November Acoustic Lounge Offers Something for Everyone
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| Shown after the show are (back row, l-r): BMI's Joe Maggini, David Schwartz, Lucy Schwartz, Paul O'Connor, Josh Allan; (front row): Katrina Parker, and BMI's Tracie Verlinde, Barbara Cane and Paige Sober. |
A reformed Southern Baptist and small town escapee, former North Carolina native Katrina Parker is a songstress who prides herself on finding beauty in the farthest corners and most hidden places. Her debut EP, 2005's Only Dreaming, is composed of dreamy and intimate alternative pop-sometimes unabashedly romantic, sometimes bittersweet, and sometimes nostalgic. She's currently finishing up her yet untitled 2007 release, which sounds like Billie Holiday on acid, Portishead at a Sunday brunch, and gothic romanticism with a cabaret twist.
Classically trained on piano from the age of 5, musical prowess seems to simply reside in Josh Allan's blood. This Colorado native launched his first independent CD, All The Acoustic Pop You Can Drink, in November 2004, signed on with Big Mountain Productions in 2005, and is now on the verge of releasing his second CD, The Let Go. His influences include Ben Folds, John Mayer and Billy Joel; his sound is characterized by passionate vocals, distinctive piano melodies and precise acoustic guitar riffs. This soulful musician has performed in venues from Denver to Detroit to Boston to New York and more.
Washington State musician Paul O'Connor was born with a taste for rock and a passion for music that continues to span decades after its commencement. He kicked off his career as the leader of his University band, Organeroze; the band quickly gained a following and soon after landed opening slots for bands like Heart and REO Speedwagon. Since then, O'Conner has continued musical ventures through various avenues creating heart-wrenching music, collaborating with people like Gary LeVox (Rascal Flats) and Kellie Coffee.
Lucy Schwartz is a singer/songwriter with an "old soul" that belies her young age of 16. Although her influences are varied, the result is a truly original and timeless musical voice. She began writing instrumental piano pieces at 8-years-old, and a year later, she won the National PTA Reflections Competition for music composition in elementary schools. Her songs have been featured on the UPN TV series, South Beach, and the new CW series, Runaway. She is in the process of recording a CD of nine original songs. Her singing can also be heard on various TV shows including Fox's Emmy Award-winning series, Arrested Development.
The Acoustic Lounge showcase, held at Genghis Cohen on the first Monday of each month, is free and open to the public and is one of many opportunities BMI offers to artists to showcase their talent in front of their peers and a supportive audience. The atmosphere is relaxed and fun, offering a great opportunity to network with other aspiring and working singer/songwriters. For established writers, it provides a chance to monitor new musical trends and be involved in the grass-roots/DIY musical movement.
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