SONGWRITERS NOTES DSA E-News #185 March 2017

Hello Songwriter,  

    Wow, It's felt like spring for weeks. My irises have been blooming for weeks and my peach tree started blooming two weeks ago. It's crazy.

Our Second Tuesday Meeting IS MOVED TO to the 3rd Monday in March, changing the location to Tino's Too on Ave. K in Plano instead of the Meadows Center.  Tell us what you think or if you have an idea of a great meeting place near you.

Our regular DSA monthly events are the open mics on the 2nd and 3rd Thursdays, (NO OPEN MIC ON THE LAST MONDAY) and The 3rd Saturday Showcase at Angela's which will BE ON THE 3RD SATURDAY going forward. HALF PRICE OPEN MIC IN MARCH has been moved to 1st Monday from now on. NO Song Swap This month.

This month is the SXSW conference and festival all over Austin. This world comes to Austin for music, film and interactive. Also, this is the month of the Irish. The festival at fair Park in Dallas is going on as I write this.

There is a songwriter workshop and show with Terri and Lloyd coming up next weekend March 11 & 12. The workshop is Saturday 3/11 9-4 - $50 covers workshop, lunch and two tickets to the concert which is Sunday, 3/12 6:30PM. Pay online at mclgrand.tix.com
 
DSA is presenting a Susan Gibson workshop coming in April 22. Look for a facebook event to pop up, and a DSA workshop page soon.  We expect to hear something soon about the Wildflower Songwriting workshop on May. See workshops below. 

 The deadline for the BW Stevenson songwriting contest is coming soon. Check the Poor David's Pub website for details.   

Did you know we are live streaming on Facebook? Thanks to Harry Hewlett you can view some of our open mics and guest speakers in a live stream on Facebook? See guest our guest speakers, and latest Angela's showcase. Can't make it? Then tune into Facebook/dallassongwriters. Want to be on our facebook streams? Show up and perform.

Next Deadline for the Winter Lyric Contest is March 31st See #5 below.

Thanks to Paul Zander, Michael Brandenberger, Bobby Montgomery, Jon Jaggers, Mimi Balkey, Suzi Morse, Rio King, Jared LoStratto and Bill Kapac for their contributions to DSA. Just a reminder that we are a non-profit and your tax deductible donations are always welcome. Follow this link to our donation spot on the website. https://dallassongwriters.org/shop/donation/

Songcerely,
Barbe

Spring 2016 Songwriters Notes Get a pdf version here.
Fall 2016 Songwriters Notes Hardcopy pdf version
https://dallassongwriters.org/dsa-news-songwriters-notes-fall-2016/

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PITCH OPPORTUNITY FROM OUR SPONSOR BEAIRD MUSIC

PITCH YOUR SONGS TO PUBLISHERS

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1. ANNUAL SONG CONTEST -  WINNERS ANNOUNCED  https://dallassongwriters.org/2016-dsa-song-contest-winners/

 Winner Bill Wren with his Grand Prize, a Casio Privia keyboard. Notice Broadjam.com is up on the screen in the background. Part of the suite of prizes. 

 

GRAND PRIZE WINNERS  Read Grand Prize Judge Roy Elkins comments

Grand Prize Winner Bill Wren

1. Enchanted Kingdom by Bill Wren and Frank Ralls, Port Aransas, TX 

Known as the Songbird of Texas, Bill Wren is an award winning songwriter who says, about his undying love for songwriting,"Music is the way I express what's in my heart without words. I strive for beauty and peace in the songs that I compose and hope that they bring the same peace and enjoyment in others." Bill was born in Corpus Christi, and is now settled on the water in Fulton, TX .  http://billwrenmusic.com/full-bio/

2. Just Can’t Drown a Broken Heart by Jared LoStracco, Nacogdoches, TX

3. CLEANSING RAIN by Jared LoStracco, Nacogdoches, TX

Runner Up Jared LoStracco

Growing up in East Texas, Jared LoStracco picked up is love for music listening to his father`s country records. In high school, LoStracco learned to play the guitar from his older brother and quickly started playing his favorites songs from artists such as Willie Nelson, Waylong Jennings, Robert Earl Keen, and Pat Green. http://www.broadjam.com/jrlostracco


SEE PICS FROM THE DEC 2016 AWARDS DINNER HERE
https://dallassongwriters.org/2016-winner-bill-wren-casio-privia/

2016 Winners
2016 Semifinalist
Winner of the Drawing for the IPod -  Jeffery Moore, Baton Rouge, LA  His entry, This Love, #102 was drawn.
Awards Dinner Streamed on Facebook
Photos of the Awards Dinner

 Read Grand Prize Judge Roy Elkins comments

Now in its 26th year, The DSA 2016 Song Contest is one of the longest running international song contests for amateur songwriters. Over $5,000 in cash and prizes.

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS

GRAND PRIZE  -   A Casio Privia Piano

and a Nashville recording session at Beaird Music Group. 

1st Runner Up

 wins studio time at

2nd Runner up

wins recording time at 

Grand Prize winners receive:

1 Yr. Broadjam Primo MoB Membership

($199.95 Value) 

Includes Artist Website, 1 Yr. Hosting

1 Yr. Sonicbids Membership

Category winners get cash prizes

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2015 SONG CONTEST WINNER T EDWIN DOSS WITH GRAND PRIZE CASIO PRIVIA

Read interview with 2015 winner T Edwin Doss and learn about out other Grand Prize Winners. ❤ 

https://dallassongwriters.org/t-edwin-doss-wins-2015-song-contest-jessie-brown/

Did you miss the Awards Dinner? Here's a blow by blow courtesy of Dan Roark

https://dallassongwriters.org/dsa-song-contest-awards/

2015 GRAND PRIZE WINNERS

1. Jessie Brown by T. Edwin Doss, Silver Spring, MD

2. Real Love Next Time by Bonnie Warren, Philadelphia, PA

3. Aina Hanu by John Keawe, Kapaau, Hawaii

2015 WINNERS

https://dallassongwriters.org/2015-dsa-song-contest-winners/

MC and GRAND PRIZE JUDGE,  ROY ELKINS, left us with extensive comments on the grand prize winners and more. https://dallassongwriters.org/roy-elkins-on-songs-from-dsa-song-contest/

Hard Copy of Songwriters Notes Spring 2016 issue with 2015 winners
http://www.keepandshare.com/doc/8182067/dsanewsspring2016-pdf-2-4-meg?da=y 

SEMIFINALISTS   http://dsasongcontest.blogspot.com/ 

 WINNER OF THE IPOD – Samuel Miller, Chico, CA

Listen to the 2014 winners on Soundcloud at:

https://soundcloud.com/dallas_song_contest/sets/dsa-2014-song-contest-winners

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Click here for more info about this contest, and for more information about joining DSA (membership not required to enter contest). Click here to view a list of frequently asked questions. 

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2001 - 2007 Winners Compilation CDs available at the DSA store

All winning songs are on a CD Compilation that was given out at the Awards Ceremony. To get any 3 double CD's simply make a quarter note donation to DSA through our online store and send us an email to request which 3 years of Cd's you want us to mail you.

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2. DSA MEETINGS - Guest Speaker, Richard S Pollak and Song Critiques, MONDAY, MARCH 20
HOW TO MARKET YOUR SONGWRITER CAREER
WITH PLATINUM GOLD ASPIRATION WHILE SCRATCHING OUT A SONG ON A NAPKIN

 The MARCH monthly meeting will be Monday, March 20 at Tino's Too on Ave K, just east of Central Expressway in Plano.  This will replace the Song Swap on the 3rd Monday of the month at that location and the 2nd Tuesday meeting originally scheduled for the 2nd Tuesday at the Meadows Conference Center.  It's a new location for the monthly meeting but it's centrally located for the members in north Dallas, Richardson, Allen, and McKinney! Tino's has great Mexican Food some come hungry and plan to buy a meal.

For the March meeting, we are pleased to have an entertainment booking agent as guest speaker.

Richard S Pollak, President of Rainbow Entertainment began his career in the entertainment industry as an usher at the Theater in the Park in Philly. After a career on a division winning ice hockey team and 6 knee surgeries, Pollak pursued his second favorite lifestyle, eating.   
Pollak started Rainbow Entertainment when he was accidentally approached by the Pepsi Kids Around Festival to book 5 stages of childrens' entertainment for three days - even though he had no kids of his own. He later owned three Funnybone Comedy Clubs and booked such celebs as Jeff Foxworthy, David Spade, and Rosanne Barr for $1500 for 8 shows a week.  Pollak has been Freak Show agent for the Texas State Fair for more than 18 seasons, exceeding $1 million of bookings. (Guess this freak show experience qualifies Richard to talk to songwriters! LOL )  Pollak managed the late, great blues legend Bugs Henderson for 2 years. As a writer of sports, entertainment and food for travel magazines, he enjoys mucho free benefits. 

The monthly meeting will continue to have the song critique session but the format will be a little different.  Instead of judging a "winning" song each month that is eligible for the "Song of the Year", all songs submitted at the meeting will be entered in the DSA Member Best Songs of the Meeting at the end of the year for Song of the Year and Songwriter of the year. We are considering adding a peoples choice awards.

Each song entry will receive a friendly critique from two music industry professionals, Joe Milton and Barbe McMillen.  Joe has been an LA touring musician, studio musician and songwriter and currently owns Jo Musik, a Dallas area music production company and studio that has done music for film and TV, voiceover and dialogue, plays, live shows, jingles, industrials and videos. Barbe is currently Associate Professor of Songwriting at Collin College and President Emeritus of the DSA.  She is also a voting member of the Recording Academy that votes for the Grammy Awards.  As a recording artist she has recorded five albums. She has written songs in all genres, including a musical called "Give Me Break".

Songs can be on a CD, or emailed to Harry Hewlett at hhhewlett@gmail.com, or performed live, or even mailed in (you don't have to be present) or members can enter online at https://dallassongwriters.org/dsa-meeting/song-of-the-month/.  Just let him know if you want to get a spot at the meeting because we are limited on time and you must be a member to submit your song(s).  The song entry/critique fee is $10 for each song.  Preferred entry is online, so we can know how much time to allot to critiques, however, don't let that stop you, you can bring a recorded song to the meeting or just sing it at the meeting. Be sure to provide copies of lyrics for the group so they can give friendly feedback too. Good thing is that you can bring your song in for a pro critique and submit your rewritten or updated song at anytime during the year before the cut-off date. This is to encourage members to use the critique sessions during the editing phase of your song. You can have plenty of time for a re-write and re-submit.

Sign in and Networking begins at 6:30

Announcements at 7PM

Program about 7:30

DETAILS ON MEETING PROCEDURES

https://dallassongwriters.org/events/2nd-tuesday-meeting

Future Meetings
April 6th: MOVES BACK TO HALF PRICE BOOKS ON THE 1ST THURSDAY

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Recordings of past DSA Second Tuesday guest speakers  

Oct 2016 Barbara McMillen - Polishing Your Final Draft by Applying the Secrets of the Popular Song.
https://www.facebook.com/dallassongwriters/videos/1245589945493228/

https://www.facebook.com/dallassongwriters/posts/1245608802158009

Sept 2016 Joe Milton on Preparing for a Recording Session

1 of 2

https://www.facebook.com/dallassongwriters/videos/1219779574740932/

2 of 2

https://www.facebook.com/dallassongwriters/videos/1219952578056965/

Reviews of past DSA Second Tuesday guest speakers  

Oct 2015  Tirk Wilder  https://dallassongwriters.org/busy-dsa-october-began-with-tirk-wilder/

Nov 2015 RonSowell https://dallassongwriters.org/ron-sowell-and-board-nominations-at-2nd-tuesday-dsa-meeting/

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MONDAY SONG SWAPS for peer critique

Song Swap Workshop

Monthly 7:30-10 PM

Free, Visitors Welcome

Where songwriters perform their songs for peer review. Bring your guitar and a few lyric sheets. This is like an old fashioned guitar pull with comments between songs.

http://songswapworkshops.blogspot.com/

MARCH SONG SWAP IS PREEMPTED BY OUR MONTHLY MEETING AND CRITIQUES

THIRD MONDAY in PLANO - 

Tino's - Steve Sullivan, Gigi Gostas coordinating.

Tino's Too Mexican Restaurant 2205 Ave K, Plano, Tx  972 881-9226

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3. BEST SONGS of the Month - 

2017
JAN - Love Without Money by Bobby Montgomery and Barbe McMillen
         Oklahoma Grit by Rio King
         Your The Best by Michael Brandenberger 
FEB -  
        Caribbean Holiday by David Alan Claer
        Johnny's Place by Bill Kapac
        Mean Woman Grill by Morri Hartgrave
        Oklahoma Grit by Rio King
        Six Gun Sally by Bill Kapac
        Stay (Until The Sunrise) by Steve Valenzuela
        Storm (instrumental) by Yulia Petrova
        The Days by Ireland Casteel
        When There Is Nothing (instrumental) by Yulia Petrova
        You Made My Day by Michael Brandenberger
 

Here is the list of 2016  winners of the meeting critiques from which the top three were chosen thanks to Judge, Mr. Troll, Poor Davids Pub.
2016 Winners & Finalists

Q&A With Winner, Dori Weaver, Song of the Year 2015
https://dallassongwriters.org/qa-song-year-winner-dori-weaver/ 

Songwriter of the Year 2015 - 2016
is Rio King with the most wins at the meeting critiques

QandA With Rio
https://dallassongwriters.org/rio-king-vern-dailey-award-winner-songwriter-year-2015/

To view past winners go to the Best Songs blog. http://bestsongsofthemeeting.blogspot.com/

To hear the winners go to our Soundcloud page https://soundcloud.com/dsa-best-songs

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4. SHOWCASES AND OPEN MICS -

http://showcases-openmics.blogspot.com/

OPEN MICS

HALF PRICE BOOKS OPEN MIC - NORTHWEST HIGHWAY - Rotating guest host featured artist

EVERY 1ST MONDAY - 7:00pm to 9:00pm

Sign up begins at 6:30
I wanted to let you know that Half Price Books is hosting an author event on Thursday, March 2 at 7 p.m. NO OPEN MIC IN MARCH.

DUNN BROTHERS COFFEE HOUSE - Addison

EVERY 3RD THURSDAY - 7:00pm to 9:00pm

Hosted by  Craig St.Clair 

In November 2015, DSA celebrated 11 years at Dunn Brothers
see review of

11th Anniversary DSA 3rd Thursday Open Mic at Dunn Bros.

BURGER EDGE - North Dallas

EVERY 2ND THURSDAY - 6:30pm to 8:30pm

Hosted by Michael Brandenberger and rotating guest host.

BURGER"S EDGE inRichardson
3rd Saturday 6:30 -8:30

7529 Campbell Rd. at Coit

This a perfect venue for an open mic because it has a nice stage with a complete sound system. It also has a great food menu if you want to come early to eat or invite friends who can enjoy a very tasty burger or chicken sandwich while they listen to you perform.  

Rotating host. Interested in hosting an open mic? email Michael.

SHOWCASES

ANGELA'S AT THE CROSSWALK in downtown Plano
3rd Saturday 7:30 - 11:00 Check out our facebook page where Harry is posting live streaming.

http://dsashowcases.blogspot.com/

Hosted by Dan Roark
     7:30 - Layne Elizabeth (from Pink Couch Studios music school)
    8:00 - TBA
    8:30 - John Mason
    9:00 - Dan Roark
    9:30 - Rickey Gene Wright
 

Other area open mics OPEN MICS

http://www.openmicdallas.com/

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5. DSA LYRIC CONTEST - Next deadline postmarked MARCH 31

Enter onine https://dallassongwriters.org/shop/lyric-contest-entry/ 

or by mail

 SUMMER 2016 -WINNERS ANNOUNCED

SEMIFINALISTS
The Days by Ireland Casteel, Grapevine, TX
Still by Lonnie Jordan, Casar, NC
The Cowboy Rides Away by Lonnie Jordan, Casar, NC
Big Enough To Be Small by Bill Kapac, Williamstown, NJ
Cufflinks by Bill Kapac, Williamstown, NJ
I'll Make Your Dreams Come True by Bill Kapac, Williamstown, NJ
That Makes Two and a Half Times You Broke My Heart by Derek Houghton

AND THE 2016 WINNERS ARE.........
https://dallassongwriters.org/2016-fall-lyric-contest-winners/

See Summer winners on the website: https://dallassongwriters.org/2016-summer-lyric-contest-winners-announced/

2016 Spring Winners on the website: : https://dallassongwriters.org/2016-spring-lyric-contest-winners/

See winners from 2016 and 2015 listed in the DSA 2016 Fall Hardcopy of Songwriters Notes featuring winner, Bill Kapac on front page. This issue was handed out at the Arlington Guitar Show in October.
https://dallassongwriters.org/dsa-news-songwriters-notes-fall-2016/

See Winter 2016 on website: https://dallassongwriters.org/dsa-lyric-contest-winners-winter-2016/

 SUMMER and FALL 2015 RESULTS

https://dallassongwriters.org/lyric-contest-results/

CRITIQUES FOR SUMMER AND FALL 2016
https://dallassongwriters.org/song-critiques-summer-2015-lyric-contest/

PAST WINNERS and LYRICS POSTED ON THE OLD  WEBSITE

LYRICISTS GAIN RECOGNITION THROUGH COMPETITION

Next Lyric Contest Deadline is June 30th for Spring Lyric Contest

Entry fee is $10

Please see lyric contest webpage for details.

https://dallassongwriters.org/dsa-lyric-contest/

HARD COPY OF 2012 WINNERS IN SPRING 2013 ISSUE OF SONGWRITERS NOTES.

HARD COPY OF 2013 FALL ISSUE INCLUDES SPRING AND SUMMER WINNERS 2013

HARD COPY OF SUMMER AND FALL 2013 WINNER ARE IN THE 2014 SPRING ISSUE OF SONGWRITERS NOTES

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6. MEMBER NEWS -

Wanna get involved? Become a committee member. It's fun! Be apart of the inner workings of the DSA. We have committee positions open. Let us know if you'd like to be on the board. Just show up a our membership meeting.

Directors elected at our Nov 8th Annual Membership Meeting were:

Michael Brandenberger, Bobby Montgomery, Dicky Johnson, Rachel Wilhelm, Dan Roark, Barbe McMillen, Joe Milton, Marcus Belmore, Steve Sullivan, Ken Duren, James Pappas, Ginger Stanoiu, Milani Shaw and Harry Hewlett. New officers were elected at the planning meeting on Jan 7th. 

Newly Elected Officers 2017

Michael Brandenberger -  Prez

Bobby Montgomery - VP Programs

Dicky Johnson - Treasurer
Secretary - Ginger Stanoiu

Dan Roark - Director of showcases, workshops

Barbe McMillen - Administration, Newsletter
Harry Hewlett - A/R
Milani Shaw - VP of Membership 

Steve Sullivan and James Pappas - SongSwap Coordinators
Joe Milton, Ken Duren - At Large
Rachel Wilheim - Technology
Marcus Belmore - Executive VP, Webmaster

If you are not a DSA Member, you missed these tips sent out through our yahoo group:

* Publisher looking for Childrens songs

* Artists/Producers looking for original material for recording artists

* Major Brand X (To be disclosed at a later time) Seeks Independent artist for music campaign.

* Where to get your cd reviewed

* Music related job listing

* Film Licensing Co. seeking instrumental music

* Cheap and free tickets - Free tickets to selected Winspear Opera House events.

Lyricists are invited to co-write with music writers by submitting your lyric through the member yahoo group.
NEW MEMBERS: Have you joined our member only yahoo group where you can talk with the group and get special offers and last minute updates on events? subscribe: dallassongwriters-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

                   PATRON SAINTS: PAUL ZANDER

Patron Sponsor L3: Bobby Montgomery, Michael Brandenberger, Bill Honker

Patron Sponsor L1: Cliff Monroe, Suzi Morse, Jon Jaggers, Rio King

Patron Sponsor: Mimi Balkey

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS: Ricky E Wright, Bianca Rodreguez, Stephen Valenzuela, Yulia Petrova

THANK YOU FOR RENEWING YOUR MEMBERSHIP: Gene Schlacci, Jackie Schwartz, Aaron Shook, Ron Young, Rachel Wilheim, Julia Pauletti, Terry Bloss, Jeff Stachowshi, Raquel Linderman, Victoria Bouton, David Claerr, Jon Jaggers, Don Wall, Joe Milton, Harry Hewlett, Rio King, Morri Hartgraves, Barbara McMillen, Bobby Montgomery, Randy Wallace, Ken Golden, Bill Honker

TIME TO RENEW: The following members owe dues:

YOU HAVE A TWO MONTH GRACE PERIOD TO RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP OR YOU WILL BE DROPPED FROM THE MEMBER GROUP

EXPIRED IN MARCH: Pete Miller, Tippy Balady, Phoenix Rose, Tim York
EXPIRED IN APRIL: Phillip Wildman, Shane Andrews
EXPIRED IN MAY: Ted Pearce, Mark Evans, Tamara Stamps, Ray Baker, Timothy McGarity 
EXPIRED IN JUNE: John Thomas Lane
EXPIRED IN JULY: Michael Franceus, Tom Prasado Rao, Crystal Taylor, Bill Sibley
EXPIRED IN AUG: Yanna Zovich, Minnie Murray, Warren Hanson

EXPIRED IN SEPT: Tom Thomas, 
EXPIRED IN OCT: Denise Rosier, Katie Hardyman, Charlie Hill, Raquel Nguyen, Darren Rozell, M'Lynn Musgrove, Stephen McKinnell, Jenni Peal, Jay Gallagher, Rick Webster
EXPIRED IN NOV: Mike Hyden 
EXPIRED IN DEC: Michael Brandenberger, Buck Morgan, Ross Vick, Anthony Groom, Kathryn Taylor, David Morales, Ashley Sichler, Brad Davis, Scott White
EXPIRED IN JAN: Jeff Moxcey, Robin Carr, Andrew Plan, Cousin Don Brown, Erin ( Cat) McGee, Tony Ramey, Lucia Comnes, Gracie Lott, James  Bennett, Rob Cariddi, Tyler Hook, Sarah Ashley, Christopher Hart, John Keawe, Katie Riley, Marc Tilson, Mathew Stemme, Patrice Luce Chapman, Clark McAlister, Ginger Stanoiu
EXPIRED IN FEB: Trevor Dahlen, Anthony Castillo, Mark Pierce, Katrina Pitts
TIME TO RENEW: Carol Shaw, Ken Duran

  Renew your membership online.

You'll find the link to the store on the panel to the right

Or paste this link in your browser: https://dallassongwriters.org/shop/dsa-membership/

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7. WORKSHOPS - DSA WORKSHOPS 

(Each month DSA hosts 3 workshops at our monthly meetings on the 1st Monday, 3rd Monday and 2nd Tuesday these are ongoing. see item 2 above.)

http://dsameetings.blogspot.com

http://songswapworkshops.blogspot.com/

WORKSHOP AND PERFORMANCE BY TERRI HENDRIX AND LLOYD MAINES

Medical City Lewisville Grand Theater presents Terri Hendrix and Lloyd Maines in its Black Box Songwriter Series on Sunday, March 12, at 6:30 p.m. The workshop is Saturday 3/11 9-4 - $50 covers workshop, lunch and two tickets to the concert which is Sunday, 3/12 6:30PM. Pay online at mclgrand.tix.com
These two mainstays of Texas music bring their wealth of experience and talent to the MCL Grand to finish off a great weekend of music and learning. Terri has 15 CDs behind her and more to come, while Lloyd has produced thousands of albums and played his A-List Quality Steel on hundreds more! Together they make some of the finest music you’ll ever hear.

DSA PRESENTS SUSAN GIBSON WORKSHOP AND PERFORMANCE

Performing Songwriter Susan Gibson, writer of Wide Open Spaces performed by the Dixie Chicks, will present a workshop on Saturday, April 22. Workshop, pizza dinner and performance all included for $35.
Susan has taught songwriting workshops to all ages. She has been a mentor at the Real Life, Real Music Summer Camp in The Woodlands, Texas for the past five years. She's also given workshops and talks at The Brauntex Theater, The San Antonio Songwriters' Saloon, The Songwriters Serenade Competition, The Bugle Boy Soldier' Songs Program, Belmont University, UT Austin, NSAI Nashville and Houston Chapters, and at The Boys and Girls Club among others.
Susan draws from her experience as a commercially successful songwriter as well as a nationally touring, independent artist with 5 albums of original material in her catalog. She can address a variety of topics from writing to business.
https://dallassongwriters.org/shop/songwriting-workshop-susan-gibson/

COMING SOON - INFO ABOUT WILDFLOWER WORKSHOP WITH JOE CROOKSTON - MAY 19

REO RAFTING RESORT SONGWRITING WORKSHOPS
How Music REALLY Works July 9-14, 2017
Learn the songwriting techniques of the master songwriters with best-selling author Wayne Chase. Learn how you can use these tools to craft great songs. Includes FREE library, books, music charts & more ($400 value).
Details Here

SongMatrix Retreat August 13-18, 2017
Hands on, in-depth exploration of your original songs using more than 40 specific SongMatrix musical & lyrical techniques. Create brilliant melodies and emotion-evoking lyrics. Includes 1-year post-retreat mentoring with SongMatrix author Wayne Chase.
Details here

 Review of Larry Beaird Workshop

https://dallassongwriters.org/larry-beaird-arranging-the-hit-songwriting-workshop/

Read the Review of the Roy Elkins Workshop

Roy Elkins’ Your Music and Your Business Workshop – Informative and Entertaining

For those of you who could not make it to the 2015 ASCAP "I Create Music" EXPO, Video Access is now available for only $99!

More at:    http://dallassongwritersworkshops.blogspot.com/

ONLINE EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Want to study songwriting but don't want to get out of your PJ's?

* Take a class online through a songwriting workshop yahoo group with Barbara McMillen, associate professor of Songwriting and Music Business at Collin College.

* Check out the  https://songtown.com songwriter learning community.

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8. EVENTS - Featuring local and worldwide events of the songwriting community including, seminars, conferences, and showcases.

http://songwriterevents.blogspot.com/

2015

Review of the Arlington Guitar Show

https://dallassongwriters.org/dsa-booth-at-arlington-guitar-show/

 2017

FEB
1-3 ASCAP Musical Theater Workshop

2 DSA Monthly Meeting at Half Price Books

6 DSA Song Swap at Half Price Books

8 DSA Open Mic at Burger Edge
12 Grammy Awards
14- 19 Folk Alliance Conference, Kansas City

16 DSA Open Mic at Dunn Brothers
18 DSA Showcase at Angelas 
20  DSA Song Swap at Tinos

MARCH
2 NO HALF PRICE BOOKS OPEN MIC - there is a book signing

6 DSA Open Mic at Half Price Books

9 DSA Open Mic at Burger Edge
11 Terri Hendrix/Lloyd Maines Songwriting Workshop @ MCL Grand Lewisville 

12 Terri and Lloyd - Black Box Songwriter Concert Series @ MCL Grand Lewisville

10 - 19 SXSW, Austin, TX 

20 DSA Monthly Meeting at Tino's Too

16 DSA Open Mic at Dunn Brothers

18 DSA Showcase at Angelas 

APRIL

3 DSA Open Mic at Half Price Books

6 DSA Monthly Meeting at Half Price Books

9 Sally Barris Black Box Series, MCLGrand, 6:30
11 Terri Hendrix/Lloyd Maines Songwriting Workshop @ MCL Grand Lewisville 

12 Terri and Lloyd - Black Box Songwriter Concert Series @ MCL Grand Lewisville

10 - 19 SXSW, Austin, TX 
13 DSA Open Mic at Burger Edge

20 DSA Open Mic at Dunn Brothers

15 DSA Showcase at Angelas

13-15 ASCAP I Create Music conference, LA 
17 DSA Song Swap at Tino's Too
22 Jon Christopher Davis with Crystal Yates, Texas Tunes Series, MCLGrand 
28- May 7 JAZZ FEST, NOLA

MAY
5-7 Dallas International Guitar Show (visit DSA at our booth)
 13 - Joe Ely - Full band, Texas Tunes Series @ MCL Grand Lewisville, 8pm
16 - Music Biz 2017, Nashville
19 - 21 Wildflower Festival, Richardson, TX

JUNE
 June 10 - John Ford Coley - solo  (Texas Tunes Series) 8pm
               He also gets a star on Denton's Arts Walk of Fame at noon that day!

JULY
9 - Ronny Cox (Black Box Series) 6:30pm
22- DSA Hall of Fame Dinner and performance at Sons of Hermann Hall
 
and soon to be announced...
August 26 - Walt Wilkins and the Mystiqueros w/Susan Gibson
            (Texas Tunes Series Encore) 8pm

Moses Avalon's List of Top Ranked Music Conferences.

Go to the events page to view links to local and Texas venues.   http://songwriterevents.blogspot.com/

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9. Featured Articles:

Music theory can break you out of creative ruts ... Is It Too Late to Learn Music Theory? By Daniel Roberts and Dave Kusek For many musicians, understanding music theory seems an unattainable goal.  They know what sounds good to them, but they have no understanding of why. That also means that breaking "the rules" to make better music seems risky, if not impossible.  Fortunately, there is a solution.  Continue Reading  This Fortnight in Music Supervision and Sync (27/01/17) SynchBlog We run through the latest and greatest in sync licensing and music supervision stories over the past fortnight. Continue Reading  The Sinatra story, below, was lifted from the great selection of interesting and informative synch stories behind this link. MUSIC BUSINESS 6 Tips For a Successful Album Release By Janelle Rogers You've put in the work, slogged through all the rewrites, did all your mastering, and now it's album release time. You have a show booked within the next month, so logic states you should make it the record release show and your official release date. Not so fast. If you're looking for more exposure on your music beyond the traditional friends and family who come to every show, you need to be strategic. Your band is your business, and like any successful business you need to create a plan for your album launch.  Continue Reading  How To Avoid Spending Money On Merch That Won't Sell By Liam Duncan As soon as you start selling merch, you start turning your music into a business. You're not just selling music anymore – you're selling clothing, you're selling a brand, you're selling a lifestyle.  Continue Reading  How To Make The Most Of A Sync Placement https://www.thesyncreport.com/Blog/1086/201726/How-To-Make-The-Most-Of-A-Sync-Placement Inside the Minds of Booking Agents Managers and Talent Buyers Tips: 26 Things to Do Before You Release Your Song or Album As a working artist, avidly read blogger and best-selling author, Ari Herstand knows of what he speaks. By actually doing the things he writes about—creating original music, booking his own tours, making videos and utilizing all forms of social media—he has come to understand how artists can take command of their career and make smart, successful moves. In the following feast of proven, practical tips and music industry advice, Herstand shares his hard-won knowledge. Click For Tips Songwriters: Monetize Your Music qWaqq is a songwriter empowerment and advocacy streaming app open to all pro songwriters. The app's goal is to reveal songwriting talent and provide a new way to monetize music. qWaqq puts your already created “hidden gem,” “shoulda been hit” demos and other recordings out there for the world to hear and help music adventurers find them. It’s all free and non-exclusive, and all royalties go directly to you and your publishers--not to the labels. Click To Sign Up RECORDING World exclusive interview: songwriter / producer Max Martin Some of the most beloved hit-songs the world has listened to for the past 20 years were written by a Swede – Martin Sandberg. He is better known as Max Martin, but few out of the music-business knows who he is. Until now. For the first time Max Martin tells his story in a world exclusive interview. PERFORMANCE How Successful Musicians Practice: Songwriters & Composers By Charles Burchell I see there being four kinds of practice goals a musician works towards over the course of their career: practicing to learn an instrument and gain technical facility; practicing to learn a repertoire and harmonic, melodic, or rhythmic concepts; practicing to be a professional, i.e. "gig chops"; and practicing to maintain proficiency... Continue Reading  Thanks to Sarah Finegold for the link. LISTEN Susan Gibson IN MEMORIAM Jazz Legend Al Jarreau Dies Just days after abruptly canceling all of his upcoming shows and announcing that he was retiring, jazz legend Al Jarreau has died. VIDEO VIDEO: Coolest Concert Ever? Hear Ice Instruments Play Beautiful Music National Geographic Nestled near the Arctic Circle, the Swedish Lapland town of Luleå is an enchanting winter wonderland of snow and ice. This magical place is also the home of Ice Music, a new musical art form introduced by American ice sculptor Tim Linhart. In his celebration of the Arctic spirit, musicians play hand-carved ice instruments inside a glowing igloo concert hall. Continue Reading  Thanks to Sarah Finegold for the link. There are a ton of Doggy Dance routines out there ... This is one of the best. Video: Boogie Shoes Canine Freestyle Routine! The Super Collies CRAFT OF SONGWRITING

Barbe McMillen's blog, The Craft of Songwriting

http://craftofsongwriting.blogspot.com/

Online Thesaurus and Rhyming Dictionary

http://www.rhymezone.com//

http://thesaurus.reference.com/

Great web tool for lyric writing

http://www.visualthesaurus.com/

Music Theory Resource

http://www.hooktheory.com/

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10. Song and Talent Contests

 DSA Quarterly Lyric Contest http://dsalyriccontest.blogspot.com/

Next deadline - March 30th

28th Annual BW STEVENSON PERFORMING SONGWRITER CONTEST 
The deadline for Poor David's Pubs BW Stevenson Performing Songwriter Contest is fast approaching - April 10.  For more information, go to http://poordavidspub.com/ to learn how you can win $1,000!   

Lonestar Songcrafters is having a performing songwriter contest every Sunday at the Texas Muscians Museum in Irving. https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=lonestar%20songcrafters 

Hard Rock International is offering emerging musicians the chance to play during halftime at Hard Rock Stadium. Beginning on March 2 until March 30, Hard Rock, in partnership with ReverbNation, will open online registration for interested musicians wishing to participate in the global battle. As part of the competition, local competition winners will receive $1,000 and regional finalists will take home a Fender instruments prize pack, and a 1,000 CD/DVD pack of the artist’s latest recording or video from Bison Disc.
Click To Submit

Get Your Music in March Madness
White Knight Worldwide Media and MusicOpps.com are pitching artists to editors who are working on this season's 2017 NCAA March Madness edits. Music will be used during the games, on highlight reels, pre/post game bumps, intro and outro clips, game trailers and many other placements across NCAA outlets. These placements will air on national TV, re-air in Canada and are available on dedicated online college basketball sites worldwide. Each submission is $15 and the deadline is March 31.
Submit Your Music

DSA Song Contest Closed - Winners Announced Dec 13

https://dallassongwriters.org/dsa-annual-song-contest/ 

A comprehensive list of Song Contests compliments of MusesMuse.com

http://www.musesmuse.com/muselinks/Songwriting/Contests/index.html

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11. Songwriting Resources -  Now accepting book reviews

Links to websites about songwriting, performance, music industry.

http://songwritingresources.blogspot.com/

DSA Book Store - reviews, links, lists of recommended reading, and what's in the DSA Library.

http://dsabookstore.blogspot.com/

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12. Archives of Past Programs and Activities

DALLAS SONGWRITERS OLD WEBSITE WITH ARCHIVED LINKS TO PAST PROGRAMS

http://dallassongwriters.blogspot.com

SONGS FROM THE SOUL OF SERVICE

http://songssoulservice.blogspot.com/

Did you know???  DSA held two song contests for active military and the CDs of the winning songs, Songs From the Soul of Service Vols. 1 and 2 are available.

Tribute to our fallen soldiers from DFW at our Podomatic site:

You Know Me Tribute to Fallen

URL:%20http://dallassongwriters.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-05-21T21_14_44-07_00

Read the latest story about this years winners

http://songssoulservice.blogspot.com/

CROSSROADS SHOWCASES

View past showcase performances and workshops on Crossroads Youtube.

                       

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DSA depends on your support.

Giving Rocks! While it never hurts to remind you that DSA is a non-profit organization (and so your contributions are tax-deductible) -  this year it means so much more. We're proud to be celebrating our 25th Anniversary as a non-profit. DSA has been an organized songwriter group since 1985 and became a non-profit in 1990.

Your gift enables us to meet our mission.

Our programs created to meet our mission goals are: a monthly newsletter, workshops, critique sessions, showcases, contests, networking opportunities and community service.

If you like what we do, and want to help us keep doing it, please make a contribution today. Gifts of all sizes are meaningful and appreciated.
Donations are welcome year round. 

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Thanks for reading this far. If you have any suggestions for the newsletter, please let me know. Follow me on Twitter @barbemcmillen. Give me a tweet.

Songcerely,

  Barbara McMillen, Editor

  Songwriter Notes

  Founding President Emeritus,

  Songwriting Consulting Services

  Online Songwriting Workshops and Classes