West Coast Songwriters

 WCS has a new Petaluma Chapter Manager...but he is not new to WCS  as you will see below!  Thank you Mark for your wonderful support of  WCS and for taking on the Manager position! 

Hello
"If you can't beat em, join em."
It was just over a year ago that I had found West Coast Songwriters. I had heard about a song writing group years ago and had gone to the Sweetwater in Mill Valley to sign up but didn't. Because at that time I didn't have the $35. 

Back to 2011, my first contest/competition April in Petaluma. I was scared. I didn't know the rules, the etiquette. What to do,or how to behave, this from a 57 year old man. I was very unsure of my songs, I had only played for friends and family in the last 25 years, a motorcycle accident in Dec of 89 had changed my playing habits.

The night was a blur of talent, great songs and solid performances. I was out of my league. My turn came. I made it thru the whole song. When I got my critique from the judge I was pleased with his kind word. He gave me an honest and helpful review. Big mistake Steve. You do not want to encourage me. I went to quite a few competitions in 2011, made lot's of friends them went to the conference and helped set up tents and DJ for some song screenings, also made more friends.

Then I decided that my goal for 2012 was to write a song that would win me a competition. Also go to all the venues that WCS has. You have to have goals,
This year has  been memorable. I have lost track to how many gigs I have been to. Close to a hundred now. I haven't made Hollywood or Portland yet...... I'll get there.
I surpassed my goal of a win by pulling down three best song of the month, at San Rafael, Stockton, and Napa. I have two best performance of the month. Martinez,
And Saratoga, and I also have a really nice video from Palo Alto. I won recording time in San Rafael and used it!

Now its time for me to give back to this great community. Bobby Jo kept it alive, but now it's my job to keep it going. I will be hosting the Petaluma chapter PLAYOFFS Wed July 18 at Aqus and look forward to seeing you there!

Come see a Great Show and cheer on the following contenders for PETALUMA BEST SONG 2012.

Jay Gottlieb   Jay is special. He might be the oldest, records were lost in the great flood and his age is unknown. He will be doing a song called "Wyatt"
Rumor has it he knew the man. You should come and make up your own mind.

Chris Hanlin   Plays awesome guitar and vocals that send chills up your spine. (In a good way) sweet notes and a Powerful performer and soon to be a father.

Amy Hogan Uke playing, toe tapping, get up and sing girl. She will get you up and dancing with her songs. I saw her with Bobby Jo at the Mystic. Fun time , don't miss a chance to see Amy do her thing.

Jim Brumm Writer singer, player, knows his way around a fret board, a storyteller, mesmerizing. Jim will be taking us on the carnival ride of our lives. Strap in and hang on to every word

Emily Rose  one of our newest members, Emily moved back to California and is making he presence known, I can't wait to hear more of this lady. She has a guitar that shines like the sun and a voice that will rock your soul. Welcome to the family Emily.

Jim Thompson  Jim had to miss the San Rafael playoff because of a new job. I am hoping he can make it to Petaluma, Jim has a few wins at different venues and is a true Singer / songwriter, Hearing one of Jim songs will transform you. Hearing two will be more joy than you can handle in one evening.

Come hear the music. Sign in at 6;30, order of performance drawing at 6:45 and show starts at 7:00 pm.  This is a peer judged event, All active WSC members are eligible to vote. Come listen and VOTE!

Come hear Great award winning music at Aqus Cafe in Petaluma - Wednesday July 18 7:00 pm

Great Songs, good people, a fun time.
Come out and hear Original Music


Mark Rafferty    E=MC2