There’s a rain comin’!!! It’s the title of a song written by my friend Chuck Johnson and it comes to mind every time something big is on the horizon. Not something wet or even damp – but something extraordinary, something inspirational that’s going to set the tone for some time to come. One of those moments is going to happen at the NC Music Factory - Saloon Bar this Saturday night. Featuring 15 local singer-songwriters performing a 3 song mini-set each, those lucky enough to attend this show will see some of the best artistic talent available in the Queen city – all on one stage!
The 2012 Charlotte Music Awards Singer/Songwriter Showcase will be held on Saturday, Feb 25th beginning at 7PM at the NC Music Factory--The Saloon.
The winner, in addition to being named CMA Singer/Songwriter Of The Year and performing at the Red Carpet Affair in December, will also receive a ONE YEAR Active Membership to Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI). NSAI is the world’s largest not-for-profit songwriters’ trade association, with a membership of more than 5,000 active members spanning the United States and six other countries. NSAI is dedicated to protecting the rights of and serving aspiring and professional songwriters in all genres of music.
Tickets for this event are $8 in advance and $10 at the door. Tickets can be purchased in advance directly from the artists or online by clicking HERE. The event also features hundreds of dollars in door prizes.
The exceedingly talented artists participating in this wonderful night of music are:
Jeff Luckadoo- Local Country singer-songwriter, Jeff Luckadoo brings an Americana style of poetry to the stage in diverse forms. From ballads to redneck swing to funny stories, he brings his music from the heart and presents it to the audience as a gift free of strings.
Matthew Alexander - With 5 albums to his credit one thing is clear – Matt is a reflective thinker, a family man, an intellectual, and a person who enjoys life. His country rock fuzed songwriting style reflects each of the attributes that make up the man. He’s been playing the guitar since he was 8 and began writing songs when he was 15. From those beginnings his songs have been published by Warner Brothers Music, Beechwood-Capital and Four Star Music, among others.
MOs Art- Maurice Lee Brines – Mos Art is a quartet made up of Ken Barryon harp and mandolin, along with a multitude of MIDI instruments; Dennis (Surf) Plyler on guitar; Wes Teeter on percussions and drums; and Mo Brines on acoustic/electric/cigar box guitars and vocals. Rock infuzed blues, or blues infuzed rock – judge for yourself!
Amy Broome- Amy is a Charlotte native who is a forceful and energetic acoustic player who also loves to plug in! Her originals span the gamut from rock to blues to spanish flava to folk with a touch of country.
Sy Arden- A unique singer-songwriter, Sy brings along her electric guitar and can at once make you feel all warm and fuzzy or rock you so hard you’ll feel like you just got your butt kicked! A cuddly little kitten or the hungry pit bull – which Sy will come out in the next song? You really have to witness this emotive performer live!
Chuck Johnson/ "The Charlyhorse" – “There’s a Rain Comin’” - Americana in its roots, blues in it soul, the music of Charlyhorse Johnson will inspire and entertain you. Chuck is one performer who wants to know you, as well as let you know him. Be sure to say hey to him Saturday night!
Jeff Gates– Out of Gafney, SC Jeff Gates life is his family, his faith and his music. With a raspy voice suited for his rock, blues, soul style of play, Jeff brings a multi-instrumentalist capability and real life experiences in his songwriting.. As Jeff says,”these songs are written from my heart, I've worked hard on them and no matter how cheezy some of it may seem I mean every word.” That’s about all anyone can ask!
Corey Hunt - Corey received the producer’s choice award at the Charlotte Music Awards in December in recognition of his exceptional talent as demonstrated at the Country Music showcase last May. Fans are drawn to Corey’s vocal abilities which are difficult to rival. His unique sound, paired with upbeat, original country music is packed with a lot of soul. Not only is he turning heads on the stage with that soulful tone, but his exceptional songwriting abilities have proven extraordinary.
Kristi Ormand- StellaRising lead singer Kristi Ormand – her bio indicates an interest in music at an early age. Says that everywhere, but her passion is what you witness when she’s on stage. Rock with subtle pop influences rise from her songwriting – raw emotions emerge from her soul while she delivers her tune.
Sevin Becker- Song of the Year award winner Sevin Becker. Like most people, I’d never heard of Sevin prior to the people choosing her song "April's Whitenoise" as song of the year in 2011. Saturday night will be your opportunity to hear this talented young lady perform live!
Flesh & Stone - Danny K, April & Drew - Formed in the summer of 2010, Flesh & Stone is an indie project aimed at creating complex soundscapes and driving instrumentation. All members contribute equally to the songwriting process, resulting in songs rich in texture that captivate the novice music explorer as well as the seasoned musician. Danny K come out to the February Tosco House Party and blew the audience away!
Sara Scott- A lovely 20-something singer-songwriter from right here in Charlotte, Sarah has primarily been involved in Christian or spiritual music to date. Her 2009 CD "The Way Of Things" met critical local success within the religious music genre and resulted in a solid fan base. You may have heard her on the Gospel Music Channel, at a Charlotte Checkers game, or seen her perform at a local venue - she's performed at the Evening Muse with the Tosco House Party on several occasions. Sarah’s song “Leavin’ Nashville” was named the CMA Song of the Year in 2011 and her song “Lines” received an honorable mention at the 11th annual CMT/NSAI songwriting contest.
Matt Tucker - Born in Rock Hill, SC. Matt Tucker was raised on country music. As he got older he ventured to listen to other genres, but he always came right back to country. He's always loved to sing, but about 2 years ago he decided to get serious with it so he learned how to play the guitar. When the unassuming guy in the cowboy hat starts to sing, heads start to turn. For good reason too as his rich voice is very well suited to his country genre. Toes start to tap and feet begin to move shortly thereafter and the rest will be history.
Rusty Knox- Rusty's freshman CD, "Reason Why", was more than a mere introduction to the music world. Janet Goodman's review in Music News Nashville says: "With a straightforward everyman's voice, Rusty brings lyrics that are down and dirty honest, from a reservoir of lifetime tales". Seeing the band live, gives everyone something to go away with, a picture of our lives, put to music that hits dead center.
Marie Reid- Marie was named the 2010 CMA Folk Singer of the Year award winner and returns to the singer-songwriter showcase to share her eclectic collection of beautiful songs. Powerful, dynamic range, melodic, inspirational, soulful – all adjectives that reflect the voice that belongs to Marie Reid. Tonight Marie will be featuring songs written by her longtime friend and collaborator - songwriter & musician Douglas Barnhill. Doug will be on guitar along with Brian Doell on bass.
This is going to be a night of music that no one will want to miss!!
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