SAMI Members to Perform!

 

Saturday, May 18th (9am to 4pm), 2013 MindBogling Event

SAMI performances in support of the MindBogling Event at the Lilly Nature Center, Celery Bog Nature Preserve, West Lindberg Road, West Lafayette:

10:00 am - 10:45 am

| Greg Jones (10:00-10:20)

| Mike Byers (10:25 -10:45)

12:00 pm - 12:45 pm

| Amanda Fletcher (12:00-12:20)

| Joe Peters (12:25-12:45)

2:00 pm - 2:45 pm

| Barrett Myers (2:00-2:20)

| Mike Longcor (2:25-2:45)

Greg Jones (10:00-10:20) 

Biography

Born and raised in southern Michigan with a heart for the North Woods, Greg is a solo acoustic artist currently residing in Lafayette, Indiana. Greg also plays guitar and mandolin and sings in the Acoustic Americana duo, The Rust Buckets, with John Lacy. Greg has always loved singer songwriters with a knack for incredible story telling, and until recently was content to play other people’s music.

If you enjoy laid back, lemonade sippin, Americana style songwriting, with heartfelt lyrics of love lost and found, struggles with the day to day, but hope for tomorrow; then give Greg a listen. Producing a big sound armed with only a single guitar and his voice, Greg’s songs leave you thinking well after the last note is sung. Personally connecting with the audience is important to Greg, and his wit and heartfelt lyrics will have you feeling as though he is performing in your own living room or backyard.

Greg has performed at the Regional Artists Showcase at the 2011 Indiana Fiddler’s Gathering, 2011 Wabash Riverfest, Lafayette Live, Vienna Espresso Bar, regularly at Delphi Music Center, as well as living rooms and backyards throughout Indiana and Michigan.

Contact Greg at bradslittlebrother@hotmail.com and check his music out at: http://www.myspace.com/bradslittlebrother#!

Mike Byers (10:25 -10:45)

Biography

Mike Byers work with glass, metal and wood for the most part. Some would call this being an artist, but Mike says he really just makes stuff. Mike plays traditional Celtic music with a band called, oddly enough, Bailiff's Hollow and reads for the fun of it, but considering what he does to make a living, just about everything is "for the fun of it" as far as he’s concerned. Mike’s been a pilot, a covert operations type and even had a more-or-less honest job with an engineering company for about ten years. All in all, making stuff is a whole lot more fun, says Mike. Mike performs on guitar and vocals, and will be joined by Chuck Wittemore (bodhran, whistle, Irish flute).

To hear music by Mike Byers, check out http://www.reverbnation.com/mikebyers47or http://bailiffs-hollow.blogspot.comto read Mike’s blog.

Amanda Fletcher

Biography

Amanda Fletcher is a 20 year old singer/songwriter and a member of the Songwriters Association of Mid-north Indiana. At 14 she began performing her original songs and gaining recognition in the Lafayette, IN area. By age 15 Amanda was the youngest person ever to win the Shirley Martin Scholarship for Young Songwriters. In 2008 she recorded at Hoosier Surf Records and in September released her CD entitled Breaking Free.

Amanda enjoys writing songs, singing, playing the piano and collaborating with other musicians both local and national. Her music has been featured on Fm 106.3, FM 103.9, & on Am 920. Amanda performs at various venues in and about town and made her Taste of Tippecanoe debut in 2009 on the Songwriter’s Stage.

Check out Amanda’s music here http://www.reverbnation.com/amandafletcher

Joe Peters

Biography

Joe Peters is a singer-songwriter who has released eight CDs of original music since 1998, and can often be found performing around Indiana and elsewhere in theMidwest. Joe came of age during the late 60s and early 70s, and his songs hearken back to a time when young people sought the experience of peace, love and adventure and expressed this search in their music. Through his own music, Joe hopes to rekindle in others that spark of the truth seeker that was awakened in him long ago by the songs of other introspective songwriters. Many of Joe’s songs are influenced by oriental philosophies and were written while living and working overseas. Moreover, as a former professor of environmental science and natural resources management, Joe’s music often embraces environmental themes, including land stewardship, a sense of place and community and the love of nature.

Joe and his music have been frequently featured on the Local Music Show and Acoustic Blend, WBAA (AM 920), Voice of the Independent Artist, now The Local Thunder (Fm 106.3 & 103.9), and Rock-It Local (FM 95.7). Joe opened for country superstar, Lorrie Morgan at the Lafayette Theater, and Joe played the Taste of Tippecanoe songwriter stage in 2009, with Deep & Simple in 2010; the Horizon Stage in 2012 and the Marquis Stage this June 15. Joe’s tunes have been the soundtrack to a number of Hoosier Artisan Rena Brouwer’s paintings over the years. The duo has performed live in galleries & other venues in front of audiences around Indiana, including the LillyNature Center. Peters plays while Brouwer paints.

Joe’s song, Sail Away, won top honors at the First Annual Blooming-Tunes songwriting contest in 2009. His original musical slide show, Root of the Matter, is featured on the Catholic Relief Services website.

Check out Joe’s music here http://www.reverbnation.com/joepetersand here http://www.youtube.com/user/joedaiwarriors.

Barrett Myers

Biography

There's something stirring in the heart of Barrett Myers, and chances are that he's written a song about it. Barrett loves a catchy melody, but something within yearns for depth and meaning; all of this shines through in soulful performances of his Folksy compositions on acoustic guitar. He's got more than a handful of heartfelt ballads about life, love and the journey, written on the road and at home in Indiana. These are complemented by upbeat and clever tunes that celebrate the wondrous goodness of thermal underwear and the 95 cent Burger King soft-serve ice cream cone.

Born in Coloradoand with roots in Kentucky, Barrett has been writing and performing music since a fateful road trip one spring day in 2008. Lately he's been seen entertaining the crowds at various coffee shops and open mic nights around the Lafayette area.

To hear more, see upcoming shows, or book Barrett for a private event, send an email to heybarrett@gmail.com or check out http://www.barrettmyers.com

Michael Longcor

Biography

Singer, songwriter, great performer, Michael has it all. His range of music is impressive, ballads from the past like the material on Lovers, Heroes & Rogues, Kipling set to music on Norman & Saxon, Mercedes Lackey inspired songs on Owlflight, and a whole collection of funny songs that defy description. Truck driving vampires, Cajun spacemen, and very motivated dogs all have been song topics for Michael’s fertile imagination.

Check out Michael’s music here http://www.firebirdarts.com/catalog/-c-27_57_45.html

 

Congratulations!

2013 Shirley Martin Scholarship for Young Songwriters Winners!

Click on the songs to go to SoundCloud link!

1st place Shirley Martin Scholarship: 

Hunter Taylor, You Are His 

 

 Co-Runners Up:

 Miguel Odron, Midnight Sky

Chase Cotten, Peace of Mind 

 

2nd Runner Up :

Justin Woods, Lucy 

 

 Mike Lane Horizon Award:

Dominick Rivers, The Widow's Son

  

Join us in celebrating the 13^th annual Shirley Martin Scholarship for Young Songwriters Awards night on Tuesday May 14^th at 7:00 pm at the Tippecanoe Arts Federation (638 North Street, Lafayette, IN.) There will be live performances from our winners and refreshments served. The public is invited to attend.

 

Applications Are Now Being Accepted!

2013 Shirley Martin Scholarship for Young Songwriters

 “A scholarship for the advancement of young songwriters”

Who- The Songwriters Association of Mid-north Indiana (SAMI)

What- Currently accepting applications for the 2013 Shirley Martin Scholarship for Young Songwriters, which includes the special Mike Lane Horizon Award. This scholarship and award exists for the purpose of developing, recognizing and supporting area youth in the advancement of their songwriting skills.

Who Can Apply- Candidates must be between the ages of 14 and 19 at the time of application and be a permanent resident of one of the following Indiana counties to apply: Benton, Carroll, Cass, Clinton, Fountain, Howard, Jasper, Montgomery, Newton, Pulaski, Tippecanoe, Tipton, Warren and White.

When- Applications being accepted until April 5, 2013.

Winner Will Receive: 
1. $500 cash award to be applied toward the Shirley Martin Scholarship winner’s education, a musical instrument or other songwriting-supporting endeavor.  Other cash awards for runners-up and the Mike Lane Horizon Award.
2. Performance opportunities.
3. Local publicity.

How and Where to Apply:
Applications and instructions can be downloaded (click here) or write to:
The Tippecanoe Arts Federation
638 North Street
Lafayette, IN,  47901

 Distribution: Winners will be notified on or before May 6, 2013.

For additional information email Barrett Myers at heybarrett@gmail.com

Songwriting Scholarship Applications Accepted Now

The Songwriters Association of Mid-North Indiana (SAMI) presents...

A Songwriting Workshop & Concert with Steve Seskin

Steve Seskin is a successful songwriter who has written seven number one songs, including Grammy-nominated “Grown Men Don’t Cry,” recorded by Tim McGraw, and “Don’t Laugh at Me,” winner of NSAI Song of the Year and Music Row Magazine Song of the Year in 1999 as recorded by Mark Wills.

Workshop

Steve’s songwriting courses include; Intro to Lyric Writing, Melody, Phrasing, Rhyming and Metaphor, Point of View, Writing/Rewriting, Inspiration, Music Business, and Collaboration.  Participants can also bring an original song for critique.  See details here: http://steveseskin.com/songwritingworkshops/ 

Concert

A Steve Seskin concert will have you wiping away a tear one minute and laughing out loud the next. His songs all have messages that touch the hearts of everyone: from the feelings of a little boy missing his father, to growing up and being true to yourself, to one of his most well known themes of being considerate to and respectful of one another as expressed in "Don’t Laugh at Me."

When: Saturday, November 10, 2012

Workshop:     9:30am to 4:30pm (pizza lunch provided)

Concert:         7:00pm

Location:

Brady Lane Church of Christ

2701 Brady Lane

Lafayette, IN 47909

Cost: $50 for workshop (includes concert admission); $10 for concert

            $30 for SAMI members with 2012 paid dues

For additional information:

please visit www.samisong.com or email/call Joe Peters at joedaiwarriors@yahoo.com or 765-414-2457

Joe Peters set to release new CD of original music
with Michael Kelsey

Second Wind by The Joedai Warriors

Friday, October 19th, 7pm

University Church @ Purdue

On October 19^th (Friday) SAMI co-president Joe Peters will release his fifth and latest CD with former SAMI superstar Michael Kelsey. The album, entitled Second Wind by the Joedai Warriors contains 14 new songs, many written this year on Joe's Taylor GS-Mini when he was in Africa, and features not only the musical wizardry of Michael Kelsey, but also vocal harmonies and piano from Amanda Fletcher (2008 winner of the Shirley Martin Scholarship for Young Songwriters) and vocal harmonies by Linda Hicks (Joe's long-time musical partner), as well as a few horn parts by Chase Cotten (2010, 2011 & 2012 Shirley Martin runner up) and some drumming by Matt Call (Michael Kelsey's long-time collaborator).

The CD release show will be part of a larger event at University Church @ Purdue (320 North Street, West Lafayette) An Evening of Singers & Songwriters, featuring not only Joe (with Amanda, Linda & others), but Christopher Lee, Jeff Anderson & the Effect, and Frank Muffin (Hans & Brittany Rees) as well. The show will run from 7-11pm, and the Second Wind set will likely start around 8pm. Joe's good friend and gifted watercolorist, Rena Brouwer, will also be doing some performance painting to live, original music in between sets, so you will not want to miss this night.

Cost of the show is $8/person, or $12/couple.  Refreshments available for purchase.

 

SAMI, The Songwriter's Association of Mid-north Indiana, had a reason to celebrate this past weekend when it was announced that four of their members were finalists in the 2012 Blooming-Tunes Annual Song Contest. Neil McTavish took second place with the song, "Always On My Mind." Briagha McTavish, Bette Anderson, and Joe Peters were honorable mentions with their songs "Sick", "Life On My Own", and "Heaven and Earth" respectively. Briagha is Neil's daughter and songwriting partner. Bette Anderson is from Kokomo and a veteran member of SAMI. Joe Peters is the co-president of SAMI.
 

"I can't express how grateful I am. I couldn't have done it without SAMI because I wouldn't have even known about the contest without SAMI. SAMI is such a supportive group and we really work hard at making sure all in the group are aware of things like Blooming-Tunes." says McTavish. Joe Peters joked with Neil by telling him that he was in "good company," as he had won in 2009 with his song "Sail Away." SAMI member MJ Bishop was a co-winner with Joe's friend Bill Headley last year.
 

Blooming-Tunes was conceived by Suzette Weakley, a singer-songwriter based in Bloomington IN. She describes Blooming-Tunes as a Song Contest designed for Singer-Songwriters from the Midwest, who have visited the Midwest, who love the Midwest and/or who have Midwest connections. The judging panel includes professional writers typically based in Nashville TN, working musicians/songwriters, and non-musicians who have shown a true ability to support the art of Songwriting and music. The top four winners, of which Neil McTavish is one, will perform their song live at the historic Buskirk Chumley Theater in downtown Bloomington, IN on October 13, 2012. Neil says that he will not be performing, however. His daughter played piano and sang on the audition recording and she will perform the song with her sister and violinist Jinty McTavish, and friend Paige Clinkenbeard. "Trust me, you don't want to hear me sing this!" laughs Neil. Paige, a former Purduette, agreed to sing harmonies with Briagha and Jinty, even though she was going into "enemy territory!"
 

Last year's Blooming-Tunes headliner was Don Pedigo, Nashville Tennessee who hails from Southern Indiana. Prior year’s top talent included Jenny Devoe (Indiana based Singer/Songwriter - Commercial Songwriter), CJ Watson (National Award Winning Songwriter), Jeff Gilkinson (founder of 'The Dillards') Tirk Wilder (Nashville PRO writer - 'Eyes of a Texas Ranger'), Tim Grimm & Jan Lucas as well as Jason Wilbur (John Prine Band and radio personality 'In Search of A Song'). The top 15 submissions will be included on the 2nd Annual Blooming-Tunes Compilation CD.
 

SAMI welcomes all songwriters in the area to join them for their meetingsat 7:30 pm every 3rd Tuesday of the month in the basement at the Tippecanoe Arts Federation (Wells Community Center) at 638 North Street in Lafayette.
 

For more information:
 

Blooming-Tunes: http://www.blooming-tunes.com
 

More Blooming-Tunes info on Sonicbids:

http://www.sonicbids.com/Opportunity/OpportunityView.aspx?opportunity_id=107325