Thin Blue Line

Randy Duck is a retired police officer in Huntsville, Alabama. He is also a great singer and songwriter. He's also an Elvis Impersonator! Can't get him to do it frequently, but when he does it is entertainment ... embellished costume, black wig, the whole works!

Randy is very active in getting funding and promoting The Huntsville Police Fallen Officers Memorial. He does many benefit concerts to honor our men and women in uniform, Military, Police, Firefighters, EMTs. Needless to say, Randy can fill the seats in any venue. We look forward to his shows on Memorial Day, Veterans Day and those he can squeeze in at other times. He is also busy performing at nursing homes and places for senior citizens. Randy is a true man of God and has not had an easy walk in his own shoes but never forgets his friends who are hurting or in need. That's just the kind of guy he is.

I know you will enjoy this video. It makes me swell with pride and invokes bittersweet memories of the fallen heroes dear to me. Help spread the word to promote this song and spread the word about the memorial. Proceeds from the original release of Randy's album, "A Thin Blue Line" went to the memorial fund. You may click the link above to the Fallen Officers Memorial and make a donation at the website.

Come Meet MaryJustice Lucas!

MaryJustice Lucas

 "Music is what I love! I started writing little songs when I was five and more detailed lyrics by age seven. Believe it or not, I was a dancer for seven years. Something I loved very much.  Long story short ... when I was younger, I was knocked down at a skating rink and injured my knee. I wasn't able to dance like I used to. Down the street from the dance studio was the Coffee Tree Books & Brew and I happened to drop in one songwriter's night. It's so true that God opens another door when one closes. I started singing at the Coffee Tree Books & Brew Songwriter Open Mic. At first, I was shy about sharing my songs, but a songwriter friend encouraged me by saying God gave me the gift to write music and I should share that gift. I joined a songwriting group and  met some great people who have been very encouraging!"

"My favorite part of a song is its lyrics.  Sometimes people say “Oh, I love this song!” and when I ask 'What’s it about?' they will sometimes say they don’t know, that they don’t listen to the words.  If you are someone who does that, it’s perfectly all right, but 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 love drawing, painting, photography, reading and the performing arts.The past couple of years have been like a whirlwind with competition wins, lots of traveling, learning guitar and leaving public school for a college preparatory home school program! Although I have a flexible schedule that allows for songwriting, performances and trips, it gets very hectic.  My faith and love of Jesus, my friends and family keep me going and give me inspiration for my songs." 

Whether Pop or New Country, MaryJustice's songs appeal to teens as well as older music lovers.

MaryJustice Lucas is performing with fellow songwriters, Chapman James and John Tinger at the Madison Gazebo, Main Street, Madison, Alabama, Thursday, July 7th at 6:30pm.  

Come Meet John Tinger!

John Tinger

 

Some of life's most powerful interests and avenues of expression begin at an early age. My desire to play the guitar started at the tender age of eight. A neighbor first introduced me to the wonders of this marvelous instrument. My interest was immediately sparked as I watched her play. I was hooked! I knew that music would play a major role in my life. The first guitar I held was a modestly priced instrument, (red, white and blue!), of questionable quality. 

Formal instruction was essential and with tremendous motivation and dedication, I made rapid progress in my studies. By the time I had reached early adulthood, my talents were such that I was able to enter into collaboration with like-minded musicians, eventually leading to the creation of a band focusing on cutting-edge experimental rock and heavy metal. After many well-received live engagements and promising recording sessions, my disillusionment with the commercial music scene began to grow, eventually leading to my putting aside my beloved instrument for nine years.

As I grew personally, exploring other methods of artistic expression,  my music career came into perspective. I realized just how important music was to me. It was becoming more apparent with each passing year that the genuine expression of my musical soul might best be articulated in acoustic styles rather than the more provocative and energetic electric medium of my earlier years. Finger-style artists such as Alex Degrassi (with whom I have studied) and Michael Hedges spoke to me in ways that other guitar virtuosos had not. It was their commanding influence that brought me back to music, this time focusing exclusively on the acoustic medium.

Once again I was dedicated to music with a passion I had never before experienced ... as though a higher power was guiding me to a deeper, more spiritual involvement with this medium, resulting in a satisfaction and fulfillment unmatched in my younger days. I hope that, in some way, I can reach and inspire others to similar interest and expression. Ultimately, arousing and nurturing such interest in others is undeniably even more fulfilling. This would explain my compelling desire to instruct others willing to study music and the guitar, a pursuit that has harnessed my wholehearted commitment.

John Tinger is performing with fellow songwriters, MaryJustice Lucas and Chapman James at the Madison Gazebo, Main Street, Madison, Alabama, Thursday, July 7th at 6:30pm. 

Come Meet Chapman James!

Chapman James

 

 

Born James Chapman Polhemus in Stuttgart Germany and brought up nicknamed 'Buddy' in the deep southeast (now residing in Huntsville, AL), 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. "If the song is good, the genre doesn't matter! Choosing among frames for artwork has never been my passion, that's for the talented producers & cover artists" "After having written my first song at the age of 12, I have finally found so many decades later the exact reasons I write songs. I write to remember. Once I have learned either a complex idea that I think is important to answer back to life, or a humorous perspective I want to recall to bring some levity to the insanity, I make a song out of it... selfish as it may seem I do it for me so this is why I share it and welcome everyone to the therapy session I call a 'Live Performance'. I write so the things I've learned just won't become lost like so many raindrops in the ocean and just maybe they'll shed a little light on what is to be expected from this seemingly insignificant species called human"...

Chapman James is conducting a "Therapy Session" with fellow songwriters, MaryJustice Lucas and John Tinger at the Madison Gazebo, Main Street, Madison, Alabama, Thursday, July 7th at 6:30pm.

Thank You For Supporting Our 1st Tornado Relief Concert!

See our spot on WAAY-TV Channel 31
 Songwriters For Survivors on Channel 31 Huntsville!
Just a few photos of our songwriters getting set up for the event, working, etc. Each one payed to perform, worked and we all had a great time! What a wonderful family!













 Christian Songwriter, Karen Newsum "I Am Water" worked the "gate" until time to sing and then went right back to the "gate"!













 Songwriter Tom Pepper, (Treasurer) was our sound engineer. I don't think he left that spot all day long!

 

Songwriter Susan Belk, our Concessionaire Extraordinaire!

 

Songwriter Beth McClellan,  set-up, sold T-shirts, sang, was all over the place doing what needed to be done!

 

Songwriter Roger Hoselton, our Project Manager was an awesome Master of Ceremonies

 

 Songwriters, Brandon, Jen and Ken, Earl and Polly

Tennessee Valley and surrounding area songwriters are wonderful  people always ready to lend a helping hand! They all paid for the privilege to entertain, went out and solicited sponsors and worked in the hot sun all day for this event!

Thank you to the Railroad Bazaar for letting us use their space and for providing the stage, equipment and sound system! Thank you to ALL our sponsors:

 

 

This is an ongoing event! Please go to Songwriters4Survivors and make a secure donation through PayPal or go to any Superior Bank location. Thank You!

Songwriters 4 Survivors - June 25th - Noon - 8:00 PM Come Help Us Help Our Neighbors

Our charity will directly benefit the United Way of Limestone County, Alabama. The United Way will use the funds to purchase lumber and materials, at cost, for rebuilding homes destroyed or damaged by the April 27th tornadoes. The building supplies will be donated to those homeowners who were uninsured or have received inadequate FEMA funding or inadequate insurance payment. 

The Amish Community of Lawrenceburg, Tennessee,   have, once again,  come forward and volunteered their time, workmanship and love of giving for LABOR, FREE OF CHARGE, to rebuild and/or repair these homes.

 

Andrew & MaryJustice

ANDREW VELEZ

&

MaryJustice Lucas

Friday, June 24th
7:00 – 9:00 PM

Coffee Tree Books & Brew

7900 Bailey Cove RD, SE

Huntsville, AL 35802

(256) 880-6121

Tornado Relief - Fam Jam 2011 Engall's Harbor - Decatur, AL

On April 27, 2011, tornadoes ripped through large areas of Alabama leaving large paths of destruction and people without homes in Northern Alabama and the Tennessee Valley. Neighbors have joined hands to raise money to benefit those left homeless or with extensive damage to their homes. Many were uninsured. Would you come and join us to help raise money for this worthy cause?

The Family Jam 2011 promises to be a fun-filled week-end. It is being held in conjunction with the Bassmaster Elite Series which is wrapping up its 2011 season on Wheeler Lake with its Dixie Duel competition June 16^th-19^th. The Family Jam Music Fest offers two days of ongoing live entertainment, children’s activities and games, and topped off with a spectacular fireworks show. 

There is no charge for this event, but donations will be accepted throughout the week-end. MaryJustice will be joined by songwriter friends, Matt Morrow and Andrew Velez on Sunday, June 19 from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.

Songwriters 4 Survivors

Our charity will directly benefit the United Way of Limestone County, Alabama. The United Way will use the funds to purchase lumber and materials, at cost, for rebuilding homes destroyed or damaged by the April 27th tornadoes. The building supplies will be donated to those homeowners who were uninsured or have received inadequate FEMA funding or inadequate insurance payment. 

The Amish Community of Lawrenceburg, Tennessee,   have, once again,  come forward and volunteered their time, workmanship and love of giving for LABOR, FREE OF CHARGE, to rebuild and/or repair these homes.

You can help!

Do you like to sing? Maybe you have a choral group or a band ... we are producing a benefit concert on Saturday, June 25th at Railroad Bazaar in Athens, Alabama. General admission is $5.00. All performers will "Pay 2 Play" with a $25.00 donation per song, per artist, with all proceeds going to the United Way of Limestone County. Performers of all ages who wish to donate their time, talent and just a little money, to help our neighbors. Registration will be due by the 18th of June. Registration information is available at www.songwriters4survivors.org.

Bring your Karaoke CD's, musical instruments, bands!!!

Donations may also be made at 
ANY Superior Bank location throughout the country! 

Come on ... Lots of Family Fun ... Lots of Talent

Saturday, June 25th

Noon - Until

 Railroad Bazaar

1207 Eidson St
Athens, AL 35611
(256) 232-5800

Coming Attraction!!!

Songwriter's Round - Guntersville, Alabama

Lakeside Summer Concert Series sponsored by the Mountain Valley Arts Council, Guntersville, Alabama presents:

Tuesday, May 31, 2011 - 6:00 PM

Pavilion at the Civitan Park

MaryJustice Lucas

MaryJustice Lucas is a 16 year old performing songwriter from Huntsville. Her passion for writing and singing began at age five. Whether Pop or New Country, her songs appeal to teens and older music lovers. MaryJustice is a multiple award winner of local, regional and international songwriter and singing competitions. She plays regularly in local venues and in Nashville. She is a member of NSAI, TGCMA and Nashville Spotlight. MaryJustice is a member of Willowbrook Baptist Church. She is an honor roll student enrolled in the College Preparatory Program at Ashworth High School under the cover of The Way Home Christian School. Website www.maryjusticelucas.com

Matt Morrow

Matt Morrow is a singer-songwriter from Guntersville who writes acoustic folk music in the vein of Bruce Springsteen, Neil Young, and Ryan Adams. Matt frequently writes from the perspectives of other people, his songs sometimes sounding like short stories. "I like to write songs that tell the stories of people who you wouldn't expect to have stories to tell," he says. His album, Burlap and Gold, which contains songs inspired by the lives of people from Guntersville, will be released this spring. Matt plays acoustic guitar, banjo, piano, harmonica, and other instruments on the record, which also will feature vocals by MaryJustice Lucas, violin by Celtic recording artist Tom Morley, and drums by Guntersville's own John Harvey. Matt is a multiple MOVA Songwriter's Competition winner, and has played concerts all around the country.

Liz Riehl

Liz Riehl is a singer/songwriter from Guntersville, Alabama. She began her writing and recording career in the early 1990's and continues to do so today. Most of her tunes have been labeled "Country Folk with an Edge" by those that know her in the Nashville Music Community. Liz has performed at most venues in the northern Alabama area ... Panoply, Big Springs Jam, Boaz Harvest Festival, Lakeside Summer Concerts in Guntersville, Albertville Freedom Festival, and Gadsden Riverfest, just to name a few. Her performance is a combination of original tunes mixed some oldies but goldies!

April 27, 2011 Tornado Relief Benefit

Songwriters for Survivors (click link) is a Tennessee Valley collaborative of musicians organizing a benefit concert series throughout 2011, to raise funds to help meet the immediate needs of the citizens of North Alabama who were devastated by the April 27, 2011 tornadoes. 

All songwriters, music lovers, talented kids and generous hearts reserve this time on your calendars!

June 25, 2011 1:00 PM until TBD

Railroad Bazaar

1207 Eidson St
Athens, AL 35611

Admission: $5.00

This will be a fun-filled event with outstanding talent from "Homegrown Songwriters From Our Sweet Home Alabama". 

**Includes Kids Showcase**

Just a "heads up" so watch this space!!  More details to follow!
(Questions posted in comment box will be answered.)

Alabama Songwriters Festival

Entry Form, Rules and Regulations available at:

http://www.mountainvalleyartscouncil.com/ALABAMA-SONGWRITERS-FESTIVAL.html

Friday ~ March 4 ~ 7:00pm

Coffee Tree Books & Brew

7900 Bailey Cove Road

Huntsville, Alabama 35802