Southwest Virginia Songwriters Association:
The “Right In Our Own Backyard” Showcase Concert - Past Event
When: Feb 15, 2010, 7:00 pm
Where: Kirk Avenue Music Hall, Roanoke, VA
Cost: $5.00
SVSA is a 20 year old organization of talented writers, performers and musicians who live in and around Roanoke. Come see several SVSA members performing, in the round, a collection of tunes that range from country to jazz and funny to poignant. $5.00 admission and half the proceeds will be donated to the Music Lab at the Jefferson Center in Roanoke.
Current Line-up of Performers:
- Greg Trafidlo
- Mike Pearrell
- David Simpkins
- Mike DeGiorgi
- Marc Baskind
- Larry Sakayama
With backup provided by:
- Kathy Acosta
- Britt Mistele
About the Performers
Greg Trafidlo appears on over 50 albums and has produced over thirty releases. He had performed in Ireland, China, the Ryman Auditorium on WSM Radio, and Wrigley Field. His songs have been performed by Pete Seeger, Robbie Fulks and others. Greg has performed with Bill Monroe, Peter Yarrow, Kathy Mattea, Tom Paxton, John Prine, and opened for Emmylou Harris, John Hartford, John McCutcheon, Mark O’Conner and others. His songs appear on NPR's "Car Talk" as well as "Dr. Demento" compilations. Grammy Life-time Achievement winner Tom Paxton said of Greg,"Damn good songwriter. Damn good friend."
David Simpkins, from Radford, has been actively entertaining audiences for nearly 40 years — beginning with cover bands and, since 2000, he has been writing and performing his own Americana-style songs. David was a finalist in the Appalachian Fair "Best Unknown Country Songwriter" contest in 2000 and was the winner of the Floydfest Showcase Stage "Best Song" in 2002. David plays regular solo acoustic gigs, and has performed at numerous songwriters-in-the-round events, festivals, benefits, celebrations, songwriters’ nights, and open mics. His music has been played locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally on commercial, public, and internet radio. He has opened for Americana notables Jeff Talmadge and Paul Thorn. David is the current president of the Southwest Virginia Songwriters Association.
Mike Pearrell, a West Virginia native, was a 2003 semi-finalist in the Mountain Stage NewSongs song competition and is past president of the Southwest Virginia Songwriters Association. He writes in a variety of styles, bringing a strong narrative and emotional focus to each song. His songs have been recorded by various regional artists. Pearrell’s CD, "Dimestore Detective," released by Kira Records, contains 14 original songs. He is working on his second CD.
Marc Baskind was raised in the heart of the Mississippi Delta (Greenville) and influenced by jazz, blues, and classics. He started guitar at 11, and majored in Tuba, leaving him in love with almost every genre of music. Marc toured with Hamilton, Joe Frank, and Reynolds in 1984, and has been in the studio with such names as Vassar Clements. He currently has guitar, bass, and vocal tracks on six CD's, and three of his co-writes have been recorded. He plays with multiple groups, from rock/jazz/blues/beach to country/bluegrass, as well as single acts, duos, and trios. Marc teaches guitar and ear training.
Mike DeGiorgi has been writing songs about life around Smith Mountain Lake since he, his wife Kay and their dog Scooter, moved there 4 years ago. Many area residents have heard Mike’s song, “There’s No Dancin’ At The Dudley,” a funny tune about the Dudley Mart and Franklin County laws that still prohibit dancing. An avid vintage guitar collector, Mike is currently on guitar probation, until his wife decides to release him.
Larry Sakayama started playing guitar when he was in high school. After playing for two months and not being able to make that F chord ring, he thought it was hopeless – until, at a school dance, he saw a classmate playing that F chord. He thought, “if that guy can do it, anyone can,” and he’s been playing and writing ever since. Larry’s playing style runs from folk to rock, jazz to classical. His songs are sometimes funny, sometimes poignant, but mostly irrelevant. Today, when he’s not playing a guitar, he’s making one. He lives with his wife, Sally, in Wirtz, VA.
Visit the Southwest Virginia Songwriters Association at www.svsasongs.com.