The Shoals Songwriters Showcase

Saturday, October 26th

7:00 - 10:00 PM

The Singing River Bar & Grill

4900 Hatch Blvd, Sheffield, AL 35660

Featured Songwriters

MaryJustice Lucas

MaryJustice has a passion for songwriting, and entertaining. Whether considered Pop,  Indie or Inspirational, her songs appeal to teens as well as older music lovers. She gives God credit for her songwriting and singing gifts and considers herself a "Musicianary."

“Music is what I love. Some people enjoy the melody but don’t pay attention to the lyrics. My favorite part of a song is its lyrics. As for me, I find it impossible to NOT listen to what is being said. I love listening to the story being told in the song, just as much as I enjoy sharing stories in the songs I write. I write from my heart. Inspiration is all around me. I write about what I see and feel, about the joys and disappointments of relationships. Songwriting and singing are like therapy.” MaryJustice Lucas

Quay Cage

Quay has played guitar since third grade when his grandfather blessed him with a beautiful instrument. He told Quay that God had blessed him with the Gift. He took that and made it a part of himself. He started writing songs when he was 11, learning to put voice to his music. He delivers his poetry through his music, with true feeling,  as though painting a beautiful work or art.

Quay, describes himself as a high-class Hipster. He’s all about class and loves vintage style. He is a natural, everyday poetic addict with a dry sense of humor. Quay has a passion for writing music, performing and delivering a good show. Quay says he is blunt and straight forward, likes to meet people, considers the stage his second home. 

"Passion is like a rose. Once it’s awaken the beauty is everlasting, no matter if it withers away the thought and love is still there."  Quay Cage

The Shoals Songwriters Showcase Host

Maxwell D. Russell

Maxwell Russell was born and raised in northwest Alabama. He grew up in the Colbert County area, a region which has had its share of music greats. It is home to Muscle Shoals Sound, Fame and other famous, ground breaking studios. It is also the hometown of Blues legend W.C. Handy. Maxwell has been playing the guitar since he was a youngster but started his journey in the "business" at the age of 26, forming bands along the way and playing his originals at gigs. He writes music ranging from Country ballads and Country rockers to Blues and Jazz numbers and old time Rock ‘n’ Roll. Maxwell has a catalog of over 200 songs, not very many by today’s song writing and music business standards but each song has a personal feeling or story that has taken a lifetime of work in preparation. . His music is influenced by old school Delta music, Slide, Boogie, Shuffles, Swing and old Rock ‘N’ Roll. He plays songs by the likes of Howling Wolf, Ike Turner, Muddy Waters, Carl Perkins and newer artists like Tony Joe White and Stevie Ray Vaughan to name a few. Max has played mainly throughout the southeast for festivals and clubs. In 2006, he entered and won first place in a Blues band competition in Birmingham, Alabama and was sent to Memphis for the international competition. He has released several solo albums, and with his band, The Shakedown Kings. Max is still hammering away at the clubs with his band, and playing his acoustic Blues at as many venues and festivals as possible.

Maxwell Russell:

Bookings or merchandise - maxwellrussell256@gmail.com.

Bookings for Maxwell Russell and the Shakedown Kings maxwellrussell256@gmail.com

(256) 856-1961

MaryJustice Lucas:
Bookings or merchandise - http://www.maryjusticelucas.com/contact.html

Quay Cage:
Bookings - http://tinyurl.com/ou8j3pd

This will be a showcase you don't want to miss!!

Introducing Paul J. Clark

Here is another Homegrown Songwriter that is not from Alabama, but one I think you will enjoy meeting. Say, "Hello!" to Paul J. Clark.

Paul is an unsigned independent artist based out of Lynchburg, VA. His music is a blend of catchy piano Pop, Alternative/Rock, a hint of Dance/Electronic all intertwined with hook laden melodies. Paul plays multiple instruments, specializing in guitar and piano. All his music is written, performed, produced, mixed, and engineered by him (drums are arranged/compiled by him). Read more about this super talented songwriter on Facebook and ReverbNation. I know he would appreciate if you click "LIKE" on FB and "fan" him on RN. Our songwriters appreciate your comments and support!

The Story Behind "Virtuoso" 

Paul J. Clark

Two years ago, I was sitting at my keyboard and playing just for fun.  On my left knee sat my little girl with my arm cradled around her.  One of the greatest loves of my life, she was around a year old at the time.  My right hand rested on the cold keys of my Yamaha keyboard.

I felt a strange mix of emotion as I began to reflect on where I was in my life.  I thought back to decisions I’d intentionally made to choose a lifestyle conducive to raising a family over pursuing a career in music.  I thought about the unspeakable joy in my marriage and the happiness my three kids brought to my life.  I thought about my sweet little girl and how complete she made me feel.  And I thought about music… how the dream has never left me.  Passion for creating and performing music is a part of me and always will be.  It was ultimately this sense of balancing responsibility and a love for music that set the tone for this song.

Then, with my daughter in my left hand and the keyboard under my right, I started to play.  It was a simple melody played by only one hand.  That’s all I could play because I was holding my daughter.  That was the intro to the song.  Then I started to sing, “You make the most of it when you got one hand tied behind your back.  ‘Cause you’re so close to it, there’s no turning back.”  This to me meant pursuing my dream even while balancing the responsibilities of life.  And so came the intro to the song, its emotional theme, and verse one. 

All at once a rush of thoughts and feelings overcame me.  I reflected on my goals and talents as a musician, to be the best I can.  I also thought about how I felt in my professional career and how little time I had to create music.  Up until the past several years, I’d spent years performing and here I was in near solitude, with an audience of one.  No matter what I did, I couldn’t escape the feeling that I was supposed to be doing something more, something with music.  Verse two was born from that, “And though you try hard, the feeling doesn’t go away.  Like something’s missing… love’s a protégée.”

Those same thoughts and feelings led me to the chorus and I started to sing, “Virtuoso, close but far away.  Virtuoso, she pulls away…”  “Virtuoso” to me represented my dream to play music full-time, to continue to be the best I possibly could.  “She pulls away,” was about how I felt like life was going by and that dream was drifting out of reach.  

Of note, I later changed the second phrase from “Virtuoso” to “Virtue, oh so.”  I wish I could tell you of some deep meaning behind that change but the truth is, I thought it was cool that those two phrases sounded exactly alike.  I thought it would be fun to put that into the song so that only people who had read the lyrics would be in on the secret.  There is meaning to the word, “Virtue” and I now sing it as representative of chasing your God-given purpose.

And that was it, I had the core of my song written.

The demo I recorded sat untouched for nearly two years.  As I began work on my album, I picked it up again and wrote the bridge, “Don’t let her get away…” This was about not giving up on finding the dream, seeking God's purpose for my life, no matter what obstacles were in the way.

I finished the song early this year and released it as part of my full length album.  It has become the most popular song on the album.

I hope you find inspiration from my story.  Do what you love as often as you can, follow your heart. 

Free Electronic Press Kits from ReverbNation.com

Meet Singer/Songwriter Charles L. Burgess

I love songwriting. To me, a song tells a story about the way we live, our past experiences and memories; some are good and some not so good but life has a way of going on. I write of nostalgic memories, funny things, inspirational with melodies from country with a touch of gospel and pop with a little rock and roll! 

I started singing in a quartet when I was around 11. My brother and I had a radio program. Every Saturday morning at around 7:30, we rode the bus to the station. What fun that was! As I grew up I continued to sing with several gospel groups including the Sacred Airs Quartet, the Gospel Cadets with the last one being Space City.

These quartets are no longer together as all my members are in their heavenly homes. Now at age 79, I'm still writing songs and singing everywhere I get a chance. I hope you'll listen to my playlist. I sing these songs myself, but have had some co-writers and others to record my songs. My songs are also available on ReverbNation for your enjoyment. Please share with your friends and leave comments.

Free embed music player from ReverbNation.com
Webmaster: Charlie Burgess has been a friend for many years. We first met at The Coffee Tree Books & Brew years ago. Although the Coffee Tree has now closed, much to our sorrow, we try to keep in touch with our "Coffee Tree" family as much as possible. Charlie is an award winning songwriter and supporter of others who also strive to write songs for your entertainment.

Meet Bonnie McGill!!

She's not from Alabama, or even the United States, but I ran across Bonnie McGill on the internet and fell in love with her music and down-home style and sincerity. May I introduce, Bonnie McGill?

She visits her friends and fans on ReverbNation regularly and comments on their music with words of encouragement. Bonnie is a creative writer and entertainer and pulls you in as she sets an inviting scene with "the coffee is hot and your music is playing in Bonnie's cafe this morning." One immediately gets a mental vision of a warm, cozy cafe with people sitting around enjoying the music Bonnie plays for her customers. I asked her if she has a cafe and her reply was, "no, it's just for fun ... an imaginary place ... everyone loves it" and she's right!

Free Electronic Press Kits from ReverbNation.com

Bonnie's Story

I am one of 13 children born and raised in West Lorne, Ontario, Canada, in a three bedroom house. We had little means of entertainment.  So, I would make up bedtime stories to tell my sisters, as five of us younger girls shared one bed (It kept us warm that way.). I always knew I had a gift to write and sing and to tell stories. I decided to start writing things down on paper and saving what I'd write.  I had sung hymns in church every Sunday since I was three years old. My voice would ring out above so many! I would often be called up to sing to the congregation with the accompaniment of a piano.

When I started school, the other kids made fun of me, because I was poor. I loved the song Dolly Parton wrote “Coat of Many Colours” because I had a coat just like that. I walked over a mile to school and home every day.  It was often freezing cold so I would sing the songs I made up to take my mind off the cold.

I have been told by many people that my writing is a gift from God. I believe that is true. I am thankful that God would bless a poor child such as me with such a treasured gift. To date, I have written over 400 songs and continue to write every day. I have published a CD with 18 original songs. I have recorded In Nashville Tennessee and In London, Ontario, Canada

I have published a book in 2009, entitled “Bonnie's Poems”. It has 221 pages of real-life stories and poems about me and different events in my life. I also included 85 original songs written by me. The book is available through alibris.

We still live in the small town of West Lorne Ontario, Canada where I am writing my biography, “Kirschner Is My Name.” Kirschner is my maiden name and I want people to know that a poor girl, with music in her heart, can make it in this world with the help of a loving family, friends, and a loving God!

You  may contact Bonnie at 

Bonnie McGill

124 Graham, Street

West Lorne, Ontario 

Canada N012P0, 

 ReverbNation, Facebook and YouTube.

Drop in for a visit with Bonnie McGill. Listen to her music and watch her videos. I have included a playlist here, but click on all her links and get acquainted with this sweet, warm and talented entertainer. You won't be disappointed.

Singers and Songwriters For St. Jude Huntsville Group One

18th Annual Singers and Songwriters

For St. Jude

September 13, 2014 - 5:00 PM

The Stem and Stein

10871 County Line Rd, Madison, AL 35758

Introducing

Huntsville Group 1: Singers/Songwriters/Entertainers

Ron Brown "Not Quite Traditional"

Ron writes songs in many genres, Americana, Folk, Rock, Jazz, Traditional, Bluegrass, Blues, Country and many others. Ron plays guitar and harmonica. He enjoys discovering unique sounds through different chord voices and progressions.

MaryJustice Lucas

 “A little bit Country, a little bit Pop, but more Indie, written and performed with bittersweet honesty!”

MaryJustice has a passion for songwriting, and entertaining. Whether considered Pop, New Country or Indie, her songs appeal to teens as well as older music lovers. She is serious about her songwriting and performances. A young woman of faith, she considers these God-given gifts and gives all credit to Him.

Amit Chadha “Country, Folk, Rock, Pop”

Amit plays his songs on acoustic guitar in styles that include folk, country, rock, pop and more. Musically, his songs sound like something you could hear on the radio, but a sense of humor and spark really comes through with his unique lyrics.

Earl Watts “Country, Folk, Gospel”

Earl’s tribute to Vietnam Veteran’s, “Ordinary Soldier” is being played around the world. He is a frequent guest at military organizations, patriotic gatherings and veteran’s memorials. Earl is an outstanding instrumentalist.

Robin Stewart  "Indie, Blues"

Robin writes and sings about relationships: the past, the present...and the future. She accompanies her self on piano and is often asked to play and do backup harmonies with other songwriters. Her music has the style and feel of Sara Barrellis  and Carol King.

Alvia Sandberg “Country, Acoustic, Folk, Rock”

"A boy in a man's shoes planted in the South with my heart back on the farm just singin’ a song. If I write or cover a song, it's because the song needs to be heard (wink). I'm addicted to the singer-songwriter performances. There's nothing better than sharing life, love and embarrassing screw-ups in front of a crowd of onlookers and fellow songwriters. It keeps me encouraged to go to work and earn a living so that I can write and sing a little longer.” 

Homegrown Songwriters is loaded with talent! They are active in their music careers performing all over and everywhere they happen to be. They are from all walks of life, college students, business owners, engineers, school teachers, music teachers. All with busy lives, but always ready to donate their talent and time to support community causes and benefits. Send out the appeal for help and they will come. They never fail to deliver a wonderful show. 

There's more comin'

Donate

In person at the event or

Check or money orders:

Made out to St. Jude Children’s Hospital

Mail to PO Box 6756 Huntsville, Al 35813

Singers and Songwriters for St. Jude Saturday, September 13th ~ 5:00 PM

Singers and Songwriters for St. Jude

18th Annual Singers and Songwriters

For St. Jude

September 13, 2014 - 9:30 PM

The Stem and Stein

10871 County Line Rd, Madison, AL 35758

Introducing

The Birmingham Group

Kendra Sutton, "Country to Soul"

Kendra writes from the heart, drawing her songwriting influences from Country to Soul. Kendra is a proud mother of a cancer survivor and lived on a cancer ward at Children’s hospital. She wrote a song about her daughter, Victoria, "Room 444 Victoria's Journey" available to view on YouTube. Kendra’s band Hallelujah Junction won the Battle of the Blues and is representing the State of Alabama in the World International Blues Competition in Memphis, January 2015.

Travis Widner, "Alternative Country"

Travis writes songs in the style of Ryan Adams and The Replacements. His favorite touring bands are Dawes and Water Liars.

Jay Randall, “Americana”

Jay Randall is a performing singer/songwriter in the Birmingham area. Written in the storytelling tradition of Country and Folk Music, Jay’s deeply personal songs are often described as Americana. 

Skip Cochran, “Country/Americana/Folk Rock”

When asked to describe his music, Skip replied, “Music is inside me, and it has been a dandy journey watching it come out. Hope you enjoy my music. May it touch you where you're needing to be touched.” Well, stated, Skip!

Chapman James, “Singer/Songwriter/Folk/Americana”

Chapman has had unique insights into the development of a Folk musician. "A writer is not necessarily the one that shouts 'Hear Me!' (that's the performer talking), but one that listens and seems to whisper 'I heard you'."  Whether it's the sound of a human trotting across the prairie, the epic life of a tree, the loneliness one needs to combat garden gnomes or a view of war through the eyes of a 4 year old boy, Chapman's songs are honest and simple.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This will be a wonderful show supporting a wonderful and worthy cause. So join these talented songwriters for an evening of entertainment and fun. I promise you will not be bored and will come away with a smile on your face. I hope you'll send in your donations if you are unable to attend. All funds go directly to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Del McGee, sponsor and The Stem and Stein pay all the expenses for this benefit. The songwriters donate their time, talent and yes, their money for St. Jude.

Donate

In person at the event or

By

Check or money orders:

Made out to St. Jude Children’s Hospital

Mail to PO Box 6756 Huntsville, Al 35813

Singers and Songwriters for St. Jude

18th Annual Singers and Songwriters

For St. Jude

September 13, 2014 - 8:00 PM

The Stem and Stein

10871 County Line Rd, Madison, AL 35758

Introducing

The Shoals Group

Blaine Cantrell "Country"

Blaine is a singer/songwriter who proudly acknowledges his hometown of Muscle Shoals, Alabama, as “The Original Hit Capitol of the World.” Over the years, he has landed many songs in some of Nashville’s major publishing companies where one of his tunes was put on hold for Hank Williams, Jr. and one on hold for an upcoming movie. Although Blaine writes mostly in the country music genre, he has written Americana, Gospel, Blues and he’s always looking to venture into writing something new.

John Crosslin “Americana and Alternative Country”

John hails from the Muscle Shoals area and has a deep love for many genres of music.  Loving honesty in a well written song, he is more inclined to listen to well-crafted songs that are off the beaten path. John writes songs that will bring tears as well as songs that will have you rolling in the floor with laughter. 

Will Stults "Country/Americana"

Will Stults is a Performing Songwriter from Russellville, Alabama. He has been a featured performer at The Bluebird Café, Jim Parker’s Acoustic Songwriters Showcase, The Shoals Songwriters Showcase and more.

Lori Lovelace-Muse “Country"

Lorie has had a passion for music and songwriting since elementary school. She got serious about her music journey as a young adult and started working on her music and songwriting skills. Lorie says, “My hope is that through my journey I will be able to inspire others to find their own passions and pursue their dreams. We only have one life. We must find our God-given purpose in life while we have the chance and go for it!”

Tim Cannon "Blues/Soul/Country/Acoustic/Songwriter"

Influenced by everyone from rockers Bryan Adams, Bon Jovi and Daughtry. to country artists Rascal Flatts and Shenandoah, Tim Cannon is carrying on the tradition of the soulful hit music recorded in the lazy southern town of Muscle Shoals, AL. "Everyone from The Rolling Stones to Bob Seger to Lynyrd Skynyrd has recorded here in our little town", says Tim. "And I'm just proud to be a part of the legacy of Muscle Shoals with my debut CD, 'Wild Fire'".

There's more comin'

Donate

In person at the event or

Check or money orders:

Made out to St. Jude Children’s Hospital

Mail to PO Box 6756 Huntsville, Al 35813

Singers and Songwriters for St. Jude

18th Annual Singers and Songwriters

For St. Jude

September 13, 2014 - 6:30 PM

The Stem and Stein

10871 County Line Rd, Madison, AL 35758

Introducing

Huntsville Group 2

Cristina Lynn - "Country"

Cristina Lynn is making her mark with a style of modern, uplifting country. Rich emotion is evident in every song, and Cristina uses her voice to paint vibrant pictures of everyday life and shared experiences.

Greg Mitchell - "Country"

With a fresh cut to his credit, Greg is honing his version of country music, which he describes as “not quite Haggard, but not quite Chesney.” Greg has opened for many country music hit writers and Grammy winners with his sometimes soulful, sometimes sinful songs that are sure to get your attention.

Robert Barnes - "Oldies But Goodies/Americana"

Robert writes and sings many genres, but always delivers a terrific performance. He ranges from a blues sound, 60’s 70’s, 80's and Americana, and a little bit country.

Dana Marie Bright - "Indie Pop"

Pianist Dana Bright is fascinated by the power of intimate lyrics and intense chords. She draws on her love for classic ballads, praise music, and heart-felt love songs to capture a few real and raw moments of life with a gentle touch.

Grace Eileen Wood - "Folk/Christian"

Grace Eileen is a terrific guitarist as well as singer and songwriter. Her music focuses primarily on Folk. She has many inspirations and influences for her music and songwriting, with Christ being her biggest influence.

Homegrown Songwriters is loaded with talent! They are active in their music careers performing all over and everywhere they happen to be. They are from all walks of life, college students, business owners, engineers, school teachers, music teachers. All with busy lives, but always ready to donate their talent and time to support community causes and benefits. Send out the appeal for help and they will come. They never fail to deliver a wonderful show. 

There's more comin'

Donate

In person at the event or

Check or money orders:

Made out to St. Jude Children’s Hospital

Mail to PO Box 6756 Huntsville, Al 35813