West Coast Songwriters

Last night, I witnessed another inspiring and incredible night of music with the WCS songwriters.  Hosted by Freight and Salvage in Berkeley WCS showcased the winners of the Chapter Playoffs at the Grand Finals. After a full year of song competitions from up and down the west coast, the 10 finalists from the chapters congregated to perform in front of three top judges and a full house of friends, family, songwriters and more...

So you're asking...did it go off without a hitch?  Well, if you don't count the fact that the Portland winner, Chris Merrill was delayed due to car trouble on the freeway...it was a brilliant evening.  Chris, we're so glad you dragged that car behind you and inched your way into the building just in time to finish up a fabulous evening of entertainment!  

Our esteemed judges for the evening included:  Larry Batiste, Elliot Cahn, and Jim Bruno and I didn't envy them at all...what a decision to make!  Out of the 10 performers 3 had to be chosen to have the incredible opportunity of performing at the WCS Conference in front of a house full of industry leaders.

Dawson and Marie, winners of the Sacramento Playoffs  started off the evening with a beautiful duet "Lions Park".  The harmony was delightful and the full arrangement interesting.

Second up was the talented singer/songwriter Mike Annuzzi, winner of the San Francisco Chapter.  Mike performed his lyrical  "Paradise", Looking deep into your eyes, that's what I call paradise...young love at it's best!

Laura Zucker, the recovering attorney, gave us insight into writing music as you drive your car.  Is that what they mean by "hands free?"!  Laura, winner of the Redwood City Chapter performed a heartfelt song of reflection and travel to San Antonio  Laura is one of the managers of the WCS Martinez Chapter....and does a fabulous job.  Thanks Laura for all you do for WCS.

Cindy Kalmenson, from the Hollywood Chapter, made the long journey from LA to perform her song Alabama Bliss.   Cindy's playful and a bit cheeky manner wooed the audience.   Her guitar work superb and her story telling beautiful.

Tim Myers,from the Saratoga chapter was the first performer to use the grand piano.  Tim recounted a sad but very true description of the life and times of Billie Holiday.  A slow, serene piece for such a tormented life... "When Lady Smiled at Me" brought back the music of the era.

Jimmy James Page followed Tim with a fast paced and thought provoking "Who".  Jimmy..your song has inspired me to get out and do something today as it starts with just one thing, doesn't it?  

Omar Nieto started with a lovely piano solo and then switched to the more comfortable performance of his two song gig "Face Down Again" was his winning song for the Berkeley chapter.  Omar, you have a great road ahead of you...keep it up!

Followiing Chris,  Mike Ehlers, winner of the Sebastopol Chapter Finals, gave a beautiful performance of Stay that was definitely a very personal song and the guitar work, excellent.

Next up was Chris Thompson finalist from the Petaluma Chapter.  Chris performed on his keyboard the winning song of the night.  Mirror Mirror.  A slow, melancholy song with a beautiful piano arrangement.

 Chris Merrill and Eli Johnson, closed the show, literally arriving in the nick of time from Portland, running in through the door, had seconds to unload, set up and do a sound check in front of the audience.  Oh dear...but somehow they pulled it off.  The rock duo, performing The One Thing  were amazing in the fact that they could deal with hours of car trouble, run in the door, set up and perform so well.  You are an inspiration to all of us...true grace under pressure. 

The judges took time to judge a very difficult competition.  So many extremely talented musicians...Congrats to all of you!

In first place:  Chris Thompson for Mirror Mirror

Second Place:  Chris Merrill for "The One Thing"

and tied for third place (a first for WCS!!)  Cindy Kalmenson for Alabama Bliss and Dawson and Marie for Lions Park

It was a fabulous evening with a number of extremely talented musicians and songwriters.  I can't wait to see Chris, Chirs, Cindy and Dawson & Marie at the Conference!  Come to the conference and enjoy them performing at the Sunset Concert in front of a house full of industry leaders, guests, family and friends!   A packed audience...