embarcadero
Morro Bay California 93442
805-772-4441
Price: Free!

Featured at Rose's Landing on September 27, will be Central Coast native Peter Beck. Influenced by Keb’ Mo’, Paul Simon, and Dylan, Peter brings his own original imaginative melodies and lyrics to the table. Preview his songs at http://www.myspace.com/petervanbeck
Peter attended San Francisco State as a classical musician and graduated from the Musicians Institute of Technology in Hollywood. He has regularly performed at wineries, clubs, private parties, weddings and coffee houses. A native of the Central Coast, he now lives in Los Osos, where he writes songs and raises California native plants.

Songwriters At Play showcases are held every Monday night, 7-10pm, at Rose’s Landing, 725 Embarcadero, Morro Bay, CA 93442, 805-772-4441. There is no cover charge, and all ages are welcome. The venue serves a full dinner menu, beer, and wine.

Tuesday, September 28th, 2010

Steynberg Gallery

Seattle’s Starlings play The Steynberg - 6:30 - 9:30 pm

1531 Monterey St
San Luis Obispo California 93401
US (805) 547-0278
Price: $5.00

Seattle’s Americana band, The Starlings, have been recording and touring since 2005 with their harmony-infused country-folk. Lyrically driven, earthy and warm, with an honest and genuine acoustic appeal. “Call it lilt with an edge.” http://www.starlingsmusic.com
The Starlings (Joy Mills, Tom Parker, Aimee Zoe Tubbs, and Moe Provencher) are currently on tour of the American West in support of their third full-length album, Bright Light. Bright Light is a collection of tunes that continue The Starlings’ reputation for three-part harmonies and melodic hooks.

The Starlings’ previous albums and tours have garnered extensive reviews, chart-listings, spots on year-end lists and favor both here and abroad. Their debut album, Songbook (2006), put them on KEXP’s "Top Ten Northwest Bands" for eight weeks. The Starlings have performed with Todd Snider, The Avett Brothers, Fred Eaglesmith, The Wood Brothers, and Eilen Jewell.

"The Starlings vocal harmonies, acoustic goodness and sweet blend of folk and country set the stage for the band's storied original songwriting and the compelling presence of vocalist Joy Mills.” -KEXP.org

Songwriters At Play showcases are held every Tuesday, 6:30-9:30pm at the Steynberg Gallery, 1531 Monterey Street, San Luis Obispo, 805-547-0278. Up to eight guest songwriters perform before and after the featured set. There is a $5 cover charge for the showcases at the Steynberg Gallery. All ages are welcome. The gallery has a cafe serving hot dinner entrees, soups, salads, coffee, tea, beer and wine.

Wednesday, September 29th, 2010

Spyglass Inn

Spyglass Showcase features Chicago’s Small Potatoes - 6:30 - 9:30 pm

2705 Spyglass Drive
Shell Beach California 93449
805-773-4855
Price: Free!

The Chicago based folk duo of Jacquie Manning and Rich Prezioso say it has taken them years of careful indecision to develop a repertoire they describe as "Celtic to Cowboy." Superb musicianship and showmanship, award-winning songwriting, and a strong sense of tradition have made them, as Dirty Linen Magazine said, "…one of the most polished, inventive, and entertaining shows on the circuit." http://www.smallpotatoesmusic.com/
Small Potatoes have played many concerts on the Central Coast. Here's a rare treat to see them in the fun, relaxed atmosphere of a popular restaurant. And there's no cover charge!

Songwriters at Play showcases will be held every Wed. 6:30-9:30 at Spyglass Inn, 2705 Spyglass Drive, Shell Beach, CA 93449-1795, (805) 773-4855. Look for us in the banquet room, to the left of the bar. It is a great listening room with a beautiful view, excellent food and spirits. We pass a tip bucket for the featured act, but otherwise no cover charge, all ages OK.

Thursday, September 30th, 2010

The Porch

Jeni and Billy bring Appalachia to Santa Margarita - 6:30 - 9:30 pm

22322 El Camino Real
Santa Margarita California 93453
USA 805-438-3376
Price: Free!

Jeni and Billy’s “New Old Music” is featured on our September 30th showcase at The Porch in Santa Margarita, and on September 21st at The Steynberg Gallery in San Luis Obispo.

Sharing the duties of songwriting, arranging, and performing, Jeni & Billy bring to the work very distinct musical backgrounds that both draw from the deep well of Appalachian roots music. They tell the stories of miners, preachers, ramblers, lovers, and plain-living folks. http://www.jeniandbilly.com/
Jeni grew up in Southwest Virginia, trained formally with Pulitzer Prize winning Northern Irish poet, Paul Muldoon, and earned a Masters in English Literature.

Billy grew up with the sounds of Tin Pan Alley and his mother’s piano at home in Baltimore, but spent his weekend nights high atop a hill in the nearby community of Oella — the home of Appalachian migrants who came to the city looking for work in the mills. There, among people much like Jeni’s grandparents, Billy fell in love with country music.

In the fall of 2008, Jeni & Billy released their first full-length recording project, Jewell Ridge Coal -- a love letter to the forgotten coal mining community where Jeni grew up. Debuting at Number 5 on the International Folk & Bluegrass DJ Chart, Jewell Ridge Coal appeared on top ten lists from LA to New York to Belfast. “Anyone who enjoyed Kathy Mattea’s masterly Coal would almost certainly enjoy Jeni and Billy’s equally well crafted Jewell Ridge Coal. . . the haunting fragile vocals of Jeni and the subtle instrumentation of Billy that are the real highlights”.


Songwriters At Play holds showcases are held every Thursday night, 6:30-9:30 at The Porch, 22322 El Camino Real, Santa Margarita, 805-438-3376. The showcase includes one featured act and up to 8 others playing 3-song sets. We pass the tip jar during the featured set, otherwise no cover. All ages are welcome. Have a pizza!

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