ORIGINAL SONGWRITERS REGISTERED - 2007:
See 'LASF-Songwriting Credits' below for more info on songwriters. Updating in progress 9/5/07.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS - 2007
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2007 -- 6 pm until
Mobile Writers, Eastern Shore, Gulf Coast & Nashville Songwriters.
Order of Performance: .
6 HUNTER LAWLEY / ROGER FLESHMAN / PAUL BRAMMER
7 STEPHEN LEE VEAL / CHRIS GRAHAM / MIKE HUTCHINSON
8 JOHNNY BARBATO / ALVIN PORTER / HANK BECKER
9 LARRY T WILSON / BO ROBERTS / EVANS DAVIS
10 ASHE UNDERWOOD / DOUG FORSHEY / CHARLES DAVIS
11 DAVIS RAINES / MARK ROBINSON / JOHN RENO
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2007 -- 6 pm until
Pirates Cove Riff Raff, Eastern Shore Legends, Nashville and Austin, Texas writers.
Order of Performance:
6 KEITH GLASS / JAMES FLOYD / BENITA MURPHY
7 SETH CHERNIAK / CATHE STEELE / GEORGE EBERLEIN
8 ASHE UNDERWOOD / DOUG FORSHEY / CHARLES DAVIS
9 JON MILLER / KEVIN CLEMENTS & CHAD MANESS / LISA MILLS
10 DAVIS RAINES / MARK ROBINSON / EVANS DAVIS
11 JIMMY LEE HANNAFORD / BO ROBERTS / RANDY BRANCH
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2007
10 am - Country buffet for songwriters and staff
FESTIVAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS & STAFF -2007
Chairman & Event Coordinator - Skip Jones; Executive Assistant Coordinator - Randy Branch; Creative Director - Charles Davis; Music Director - Evans Davis; Talent Director - Wade Welborn; Advertising Director - Lori DuBose; Director of Operations - Stephen Davis; Stage Manager & Sound Engineer - Wade Welborn; Treasurer and American Legion Coordinator - John Henderson.
SONG WRITER BIOS
Hunter Lawley hails from central Alabama and is establishing himself as an up-and-coming attraction on the Alabama music scene. Hunter has opened for Tony Joe White, Rollin’ in the Hay and countless others. His original songs are influenced by the likes of Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson; his comedic tunes leave audience in stitches. Hunter’s music reminds audiences of a simpler way of life. Roger Fleshman has made his musical mark as a singer. He sang the National Anthem in Three Rivers Stadium twice (hopefully not on the same day), sang with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, been a member of several All-state Choirs and was picked to sing at the National FFA Convention. He picked up the guitar several years ago and worked primarily on original songs in the country vein. Lately he’s been experimenting in the pop and soft rock genres. His Bay Runners band is a local favorite.
Paul Brammer has played from the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia to the streets of Nashville and from the skyscrapers of the north to the beaches of the Gulf Coast but, nowadays, he mostly plays locally with the Bay Runners Band. He lives in Spanish Fort, AL with his wife Sharon.
Stephen Lee Veal cemented his future at 5 years old while playing tambourine at an old-time gospel gathering in Eastern Oklahoma. After a move to Mobile, he absorbed the local music scene and blended blues, gospel, country and bluegrass into a gulf-coast mixture. His recording career began in the 1970’s with the Gulf Coast Quartet, a gospel group. Stephen Lee has co-written with several successful Nashville songwriters and performed at the Bluebird Café, Douglas Corner Café and the Broken Spoke. He’s a regular participant at the Frank Brown International Songwriters Fest and at the House of Blues’ Songwriters Night.
Chris Graham prides himself on his soulful delivery of his simple but powerful lyrics . Although he’s from southwest Alabama, Chris spends most of his free time in Nashville, honing his craft. In 2006, Chris was selected to participate in the ASCAP Country Songwriting Workshop. He’s also attended many NSAI seminars and workshops as a member and participant. Chris has participated in the Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival and has played many venues across the Southeast.
Mike Hutchinson is Blind Dog Mike of the popular local trio, Blind Dog Mike and the Howlers. His original music reflects the spirit of livin’ and lovin’ a life influenced by the winds of Mobile Bay. He has been writing and performing in our area for 12 years and has one locally recorded and produced, self-titled cd.
Johnny Barbato has been a gulf-coast fixture for many years both as a highly-entertaining solo act and with his band, The Lucky Doggs. His music is specifically southern in its intent and has been described as “southern rock, blues-based, funk.” Johnny’s band has opened for the North Mississippi Allstars, Gov’t Mule, Kansas and Widespread Panic. His newest cd, No Pain No Gain was produced by Paul Hornsby.
Alvin Porter, a south Alabama wordsmith started playing guitar in his early teens and moved up to coffee houses and bars after joining the Air Force. His early repertoire included folk songs of the times by the likes of John Prine, Bob Dylan and Jerry Jeff Walker. Alvin returned to Mobile in 1977 and joined the Abnica Bay Band of which he is still a member. His solo recordings have yielded three cd’s, plus a “Best of” release. He operates a recording studio in Bay Minette, AL and teaches guitar at Picker’s Paradise.
Hank Becker was born in Muhlenberg County, KY and taught himself to play guitar. At the age of 13, Hank studied under Chet Atkins and Merle Travis; he later attended the Berklee School of Music. Hank’s notable bands include The Rebels, The Yonder, The Little Tomatoes and the Boogie Chillin’. His popular release, Chillin at Play was recorded by Johnny Sandlin and has been heard widely on local radio. Hank’s prolific career has seen him open for Gregg Allman, Delbert McClinton, Los Lobos, Rascal Flatts and a ton of others. Although Hank has had more than his share of bad health, he continues to play regularly and maintains his instantly likeable sense of humor.
Larry T Wilson has played just about every festival in the Southeast and the opening of the Nall Art Foundation in Venice, France. His country and gospel songs have been recorded by David Frizzell, Sammy Kershaw, Marty Rayon (Shenandoah) and 4-Runner. Larry has written with songwriting legends: Red Lane, Mickey Newbury, Rock Killough, Jim McBride and Leslie Satcher. Larry T is a Leavin’ Brothers favorite!
Bo Roberts was 8 when he met Buddy Holly. His first paying job was with John Fogerty. For three years he was lead guitar player and band leader for Hank Williams, Jr. He has written songs for Willie Nelson, Gene Watson, Rose Maddox, Stoney Edwards and several others.
Ask Evans Davis about his favorite self-penned song, he answers: “It ain’t been done.” Evans co-founded the legendary, local Leavin’ Brothers Band and has spent time in Nashville writing with the top writers that Music Row has to offer. His songs have appeared on Satellite Radio and “The Last American Roadhouse”, a history of the Flora-Bama Lounge. Several of Evan’s works have been published and he plays in many local bands.
Ashe Underwood has been a fixture in the Nashville Songwriting community for more than ten years. Originally from Texas via California and Hawaii, he’s written over 75 songs for artists ranging from Martina McBride to Steve Holy and George Strait. He wrote five songs and the first single for Trent Tomlinson’s debut and is a Dove Award recipient for Christian music. He has contributed songs to movies like Terminal Velocity and written theme songs for television shows. At the request of ESPN he, along with Trent Tomlinson, rewrote the lyrics to their song “Hey Batter Batter” for use on the networks Home Run Derby coverage.
Doug Forshey absorbed the musical surroundings of his central Pennsylvania upbringing and gained an appreciation for songwriting as a youngster. In 1995, Doug moved to Nashville to pursue a songwriting career and signed a publishing deal with Best Built Music. He has written over 500 songs and performed at the Bluebird Café and Douglas Corner Café.. In 2006, Doug released Crazy Gravity, a cd of original music on the independent Rev Records label.
Charles Davis has done most everything, paid his dues and printed the t-shirt. As a Nashville recording artist, demo-singer, producer, mandolin player, touring band leader and songwriter, Charles has contributed to the local music scene immensely. His regular gigs with the Leavin’ Brothers have been the stuff of semi-legend and his songs are entertaining while paying tribute to the masters. He is still on a mission to bring “true” country music to the masses.
Davis Raines, a former captain at a maximum security prison and, for a while, in charge of Death Row, didn’t get around to his music career until his mid-30’s. His Big Shiny Cars release was named one of the top 10 albums of 1998 by In Review Magazine. Parts Unknown, his sophomore release, is mainly an acoustic fare and was called “a stellar follow-up.” Get Up on This! features Davis and his semi-legendary band The (Fabulous) Faders at the top of their game.
Mark Robinson’s career began when he played guitar with 50’s rocker, Bobby Helms (Jingle Bell Rock). In the late 80’s Mark moved from his hometown of Bloomington, Indiana to Chicago and immersed himself in the blues scene. He played and recorded with blues legends including: Lonnie Brooks, Jimmy Johnson, Koko Taylor, Son Seals, Buddy Guy and Bo Diddley. Mark’s increased focus on writing and producing has seen success. “When the Cubs Win the Pennant” was chosen by Fox-TV for the theme song to the 2003 National League Playoffs. In 2004, Mark moved to Nashville and has performed or recorded with many of Nashville’s best. His newest venture is the Mark Robinson Band.
John Reno’s full time musical career started when he took his lunch break from his accounting job, bought a guitar and never returned. He found his chops playing the Boston/Providence college scene with an act that he called “Pirates, Parrots and Margaritas.” Being a Louisiana native and a lover of “short-pants weather“, he quickly returned to the Gulf Coast. John has performed from Maine to Mexico and once on an around-the-world cruise. His love of sailing and the ocean has inspired his music; a style that he describes as “Trop Rock.” Trop Rock is a growing genre that combines rock-n-roll with country and island music to depict a laid-back lifestyle. John has recently released his second cd with his band The Half-fast Creekers. John has also release two solo cd’s.
Keith Glass now resides in Mobile. In 2001, he came to the Gulf Coast from his native Australia to perform at the Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival, met his wife and stayed. His career has revolved around music in one form or another with stints as a record store owner, producer, manager and songwriter. His music has been in three feature films, he’s recorded for major labels and has written over 200 recorded songs. One of his compositions was awarded the Australian Heritage “Song of Place” and he’s had some down under country chart number-ones. He’s recently finished a six month gig at the Mobile Museum of Art as part of an educational music program for children. His 2005 solo album Miss Ala was well received locally. He says that his group “punk” album “Suicide Doors” was “universally ignored.”
James Floyd happened on success via the internet. He had recently moved to the Gulf Coast from North Alabama and fallen in love with Pirate’s Cove and Josephine. His family was living temporarily aboard a 42 foot sailboat; James found musical familiarity with the loose-knit group known as the Pirate’s Cove Riff Raff. They recorded one song and uploaded it to Neil Young’s website dedicated to protest music. The song started to move up the list and Floyd found himself and The Billy Sunday Band with a dilemma - he started getting calls to perform at festivals and for more original songs. He’s spent the ensuing months writing more songs, hammering out a live act and preparing to record a full album. His band has played peace concerts, showcase shows and hopes to find more success in the future.
Benita Murphy and her band, Delta Reign have been bringing their unique style of bluegrass, jam band workouts, western swing and old-timey music to the Gulf Coast for several years. Along with husband, Pat and a few others, they have release one cd entitled Down on the Delta. Benita and band have played WUWF’s Radio Live and most of the area’s venues. Benita and band are practitioners of what she likes to call “bluegrass…delta style.”
Seth Cherniak has been playing guitar and writing since the age of 14. With his great wit and sense of style, Seth describes his career as a hobby “gone horribly right.” His band, Deluxe Leisure King has garnered international attention for their perfect pop sound reminiscent of early Elvis Costello, pre-90’s REM and a sober and pop oriented Replacements. Their second release, Debbie Does Nothing has sold well and piqued critical interest. Seth also moonlights with local sci-fi dynamo act, The Spaghetti Westerns.
Cathe Steele started playing guitar at age 16. Her other vocation is that of a farrier and black smith. In her CD she expresses life through song with the sense of humor it takes to be head down and butt up in front of six cowboys.
George Eberlein grew up on the Eastern Shore of Mobile Bay and began playing guitar at the age of 8. After seeing the Beatles’ debut on the Ed Sullivan Show, he threw himself headfirst into the study of the guitar and the pursuit of the rock-n-roll dream. From 1974-1997 George traveled the US playing with The Alabama Dirt Band, Frontrunner, Mister X, The Penetrators, The Blues Injectors and the Andy Smith Band. George settled down to a life of recording and session work and played on an album by Brent Burns - the album sold well and received national recognition. In 2003, George won the online blues guitar competition sponsored by the Les Paul Forum with a home-studio recorded track. He currently plays with local blues trio, Catfish Flats. They have released one cd.
Jon Miller, from Satsuma, AL, has grown his fan base with witty songs and an imaginative writing style. He has opened for Trace Adkins, Josh Turner, The Charlie Daniels Band and Gary Allan. Jon was nominated for the Country Song of the Year Award and the Music Video of the Year by the international Just Plain Folks group. In February of 2007, John was selected as a finalist in CMT.com’s “Music City Madness.” He recently released his second Nashville-produced cd, Next Big Twang and is the opening act for a Big & Rich show in October.
Kevin Clements picked up the guitar at 16 but got his songwriting start after witnessing the Frank Brown Songwriters Fest. Kevin joined Shayne Daniels to write his first tunes. Chad Maness began performing at local events and festivals at the ripe age of 4. His vocal talents were first noticed by his pre-school teacher in Monroeville, AL. At 6, Chad performed at the Alabama State Capital in Montgomery. A local do caught the performance and recorded Chad’s version of “God Bless the USA.” The songwriter duo of Clements / Maness has resulted in the song, “Night and Day” which will be featured on Heather Wilkins’ debut cd that will be released on September 18, 2007.
Lisa Mills captures the essence of southern blues and soul. After touring with Big Brother and the Holding Company and making waves in Europe, Lisa has returned to South Alabama to write and perform her amazing blend of music. With an eye to the past masters and a foot firmly grounded in her Mississippi roots, Lisa’s shows are awe-inspiring and sexy. Lisa has released 3 cd’s - 2 studio albums and a live album recorded at Fairhope’s American Legion. She has recently returned from a successful tour of Europe with Beverly Jo Scott.
Jimmy Lee Hannaford recently moved to Fairhope after a successful 10 year stay in Austin, TX. His roots stretch back to Mississippi where he absorbed the sounds of the delta bluesmen, r&b, rock-n-roll, folk, country, funk, rockabilly and soul. Jimmy Lee’s performance at last year’s LASF was highlighted by his original tune, “Waiting on a Jubilee” that was inspired by his decision to move to South Alabama. Jimmy Lee is a soulful storyteller and a strong singer.
Randy Branch has been performing since the 1960’s. His band, Oakley Hill was popular on college campuses from 1977-1984 and opened for Hank Williams, Jr. and Alabama. Randy spent time in Nashville as a writer in the mid-80’s; he collaborated on songs with well-known writer, Carmol Taylor. His new cd, Long Black Car was produced by Rick Carter of Rollin’ in the Hay.
DIRECTIONS TO AMERICAN LEGION POST 199
From I-65 (east from Mobile, Alabama), take US Highway 98 south toward Daphne and Fairhope. Continue on Scenic 98 through Fairhope within sight of the bay. The American Legion is just south of Fairhope's Municipal Pier on beautiful Mobile Bay. Plenty of free parking.
Gambinos Restaurant, Baron's Motel and the Elk's Lodge are directly across the street from the Legion.
SONGWRITER EVENTS and the LA Songwriters' Guild:
The schedule of future songwriters' festivals and LA Songriters' Guild meetings will be published on this site when available.
Frank Brown International Songwriters' Festival web site is www.fbisf.com
Mobile Bay Songwriters web site is www.hometown.aol.com/johnedd/
