Description

In this complementary event, Bower Center for the arts welcomes the Southwest Virginia Songwriters Association. The SVSA is an organization that promotes songwriting activities in Southwest Virginia and recently celebrated its fortieth year in December 2021. A songwriters showcase includes 4-6 performers swapping songs in an "in the round" atmosphere. This event will have no admission fees, though we do recommend advanced registration.

Performer’s Bios:

Based in the Shenandoah Valley, vocalist and songwriter Barbara Martin’s work solidly reflects the greats of traditional jazz, never forgets the blues, but relates to the world today. Her skillful song crafting and solid guitar chops set her apart. Over a 20-year career Barbara has produced nine recordings, impressing critics with her originality and the vocal stylings to put her songs across: “...slice of life songs that ring with truth, wit and experience.” The Washington Post. “A songwriter with an unexpected gift for sultry melody and a singer with a penchant for smoldering seduction.” Geoffrey Himes, Howard County Sun, Baltimore. Barbara’s songs have been placed in national TV programs and documentaries.

Chicago area native Bob Schmucker plays his own unique blend of Chicago and Texas-flavored Folk and Americana music. Inspired by artists like John Prine, Steve Goodman and Guy Clark, Bob’s songs range from wacky and whimsical tales to gentle ballads of family and relationships, thrown in with a few serious songs of hardship and challenge. In his other day job, Bob manages 3rd Street Coffeehouse, a venue for regional musicians. As a producer of special musical performances at 3rd St. Coffeehouse, Bob has been recognized in several regional publications for his outstanding fundraising efforts in support of critical charities including Feeding America Southwest Virginia and the Susan B. Komen Foundation.

The artist still known as Steve Clark has been writing and performing his eclectic songs for nearly 7 dog-years. His CD release, "Dog Joggin' " features 11 of his own songs along with a few favorites by other celebrated songwriters. His song "Up Up Up" was a finalist in the Children's category of the 1995 songwriting competition of the Louisville Area Songwriters’ Cooperative. An “Alumnus” of the Swannanoa Gathering, he performs at venues in the Roanoke Valley and elsewhere in Central Virginia. He is a past president of the Southwest Virginia Songwriters Association (SVSA) and lives in Forest, VA.

Singer/Songwriters Dan Hildebrand and Adonna Lemon from Callaway entertain in a relaxed Folk-Americana style. Weaving a humorous yarn or a soulful ballad equally well, they blend beautifully with exquisite harmonies and tasteful percussion. Dan & Adonna recently received finalist awards for two songs at the (SAW) Songwriters Association of Washington 38th Mid-Eastern Song Contest. This duo's style is laid back, positive and interactive, with an easy acoustic groove that is sure to leave the audience smiling.