Photo by Jen McManus

It’s official. The 2nd Round of the WLSC2008 is halfway over. 12 contestants have been chosen to perform in the Finals at Public Assembly on Friday, another step closer to the grand ole $4,000 first place prize. But no, it’s not easy to get there! Last night at the super cozy Rose Live Music on Grand Street the competition was thicker than ever…

Lara Ewen began the night with a heartfelt, soulful performance. Jessi Robertson showcased her vocal and lyrical prominence in a solidly written song. M Lamar grabbed the attention of the entire audience with operatic vocals, dissonant piano chords, and the lyrics “we drink the pussy like it’s the finest champagne.” Michael Patrick Flanagan Smith put on a great, high energy performance, every ounce from the heart. WLSC2007 Finalist Sean Rowe has a simply incredible, deep voice, seemingly coming from a place altogether elsewhere. Justin D’Onofrio shared with us a solidly composed, slow, fragile song. Morgan Grace (coming all the way from Portland, Oregon) performed a damn catchy pop rock song (“he was gonna be my valentine / he was gonna be mine”) on electric guitar. Jarrod Champion sat behind the keys and hammered home an upbeat swaying ballad driven by standout vocals and a memorable chorus. Kelli Rae Powell brought some of the night’s best lyrics (and performance) with a song about wanting to drive and not look back, staying on the road forever.

If a meteor were to have collided with Rose Live last night, local songwriters everywhere would feel the loss of all the great talent. The esteemed judges had their work cut out for them to select three winners: Cedric Lamar brought serious rock/soul to the stage. His powerful voice, energetic performance, and excellent song (breaking down into a second part towards the end featuring the standout lyrics “there’s a red barn in Harlem”) won him a slot at the Semi-Finals. Julz A is a natural performer: equipped with an accordion, rap verses, and melodic choruses, this unique talent comes one step closer to the Finals. Jesse Lee held the stage in his hands from start to finish, plowing through his uniquely penned song with natural presence and incredibly solid vocals.

Which six remaining performers will move on? Come to Matchless tonight (Wednesday, November 19) to find out half the answer, as three more Semi-Final slots will be filled. And if you happen to be a fan of live performances by the most talented independent songwriters around, consider it a date: Wednesday November 19, Bar Matchless in Greenpoint, 8pm. See you there!

Go here to see photos by Jen McManus from Rose Live!

Photo by Jen McManus

The conclusion of Night #3 of the 5th Annual Williamsburg Live Songwriter Competition means that we’re halfway to the Semi-Finals, taking place at Public Assembly on November 21. Nine contestants have been chosen to advance – there are nine more to go!

Sound Fix Lounge is a great venue, the coziest of spots tucked behind a very cool record store. All in attendance had a great time enjoying the music and the beers. And, of course, there was a whole lot of talent to be seen and heard. Joe Moore had the honor of kicking things off with a dark, brooding song driven by deep, heartfelt vocals. Eric Margan performed at the lowest decibel level possible, but remained captivating throughout his soft, solid song. Jon Lall kept the feel of his catchy acoustic rock/soul song alive even after breaking a string two-thirds in. Jonathan Ramirez played a minimalist song written out of the box, highlighted with smart, cutting lyrics. Jay Hammond fingerpicked his electric guitar below a soft, rolling melody and smooth, warm vocals.

Although they did not move on to the Semi-Finals: Casey Shea performed a solid, inherently catchy pop song with characteristic vivacity and charm. Kyle Wilson and his classical guitar captivated the audience with a dreamy, old-time Gershwin-esque love song. Chris Kiehne played a seriously well-written, optimistic ballad with extraordinary grace and power.

And then the winners (pictured)! Richard McGraw couldn’t sit still on his stool, kicked over the stool, demanded the audience sing along with his excellently penned song, and pretty much steamrolled his way into the Semis (one of the best performances I’ve seen from someone sitting down). Carla Ulbrich had everyone in the crowd smiling and laughing, wittily claiming that if she had the copyright for the F-word (which she replaced with a blow on her kazoo) she’d have it made – NYC alone would be enough to sustain her. It seems that Olentangy John Atzberger is unstoppable, or maybe it’s just that the judges and the audience can’t deny he’s one of the best singers, songwriters, and performers in the local NYC scene. Who will give Atzberger – last year’s grand prize winner – a run for the $4,000? Come to Rose Live Music on Grand Street tonight (Tuesday) to find out! Night #4 of the 2nd Round promises to be a great night of live music. See you there!

Click here to see photos from last night at Sound Fix!

Photo by Jen McManus

The conclusion of Night #3 of the 5th Annual Williamsburg Live Songwriter Competition means that we’re halfway to the Semi-Finals, taking place at Public Assembly on November 21. Nine contestants have been chosen to advance – there are nine more to go!

Sound Fix Lounge is a great venue, the coziest of spots tucked behind a very cool record store. All in attendance had a great time enjoying the music and the beers. And, of course, there was a whole lot of talent to be seen and heard. Joe Moore had the honor of kicking things off with a dark, brooding song driven by deep, heartfelt vocals. Eric Margan performed at the lowest decibel level possible, but remained captivating throughout his soft, solid song. Jon Lall kept the feel of his catchy acoustic rock/soul song alive even after breaking a string two-thirds in. Jonathan Ramirez played a minimalist song written out of the box, highlighted with smart, cutting lyrics. Jay Hammond fingerpicked his electric guitar below a soft, rolling melody and smooth, warm vocals.

Although they did not move on to the Semi-Finals: Casey Shea performed a solid, inherently catchy pop song with characteristic vivacity and charm. Kyle Wilson and his classical guitar captivated the audience with a dreamy, old-time Gershwin-esque love song. Chris Kiehne played a seriously well-written, optimistic ballad with extraordinary grace and power.

And then the winners (pictured)! Richard McGraw couldn’t sit still on his stool, kicked over the stool, demanded the audience sing along with his excellently penned song, and pretty much steamrolled his way into the Semis (one of the best performances I’ve seen from someone sitting down). Carla Ulbrich had everyone in the crowd smiling and laughing, wittily claiming that if she had the copyright for the F-word (which she replaced with a blow on her kazoo) she’d have it made – NYC alone would be enough to sustain her. It seems that Olentangy John Atzberger is unstoppable, or maybe it’s just that the judges and the audience can’t deny he’s one of the best singers, songwriters, and performers in the local NYC scene. Who will give Atzberger – last year’s grand prize winner – a run for the $4,000? Come to Rose Live Music on Grand Street tonight (Tuesday) to find out! Night #4 of the 2nd Round promises to be a great night of live music. See you there!

Click here to see photos from last night at Sound Fix!

Photo by Jen McManus

The week long party known as the Williamsburg Live Songwriter Competition continued last night at the Lucky Cat on Grand Street. Although “Sunday” is often synonymous with things like brunch, laundry, football, and early-to-bed, the crowd at the Lucky Cat enjoyed Magic Hat, fashionable songsters, top notch songs, and late-night of excitement as 25 contestants rushed for the gold: $4,000.

The night saw a bunch of talent. Jeff Knowlton kicked things off with a slow, swaying song and soft-sung vocals; Ashy L Bowz became the first performer in WLSC history to accompany himself with a homemade 8.5×11-paper slideshow; Kara Suzanne performed a darn-catchy pop-country tune with great charisma; Elijah Tucker sang and played a soulful song about work and money (or lack thereof). Bill Bartholomew and Josh Weinstein (“she talks about love / all the fucking time”) literally didn’t need a microphone at times for the force and emotion in their powerful voices.

WLSC2007 Finalists Chris Maher and Rich Deans each brought to the stage songs unique to their craft: Chris sang about a dangerous topic – love (“love, it is a theory, it does not really exist”) – in the refreshing mix of intelligence, wit, and straight up catchy fun that he’s known for. Rich shared a heartbreaking song about a troubled woman who fails to find happiness.

With only a ukulele and a harmonica, Brook Pridemore owned the crowd. A great lyricist and performer, Brook’s “A Palm Tree on the Beach at Coney Island” featured full-hearted instrumentation and gripping, memorable lyrics: “and if you ride the whole way back, facing westward, the sun will burn an imprint on your eyes / the way I felt this morning is a far cry from the way I feel right now, on my ride home / I saw a tree’s metallic shield, I saw old mysteries revealed / and I am never going back down there alone”

And of course, last, but in no way least, are the three talented songsters who will advance to the Semi-Finals at Public Assembly on Friday, November 21. Alexa Woodward and her banjo unveiled a witty, heartfelt tale about (another dangerous topic) New York City. The song was described as a “community sing along” (and the crowd did end up singing along to the catchy melody) and centered around the line “a garden grows in the city” which in itself garners a hundred intriguing thoughts. No one would claim, even though she lost her voice, that Annachristie Sadler is not a top notch vocalist. She performed with vivacity and emotion, gripping the crowd from start to finish. Chuck Costa performed last (similar to Saturday night’s winner, Matthew Dorrien) but came up first. Chuck has a soft, tender voice, and together with introspective lyrics – “I know someday the world will end / I don’t think that has to be a bad thing” – his soothing song put the audience and judges at ease for four and a half minutes.

Guess what? We’re not done! This evening (Monday), at Sound Fix Lounge on N11 and Bedford Ave, the mayhem continues. Show starts at 8:00p. See you there!

Photo by Jen McManus

The week long party known as the Williamsburg Live Songwriter Competition continued last night at the Lucky Cat on Grand Street. Although “Sunday” is often synonymous with things like brunch, laundry, football, and early-to-bed, the crowd at the Lucky Cat enjoyed Magic Hat, fashionable songsters, top notch songs, and late-night of excitement as 25 contestants rushed for the gold: $4,000.

The night saw a bunch of talent. Jeff Knowlton kicked things off with a slow, swaying song and soft-sung vocals; Ashy L Bowz became the first performer in WLSC history to accompany himself with a homemade 8.5×11-paper slideshow; Kara Suzanne performed a darn-catchy pop-country tune with great charisma; Elijah Tucker sang and played a soulful song about work and money (or lack thereof). Bill Bartholomew and Josh Weinstein (“she talks about love / all the fucking time”) literally didn’t need a microphone at times for the force and emotion in their powerful voices.

WLSC2007 Finalists Chris Maher and Rich Deans each brought to the stage songs unique to their craft: Chris sang about a dangerous topic – love (“love, it is a theory, it does not really exist”) – in the refreshing mix of intelligence, wit, and straight up catchy fun that he’s known for. Rich shared a heartbreaking song about a troubled woman who fails to find happiness.

With only a ukulele and a harmonica, Brook Pridemore owned the crowd. A great lyricist and performer, Brook’s “A Palm Tree on the Beach at Coney Island” featured full-hearted instrumentation and gripping, memorable lyrics: “and if you ride the whole way back, facing westward, the sun will burn an imprint on your eyes / the way I felt this morning is a far cry from the way I feel right now, on my ride home / I saw a tree’s metallic shield, I saw old mysteries revealed / and I am never going back down there alone”

And of course, last, but in no way least, are the three talented songsters who will advance to the Semi-Finals at Public Assembly on Friday, November 21. Alexa Woodward and her banjo unveiled a witty, heartfelt tale about (another dangerous topic) New York City. The song was described as a “community sing along” (and the crowd did end up singing along to the catchy melody) and centered around the line “a garden grows in the city” which in itself garners a hundred intriguing thoughts. No one would claim, even though she lost her voice, that Annachristie Sadler is not a top notch vocalist. She performed with vivacity and emotion, gripping the crowd from start to finish. Chuck Costa performed last (similar to Saturday night’s winner, Matthew Dorrien) but came up first. Chuck has a soft, tender voice, and together with introspective lyrics – “I know someday the world will end / I don’t think that has to be a bad thing” – his soothing song put the audience and judges at ease for four and a half minutes.

Guess what? We’re not done! This evening (Monday), at Sound Fix Lounge on N11 and Bedford Ave, the mayhem continues. Show starts at 8:00p. See you there!

Photo by Jen McManus

And they’re off! Last night at Bar Matchless, 25 contestants in the 5th Annual Williamsburg Live Songwriter Competition played their hearts out to a completely full house. Claustrophobia aside, the night was filled with talent, enthusiasm, good will, and empty bottles of Magic Hat.

Although there were only three winners selected to advance to the Semi-Finals on November 21 at Public Assembly, every single performer had something unique to share, and most assuredly played from the heart.

Laura Meyer showcased her warm, sweet and soft voice, a standout guitar part, and strong lyrics. Adam Ghory got the most laughs from the crowd, with witty lines about attack dogs that looked friendly, so he rode them like horses, and “You’ve got a passion for picking up trash and giving it a new home, that’s why your place is a dump.” Sean Morris performed the only pop-punk song of the evening, and did so with notable emotion and energy – fast, fun, and seriously catchy. Robin Aigner performed one of the evening’s best songs, about traveling with a companion and enjoying the simple pleasures of the wandering road: “We took a wrong turn, then we took another wrong turn… Going much slower than the limit allows, pointing and shouting looking at cows.”

There were many highly skilled vocalists present, including Adam Blessing, Leonardo DiSanto, Jo Williamson, Matt Jones, Angela Ortiz, Stanley Wu (who performed a capella with only a tambourine) and perhaps most notably, David Goldman, whose soulful, soaring vocals enticed many an ear.

And last, but obviously not least, were the three talented/lucky songsters of the evening (pictured) who have moved one step closer to a chance at winning $4,000. Becca Stevens’ dreamy song (“In the Midst”) and captivating melody revolved around one of the more unique guitar parts and arrangements of the evening. Elias Orling used his vocals, stage presence and strong lyrics to take his powerful, minimally structured “Sea of Indians” to the next round. And finally, Matthew Dorrien performed “You Can Kiss Me,” a seriously sweet song with simple, tender lyrics, the chorus of which is still in my head this morning.

Congratulations to all the performers for a job well done! We’ll see you tonight at the Lucky Cat for much more!

Photo by Jen McManus

And they’re off! Last night at Bar Matchless, 25 contestants in the 5th Annual Williamsburg Live Songwriter Competition played their hearts out to a completely full house. Claustrophobia aside, the night was filled with talent, enthusiasm, good will, and empty bottles of Magic Hat.

Although there were only three winners selected to advance to the Semi-Finals on November 21 at Public Assembly, every single performer had something unique to share, and most assuredly played from the heart.

Laura Meyer showcased her warm, sweet and soft voice, a standout guitar part, and strong lyrics. Adam Ghory got the most laughs from the crowd, with witty lines about attack dogs that looked friendly, so he rode them like horses, and “You’ve got a passion for picking up trash and giving it a new home, that’s why your place is a dump.” Sean Morris performed the only pop-punk song of the evening, and did so with notable emotion and energy – fast, fun, and seriously catchy. Robin Aigner performed one of the evening’s best songs, about traveling with a companion and enjoying the simple pleasures of the wandering road: “We took a wrong turn, then we took another wrong turn… Going much slower than the limit allows, pointing and shouting looking at cows.”

There were many highly skilled vocalists present, including Adam Blessing, Leonardo DiSanto, Jo Williamson, Matt Jones, Angela Ortiz, Stanley Wu (who performed a capella with only a tambourine) and perhaps most notably, David Goldman, whose soulful, soaring vocals enticed many an ear.

And last, but obviously not least, were the three talented/lucky songsters of the evening (pictured) who have moved one step closer to a chance at winning $4,000. Becca Stevens’ dreamy song (“In the Midst”) and captivating melody revolved around one of the more unique guitar parts and arrangements of the evening. Elias Orling used his vocals, stage presence and strong lyrics to take his powerful, minimally structured “Sea of Indians” to the next round. And finally, Matthew Dorrien performed “You Can Kiss Me,” a seriously sweet song with simple, tender lyrics, the chorus of which is still in my head this morning.

Congratulations to all the performers for a job well done! We’ll see you tonight at the Lucky Cat for much more!