The following information is from the 2008 LASF !!!
See 'LASF-Songwriting Credits' below for more info on songwriters. L.A. Songwriters' Festival
September 18-20, 2008
7-12 pm each day ~ $15 / day ~ 3 days for $30
Scheduled Performances
THURSDAY, Sept 18
7pm- Donnie Mills / Lisa Christian / Cathe Steele
8- John Joiner / Buzz Kiefer / Chris Newbury
9- Johnny Barbato / Randy Branch / Lisa Mills
10- Ellen Robertson / Eric Randall / Justin Fobes
11- Guitar Jam with the Songwriters
FRIDAY, Sept 19
7- Blind Dog Mike / Hank Becker / Donna Hall
8- Steven Lee Veal / Chris Graham / Scott McPherson
9- Charles Davis / Evans Davis / Ashe Underwood
10- Doug Forshey / Matt Goedken
11- Guitar Jam with the Songwriters
SATURDAY, Sept 20
7- John Reno / David Dulion / Jon Miller
8- Kevin Clements & Chad Maness / Keith Glass / Tyler Champion
9- Kerry Polk / Jenny Reynolds / Jimmy Lee Hannaford
10- Davis Raines / Mark Robinson / Tim Simmons
11pm- Guitar Jam with the Songwriters
Come and 'CATCH THE MUSIC !
FESTIVAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS & STAFF -2008
Chairman & Event Coordinator - Skip Jones; Executive Assistant Coordinator - Randy Branch; Creative Director - Charles Davis; Music Director - Evans Davis; Talent Director - Wade Wellborn; Advertising Director - Lori DuBose; Director of Operations - Stephen Davis; Stage Manager & Sound Engineer - Wade Wellborn; Treasurer and American Legion Coordinator - John Henderson.
SONG WRITER BIOS
Mobile born and based Donnie Mills has been called “One of Mobile’s most accomplished songwriters” by the Mobile Press Register and was chosen by Lagniappe Magazine’s readers as one of Mobile’s Best Songwriters. He placed second in the Gulf Coast Idol Competition and has been a two time winner and t hree time judge at the Hank Williams Songwriter’s Contest. He’s won awards at the Austin Songwriter’s Contest and served as President and Coordinator of the Mobile Songwriter’s Association. His passionate delivery and songwriting skills will certainly keep his winning streak alive.
Lisa Christian hails from Philadelphia, PA and gained her unique guitar style and work ethic playing clubs in downtown Philly and the Jersey Shore. After a move to Atlanta, Lisa formed the Christian/Durand duo and played the Lilith Fair Tour and the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. She signed a short lived record contract and recorded one album with EMI Nashville. These days she plays a full schedule of club dates and tours the US regularly. She has recently begun hosting a local music radio program on Sunny 105.7. Check out Lisa on Sunday nights at 7pm for a unique perspective on the Gulf Coast scene.
Cathe Steele, a Fairhope native, picked up piano and guitar at the age of thirteen. She was introduced to blues and jazz by the Jack Normand family, the same Jack Normand that led the Grand Hotel band for many years. Cathe served ten years as the Outdoor Instructor for the National Outdoor Leadership School and another twenty as a professional farrier. Involvement with the Frank Brown Songwriter’s Fest led to a renewed interest in writing music. She currently serves as Entertainment Manager/Bartender/Riff Raff/Surrogate Mother at Pirates Cove in Josephine, AL. Cathe says that “Life is good.”
John Joiner is a native of Baldwin County, Alabama. For the past three decades, he has traveled and performed at Festivals and venues across the U.S. and Europe. John has co-written songs with Mickey Newbury, Rock Killough, Jim Hurt, Sonny Throckmorton, Steve Earle and Larry T. Wilson. He has performed and shared the stage with Kris Kristopherson, Mickey Newbury, Bruce Channel, Percy Sledge, Rodney Crowell, Bertie Higgins, Steppenwolf, .38 Special, The Coasters & Steele Breeze. He is currently recording, writing, and playing with local musician, Rick Whaley.
Buzz Kiefer a self-described “red-neck mystic” was born into a family of musicians, astrologers, psychics and hypnotists. He began composing songs at the age of seven and hitch-hiked from one end of the US to the other honing his craft into songs of wit, wisdom and wonder. His main inspiration is love but his early influences ranged from Southern Gospel to Classical. He has shared his unique philosophy on songwriting and performing in many academic settings. His style is at times insightful, hilarious and bewildering but he’s sure to command an audience’s attention.
Chris Newbury is the son of New Christy Minstrel member, Susan Pack and Mickey Newbury. He was born in Nashville in 1973 shortly after his father had released Look s Like Rain, Heaven Help the Child and Frisco Mabel Joy, a trilogy of albums that shook music row. Chris spends his days running Mountain Retreat Records and plays often with his South Alabama buddies.
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.
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 newest cd, Long Black Car was produced by Rick Carter of Rollin’ in the Hay.
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 second successful tour of Europe with Beverly Jo Scott.
Ellen Robertson grew up in Satsuma, Alabama and spent much of her childhood on her grandparents' farm in rural Washington County. After living in Northwest Florida for the past 15 years, she recently moved to Fairhope. She has been playing guitar for a mere seven years but has developed a love and undying passion for songwriting. Her songs are a reflection of her personality and experiences and are always heartfelt. As a newcomer to the festival, she is proud to be among the array of talented artists.
Eric Randle is a native of the gulf coast; his style of music reflects his upbringing. A self taught guitarist, he began playing at the age of eight and wrote his first song at ten. Since the late 80's, he's fronted local bands and played solo in clubs from Mobile to Panama City, Florida. He moved to Nashville in 2006 and was honored to play at The Bluebird Cafe.
Mobile native, Justin Fobes, has played as many as 300 gigs a year while touring the Southeast and beyond. He’s opened for Counting Crows, Live and Don Henley and has released 3 cd’s to date. His newest recording will be available in late 2008. His unique sound and delivery separates him from the singer-songwriter norm.
Blind Dog Mike is Mike Hutchinson 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 13 years and has one locally recorded and produced, self-titled cd.
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.
Donna Hall is an original member of the '70s Southern Rock group Wet Willie. Her touring years put her on stage singing backup with many well-known groups including the Marshall Tucker Band, Kitty Wells, Greg Allman and Grand Funk Railroad. Her distictive gospel-inspired voice can be heard on the top ten hit "Keep On Smilin'," a song that catapulted Wet Willie into the national spotlight. Donna is proud to be a member of the Georgia Music Hall of Fame as well as the Alabama Music Hall of Fame. Her first solo project, It's Never Too Late is a wonderful blend of gospel and R&B and includes many well-known musical friends and family members.
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.
Scott McPherson is a hail-chasing singer-songwriter from Lowndesboro, Alabama. He writes about everyday life and his natural surroundings. His songs resound with a southern flavor.
Charles Davis is a co-founder of the popular Leavin’ Brothers band, owner of DutchBend Music Publishing Company and is a member of BMI Nashville. He’s currently signed to a writer’s contract with Bella Music in Nashville. He’s a co-founder of the LA Songwriter’s Festival and was recently married.
Evans Davis is a co-founder of the popular Leavin’ Brothers band, owner of Makin’ Marlow Music Publishing Company and a member of BMI Nashville. He is also signed to a writer’s contract with Bella Music in Nashville. He’s a co-founder of the LA Songwriter’s Festival and is a co-host of this year’s, 4th annual event.
Ashe Underwood has been a fixture in the Nashville songwriting community for more than eleven 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. He’s attending his third LA Songwriter’s Fest and says that he’s bringing a new guitar.
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. He’s recently joined the rock band, The Dudes Terrific. Their first cd, Born Yesterday, was released on Sept 16.
Matt Goedken has been a Nashville fixture for over 10 years. He served as guitarist for the Leavin’ Brother during their Nashville stint and is a founding member of The Dudes Terrific. His goal is to spread “dude rock” to South Alabama.
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 and recorded a live cd of bawdy songs. John has also release two solo cd’s.
David Dulion met Duane and Gregg before they formed the Allman Brothers Band and was inspired to pursue a life of the blues. He’s played with swing and country bands but has always returned to straight ahead blues bands. He’s been a member of the Bud Zepper Blues Band for the past 14 years. He recently wrote “Down at Lulu’s” for Lucy Buffett and has received minor acclaim.
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.” Last year he released his second Nashville-produced cd, Next Big Twang and has recently released Songs of Inspiration.
Kevin Clements picked up the guitar at 16 but got his songwriting start after witnessing the Frank Brown Songwriter’s 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 dj 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.
In 2001, Keith Glass came to the Gulf Coast from his native Australia to perform at the Frank Brown International Songwriter’s 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 been a Legion regular since his performance at the 2007 LASF. His 2005 solo album Miss Ala was well received locally. He says that his group “punk” album Suicide Doors was “universally ignored.”
Tyler Champion began his playing career as a drummer in a local punk band. His father’s record collection begat his love of outlaw country and roots music. His first cd, Blue Collar Cautionary Tales garnered a bit of local critical acclaim. He’s constantly looking for drummers and bass players and has been planning to make a return trip to Nashville for some time.
Kerry Polk hails from Mississippi and resides in Austin, TX. Her latest cd, Hardtop Jubilee reveals an appreciation of story-telling through song and draws on family history and tales of Mississippi during times gone by. Her song, “’65 Ford Fairlane” was featured on NPR’s Car Talk. She’s won awards at several songwriter’s fests including the South Florida Folk Festival, The Wildflower Festival in Dallas and the Founder’s Festival in Utah. She’s writing songs for a winter 2008 cd.
Jenny Reynolds grew up in the Boston area and lives in Austin, TX. She recently released her third cd, Next to You. The cd features guest appearances from several famous musicians and her songs have been used by ABC, NBC and CBS television. Paste Magazine says that Jenny has “a winning way with a hook.” and she’s been called “among the most promising new songwriters” by The Boston Globe.
Jimmy Lee Hannaford rounds out the current and former Austin residents featured in this threesome. 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 original song “Waiting on a Jubilee” was inspired by his decision to move to South Alabama. Jimmy Lee is a soulful storyteller and a strong singer. He’s recently been engaged with the Hannaford / Glass / Branch band.
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. His newest release is Going to Montgomery. His gentle style and sharp wit is a perennial crowd-pleaser.
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.
Tim Simmons grew up in Daphne and went to college on a baseball scholarship. Armed with a love for southern rock and a will to share his personal insights, Tim has recorded a well-received praise and worship album, played to thousands in India and performed in prisons around Birmingham. His recent return to South Alabama has awakened his love for fishing Mobile Bay and Dixie Bar. His songs reflect this love. In October, Tim will begin working on a live album.
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/
