Songwriters Showcase 2012 – by the Victoria Regional Writers Group (S.A.C.)
Dear Teeko,
Photos by Peter Brunette (click for more)
The 3rd Annual Songwriters Showcase took place on Feb 11, 2012: fifteen of our songwriters from the Victoria Regional Writers Group (VRWG) took to the stage and let fly their original songs.
- from top to bottom, left to right…
- Jim Moffatt, Bob Nelson, Renata Young & Martin Matychuk
- Paul Ruszel, Sage, Beverley McKeen
- Gord Oliphant, Tim Black, Doris Morson
- Peter Brunette, John Cowell, Kate Steele
- Zachary Doeding, Tracy Mills & Paul Mowbray & Stephen Ogden
- Thanks to Steve Sturgess who made us sound so sweet.
The crowd was responsive and engaged: they clapped and sang. And I’m sure they would have done so, even if I hadn’t threatened them with my bow. Plus we raised some money for Knox Presbyterian (who graciously allow us use of their space for our monthly workshops).
We came from such humble beginnings three years ago: 4 of us clutching our pencils, sharing an envelope for our melodies; to today, 20 of us spilling our lyrics across four tables and onto the floor. We have over 75 on our songwriters mailing list and growing numbers on our facebook page. And all levels – from the beginner to those who have “cut deals” with their songs. Each workshop hones a particular songwriting skill, but the people in the room are the real strength. We have become a mature community that can deal with any issues that arise – that and we make people who act out sit in the corner and write limericks with moon and June.
Video:
The RWG program is spearheaded by the Songwriters Association of Canada, and boasts 15 groups from Victoria to Kippens. Each with it’s own style, program and volunteer coordinators. You should start one.
Teeko, I wish you could have been there. So many people helped out; there were many wonderful moments. It was a tribute to original, honest, live song.
Much love and much more soon, Tracy
Live Show or a Recording Session?
Dear Teeko,
Have you ever wondered how to approach a live show or a recording session? It’s not the same.
That would be like dropping your Fluevog’s on the delegate table in protest at the UN’s General Assembly with the same fatigue you’d drop them after a day of dishing out DQ’s best vanilla soft-serve. Both de-shoeing events, but quite different.
And if the exhausted dairy-treat doler’s “music” was heard by his neighbour downstairs? What then? Continue reading →
A Gift For Dad
Dear Teeko,
Most of my letters are about music or songwriting, but as I’m wrapped up in the holiday spirit I thought I’d share my own Christmas story.
I think I was 10. I’d made or bought everyone on my list a small Christmas gift – everyone except my dad.
While my mother waited outside, I ran into Orientique – a store on Jasper Avenue in Edmonton. It’s closed now, but back then it was filled with treasures from afar: exotic woods, carved silver jewelry, and lush fabrics. The air heavy with sandalwood and rose. Continue reading →
Taxi For Musicians
Dear Teeko,
I’m so glad I found you again. I had an amazing experience in LA not that long ago. But for it to make sense, I need to give you some background first….
I’ve made music since the age of three, though when I clutched that first violin with my jammy little fingers, calling it music would be generous. For many recent years, I’ve been writing and performing my own songs. In 2010 I joined Taxi – not the cab company, though they use it as a logo. Taxi calls itself the largest independent A&R company in the world; I call them the ears of the music industry. And just like you Teeko, they have large ears. Continue reading →
