Songwriters: The Next Generation
The ASCAP Foundation partners with The Kennedy Center to present young songwriters and composers discussing and performing their songs
As part of a new ASCAP Foundation program, “Songwriters: The Next Generation,” the work of four emerging songwriters and composers will be showcased on the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage on Thursday, January 28 and Friday, January 29.
Each evening's hour-long program, designed to spotlight the talent of young songwriters and composers, will be hosted by Jesse Winchester, an ASCAP member singer/songwriter whose four decade recording career has given us classic songs – "Yankee Lady," "Biloxi," "Payday" and "The Brand New Tennessee Waltz," among them.
“Songwriters: The Next Generation,” was conceived by jazz pianist, educator, composer and ASCAP Foundation Board member Dr. Billy Taylor. Dr. Taylor stressed the importance of showcasing the talent of contemporary composers who are also performers. “We want to show the audience that young people can be accomplished music creators,” he said, “as well as musicians and singers.” To that end, following the performances, BJ Leiderman will engage the performers in a conversation focusing on the craft of songwriting and their personal creative process.
Songwriters: The Next Generation. A program of emerging songwriters and composers performing and discussing their own songs. Presented by The ASCAP Foundation and made possible by the Bart Howard Estate is part of a series whereby The Kennedy Center stages a free performance, open to the public every day of the year. The performances and Q&A will take place from 6-7 pm each evening and will be webcast and archived for viewing at the The Kennedy Center Millennium Stage website.
A Southerner by birth, Jesse Winchester lived in Canada for many years, but is now a resident of Virginia. Over the years, his songs have been recorded by Joan Baez, Wynnona Judd, Elvis Costello, Reba McEntire, Jimmy Buffett, Tom Rush, Michael Martin Murphey and the Everly Brothers. In 2007, he was honored with the ASCAP Foundation Life-in-Music Award at an all-star tribute in Memphis, Tennessee. Last year, he released a new and critically acclaimed CD called Love Filling Station.
Thursday, January 28th
The Danny Rivera Electric 5 – Baritone saxophonist and composer Danny Rivera is a Masters Degree candidate at Manhattan School of Music. Under the instruction of saxophonist Joe Temperly, Danny performs all over New York City. In 2008, Danny was commissioned by percussionist and drummer, Bobby Sanabria, to transcribe two masterworks made famous by Machito and his Afro Cubans. The recording, Kenya Revisited: 50th Anniversary Concert, was nominated for a 2009 Latin Grammy.
Nick Howard – A singer/songwriter from England who is now a firmed rooted performer in the New York City music scene. Nick’s 2008 independently released album, Something to Talk About, was the follow-up LP to his freshman offering in 2006, Contradicted. His music has appeared on the soundtracks of popular television programs and films including The Hills (MTV), Mental (Fox) and Army Wives (Lifetime).
Friday, January 29
The Linda Oh Trio – Composer, double bassist and electric bassist, Linda Oh completed her Masters Degree at Manhattan School of Music in 2008 and now teaches in the pre-college division there and conducts jazz videoconference master classes for high schools around the country. Linda just released her debut trio album Entry with Obed Calvaire and Ambrose Akinmusire which was named one of Vijay Iyer’s top ten albums of 2009.
Devon Sproule – A singer/songwriter from Charlottesville, VA, her newest collection of songs, Don’t Hurry for Heaven, was produced by her musician/songwriter husband, Paul Curreri, and given four stars by Mojo and Uncut Magazine. Her previous effort, 2007’s Keep Your Silver Shined, featured singing from Virginia-native, Mary Chapin Carpenter. Devon’s breakout record, Upstate Songs, was included in Rolling Stone’s Critics Top Albums of 2003.
