SONGWRITERS NOTES ISSUE #238 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2023

Hello Songwriter,

It's been a long hot summer and the heat still lingers but we are looking forward to some cooler fall weather. Our hot summer included some hot events. Let's Recap.

JUNE - Brought the opening of the DSA 2023 International Song Contest and our Young Songwriters Song Contest. Deadline to enter the contests is Sept 30. 

http://dsasongcontest.blogspot.com

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

 

https://youngsongwriterscontest.blogspot.com

 

2023 Wild Dawgs

The Wild DAWG deep sea fishing adventure in Port Aransas on June 15 - 18 was an awesome weekend. Good times and big fish were caught by all. Join our Facebook Wild Dawg group and posting some photos and videos. If you have been on this trip you will want to join and post to share your photos of your past trips. Also, if you plan to go next year, this is a great way to connect for info. https://www.facebook.com/groups/486583939901589

JULY -

  On Sunday, July 23 - Columbia Lodge 66 presented the 5th Annual Blue Christmas In July -  A perfect Sunday afternoon blues event for charity included a BBQ Brisket, Chicken, Sausage Dinner + potato salad (bring a side) and a show with Texas Slim and Gregg A Smith to benefit the Larry Tutson Toy Drive at Sons of Hermann Hall.

 

 All proceeds went to the Larry Tutson Jr Foundation to give toys to kids in South Dallas at Christmas. This is an important community outreach event for Dallas Songwriters. This event is held each year on Bobby Wilbanks' and Gregg Smith's Birthday.

 

AUGUST - 

 

DSA held it's annual Pool Party at Joe Milton's on Saturday, Aug 5. There was enough gourmet food to feed an army. Joe is a great cook and also everyone brought side dishes. The pool was a bit warm as the hot weather has been relentless. There was lots of jamming throughout the afternoon. Yours truely has the flu and missed the party but look how much fun they had. 

SEPTEMBER SPECIAL EVENTS
North Texas Giving Day - 9-21-23
Early Giving opened September 1st!
https://www.northtexasgivingday.org/dallassongwriters

The North Texas Giving Day season is here! Early Giving opened on Friday, September 1.


 

‘Repeat Your Donation’ you gave in 2022 on Thursday, September 7th with one simple click.

SWARFA - Southwest Regional Folk Alliance - Sept 27 - Oct 1 Austin, Tx
http://www.swfolkalliance.org

 

DON'T FORGET TO INCLUDE THE STATE FAIR ON YOUR CALENDAR. 9/29-10/22

 REGULAR EVENTS

The FIRST THURSDAY VIRTUAL MEETING WORKSHOP is held monthly and features a guest speaker and song critiques. It is streamed live to facebook. See below for details and the Zoom meeting link.

http://dsameetings.blogspot.com

DSA Monthly Meeting and Song Critiques - Sept 7

Dae Bogan from MLC will speak about collecting mechanical royalties 
https://dallassongwriters.org/song-critique/

Our virtual open mic is still occurring every Wednesday 7 - 9. Join us via the Zoom meeting number. 617 432 0082 or just watch on the Dallas Songwriters Facebook page as we stream live. Some of our members, who are home bound or from out of town depend on this weekly opportunity to share their songs. The hosting duties are shared by Bill Martin, Ace Pounder, Allen Larson, Keith Dodson and Barbara McMillen. Sept 6, 13, 20, 27

Second Thursday Songwriter Spotlight streams to YouTube. 7-9 Hosted by Harry Hewlett featuring co-host Barbe McMillen and songwriter performance and interview
Thursday Sept 14, 7pm - Alexis Tapp (Songwriter of The Year Winner)
Thursday Oct 12, 7pm - Jamey Shannon (Music Biz Prof at Mississippi Delta College

Love and War wants you to perform at our 4th Thursday open mic 7 - 9. Rickey Gene Wright hosts with a songwriters round format. Come out and sign up with RGW.  Sept 28, Oct 26, Nov 30

Quick look events page: https://dallassongwriters.blogspot.com

SONGWRITERS NOTES ISSUE #237 MAY-AUGUST 2023

 

What a great month of May! We were so blessed with cooler weather. Perfect for our outdoor festival stages. But before we talk of that, lets recap our March-April events.

 

Alexis Tapp

MARCH - Our big event for March was the DSA Members and Community Virtual Awards on March 25 where we honored songwriters with the Song of the Year Award and the Vern Dailey Songwriter of the Year Award. There were  performances by our member contestants Wayne Willingham, Troy Enslee, Ace Pounder, Alexis Tapp, Wayne Gathright, Rio King, Bill Martin, Michael Brandenberger, Michael Roth, Harry Wolf, and Barbara McMillen. Opening Bell, Tone Shop, Patty Allen Driver, and Guitarlington received DSA Community Service Awards. It was streamed on Facebook and the recording resides on our youtube channel. While you're there, please subscribe to our channel. https://www.youtube.com

And the winners are:  

         Vern Dailey Songwriter of the Year - Alexis Tapp

 

         Song of the Year - Shoulda Coulda Woulda by Wayne Willingham

 

/@dallassongwriters_official2702 - Thanks to our judge Jamey Shannon who had a hard job. The scores were very close.

For a list of the competing songs go to the Best Songs of the Meeting Page: https://bestsongsofthemeeting.blogspot.com/2022/03/

See the replay on Youtube: https://youtu.be/biSYiLJVXV8

APRIL - Our special event for April was the DSA Hall of Fame 2023 - 

The 2023 Hall of Fame ceremony was held on Saturday, April 15 at Love and War in Texas, streamed live to Facebook. Inductees are Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimmie Vaughan, Sly and Family Stone (Dance to the Music), Roger Miller, Jim Collins (Damn Strait), Selena Gomez and Buddy Magazine's Ron McKeown and Stoney Burns, plus Dallas Guitar Show's Jimmy Wallace, Mark Pollock, and Charley Wirz. DSA members (Ian Dickson, Wayne Willingham and Rio King) and Rising Stars under 18 ( Taylor Alyne, Claire Causey, Chloe Rae, Lavada Burns, Junia Rodriguez, and Kayden Turner) performed inductee songs with the BYOB band (Pam and Len Musgrove, Gregg Ballew, Sue Schildt, John Summers and Stan Woodward. https://dallassongwritershalloffame.blogspot.com

See the replay on YouTube:  https://youtu.be/ViqUq78aUaU

MAY - We were busy in May with two outdoor festivals. Our members performed for 4 days on several stages for the   

Deep Ellum Community Arts Fair - May 26 - 29. DSA Members performed. See all performances https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2QmQKUl70-0kMD48nrt13pDklxuLD190

We also managed and performed on the City Line Stage for 3 days at the

Wildflower Arts Festival - May 20-22 - City Line Stage - YouTube link:

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2QmQKUl70-3pd2vZ4TlE7xzw5kzfuH1o

 

JUNE - Brings the opening of the DSA 2023 International Song Contest and our Young Songwriters Song Contest. See below for details and the link.

 REGULAR EVENTS

The FIRST THURSDAY VIRTUAL MEETING WORKSHOP is held monthly and features a guest speaker and song critiques. It is streamed live to facebook. See below for details and the Zoom meeting link.

Our virtual open mic is still occurring every Wednesday 7 - 9. Join us via the Zoom meeting number. 617 432 0082 or just watch on the Dallas Songwriters Facebook page as we stream live. Some of our members, who are home bound or from out of town depend on this weekly opportunity to share their songs. The hosting duties are shared by Bill Martin, Allen Larson, Seth Ginsberg, Keith Dodson and Barbara McMillen. June 7, 14, 21, 28

Third Thursday Songwriter Spotlight streams to YouTube. 7-9 featuring Michael RJ Roth (2021 DSA SC GP runner up with Gone, Gone, Gone) June 8

Love and War wants you to perform at our 4th Thursday open mic 7 - 9. Rickey Gene Wright hosts with a songwriters round format. Come out and sign up with RGW.  June 22, July 27, Aug 24

Quick look events page: https://dallassongwriters.blogspot.com

DOWN THE LINE

Wild Dawgs

 Wild DAWG deep sea fishing adventure in Port Aransas June 15 - 18 will be an awesome weekend. Join our Facebook Wild Dawg group and posting some photos and videos. If you have been on this trip you will want to join and post to share your photos of your past trips. Also, if you plan to go next year, this is a great way to connect for info. https://www.facebook.com/groups/486583939901589

Sunday, July 23 - Columbia Lodge 66 presents the 5th Annual Blue Christmas In July -  A perfect Sunday afternoon blues event for charity including a BBQ Brisket, Chicken, Sausage Dinner + potato salad (bring a side) and a show with Texas Slim and Gregg A Smith to benefit the Larry Tutson Toy Drive at Sons of Hermann Hall, 3414 Elm Street, OBA.

$15 at the door. $10 with toy donation

Bobby Wilbanks' and Gregg Smith's Birthday.

Aug 5 - DSA Pool Party - Good times again at Joe Miltons. Bring a pot luck dish.

 

Aug 12 - SonsStock -  Mini Woodstock - period Music and craft booths at Sons of Hermann Hall. DSA members perform. An invite to perform will be sent out through the membership google group. The performance will be gratis and will include originals and a minimum of two songs from the Woodstock playlist each set. This event benefits Hermann Sons Columbia Lodge.  Here is the link to the Facebook event page. https://fb.me/e/212cSTC3l

SONGWRITERS NOTES ISSUE #235 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2023

  HAPPY NEW YEAR,

Wishing you a better 2023. I hope the best of your 2022 will be the worst of your 2023 because it's time for a GREAT year to appear.

Dallas Songwriters supports the Larry Tutson Jr Toy Drive each year with a donation for bike and helmets to be given away in the South Dallas Community. 

Barbe McMillen and Bobby Montgomery of Dallas Songwriters Association presenting a $500 check to Bobby Wilbanks president of Hermann Sons Columbia lodge for the Larry Tutson Toy Drive. Columbia lodge matched the DSA check and Wilbanks takes $1000 to buy bikes and helmets for the giveaway on Dec 17 in South Dallas. https://dallassongwriterstoydrive.blogspot.com

We'll be celebrating our song contest winners on Saturday, January 14 from noon - 3pm. This event is a zoom live stream to Facebook. The awards will be presented by Barbara McMillen, Alexis Tapp, Bob Ehlert, Bill Martin, Dorinda Duncan, Bobby Smith, Bobby Montgomery, Michael Brandenberger, and Roy Elkins. There will be performances by Emma James, Joli Reiman, Rick Valente, Kent Strong, Kevin Toqe, Wayne Gathright, Ava Della Pietra, Rio King, Mike Ryan, Michael Roth, and Harri Wolf. Our technical staff is Harry Hewlett and Troy Enslee.

Please join on our Facebook page for the live stream or you can tune in later. Link to Facebook : https://fb.me/e/2u00tel0K

Also, we will be celebrating our members songs in February 4 with a virtual showcase and Awards, plus our community awards. It will also be streamed to our Facebook page.

REGULAR EVENTS

The FIRST THURSDAY VIRTUAL MEETING WORKSHOP is held monthly and features a guest speaker and song critiques. It is streamed live to facebook. Our guest speaker is Sam Moore See below for details and the Zoom meeting link.

Our virtual open mic is still occurring every Wednesday 7 - 9. Join us via the Zoom meeting number. 617 432 0082 or just watch on the Dallas Songwriters Facebook page as we stream live. Some of our members, who are home bound or from out of town depend on this weekly opportunity to share their songs. The hosting duties are shared by Bill Martin, Allen Larson, Kim Cotton, Seth Ginsberg and Barbara McMillen.

Love and War wants you to perform at our 4th Thursday open mic 7 - 9. Rickey Gene Wright hosts with a
songwriters round format. Come out and sign up with RGW.  

Quick look events page: https://dallassongwriters.blogspot.com

DSA Board Planning Meeting - Sat, Jan.7

DSA Song Contest 2022 Virtual Awards Program - January 14, 2023

DSA Best Songs of the Meeting Virtual Awards on February 4

DOWN THE LINE

Deep Ellum Community Arts Fair - March 30 -April 2. DSA Members perform.

 DSA Hall of Fame 2023 - 

The 2023 Hall of Fame ceremony will be held on Saturday, April 15 at Love and War in Texas, streamed live to Facebook. Inductees are Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimmie Vaughan, Sly and Family Stone (Dance to the Music), Roger Miller, Jim Collins (Damn Strait), Selena Gomez and Buddy Magazines Ron McKeown and Stoney Burns.

Wildflower Arts and Music Festival - May 19-21. DSA Members perform on the Cityline Stage.

Wild Dawgs

Oh Yeah, and the Wild DAWG deep sea fishing adventure in Port Aransas June 15 - 18 will be an awesome weekend. Join our Facebook Wild Dawg group and posting some photos and videos. If you have been on this trip you will want to join and post to share your photos of your past trips. Also, if you plan to go next year, this is a great way to connect for info. https://www.facebook.com/groups/486583939901589

SONGWRITERS NOTES ISSUE #234 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022

 HOWDY FOLKS,

That's what Big Tex says. Our mascot standing in western style at the grand circle of our great State Fair. 

 We have just enjoyed three wonderful weeks of the fair. Also, the heat has subsided and the outdoor festivals are abound.

Thanks to Bobby Montgomery and volunteers Allen Larsen, Keith Dobson, Jamey Shannon, and Wayne Willingham the DSA had a presence at the Amigos International Guitar Show in Arlington.

Jamey Shannon-Bobby Montgomery- Allen Larsen

DSA Hall of Fame Inductee John Ford Coley cruised down from Franklin to Greenville and performed twice this fall at the Texan Theater. DSA players were a part of the show. The Texan is a beautiful venue. 

Craig Langford, Joel Weaver, 
Barbara McMillen, John Ford Coley,
Alexis Tapp, Rickey Gene Wright

Some important things are going on next couple of months.  Our  international song contest and young songwriter contest are currently in the judging process. Semifinalist will be announced on Nov 3. Semi-finalist are invited to perform on our virtual Awards Program on January 14.  

REGULAR EVENTS

November 3 brings ELECTION to the Board of Directors and SONG CRITIQUE BLOWOUT, the final chance to enter the contest for Song and Songwriter of the Year Awards. 

This FIRST THURSDAY VIRTUAL MEETING WORKSHOP is held monthly and features a guest speaker and song critiques. It is streamed live to facebook. See below for details and the Zoom meeting link.

Our virtual open mic is still occurring every Wednesday 7 - 9. Join us via the Zoom meeting number. 617 432 0082 or just watch on the Dallas Songwriters Facebook page as we stream live. Some of our members, who are home bound or from out of town depend on this weekly opportunity to share their songs. The hosting duties are shared by Bill Martin, Allen Larson, Kim Cotton, Seth Ginsberg and Barbara McMillen.

Love and War wants you to perform at our 4th Thursday open mic 7 - 9. Rickey Gene Wright hosts with a
songwriters round format. Come out and sign up with RGW.  

Heather Hatchet, Bill Martin, Al Cain, Rickey Gene Wright 

SPECIAL EVENTS: 
DSA Christmas Party at the Neathery in McKinney on Dec 7th.

Quick look events page: https://dallassongwriters.blogspot.com

 

DOWN THE LINE

DSA Board Planning Meeting - Sat, Jan.7

DSA Song Contest 2022 Virtual Awards Program - January 14, 2023

DSA Best Songs of the Meeting Virtual Awards on January 21

Deep Ellum Community Arts Fair - March 30 -April 2. DSA Members perform.

 DSA Hall of Fame 2023 - 

The 2023 Hall of Fame ceremony will be held on Saturday, April 15 at Love and War in Texas, streamed live to Facebook. Inductees are Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimmie Vaughan, Sly and Family Stone (Dance to the Music), Roger Miller, Jim Collins (Damn Strait), Selena Gomez and Buddy Magazines Ron McKeown and Stoney Burns.

Wildflower Arts and Music Festival - May 19-21. DSA Members perform on the Cityline Stage.

Wild Dawgs

Oh Yeah, and the Wild DAWG deep sea fishing adventure in Port Aransas June 15 - 18 will be an awesome weekend. Join our Facebook Wild Dawg group and posting some photos and videos. If you have been on this trip you will want to join and post to share your photos of your past trips. Also, if you plan to go next year, this is a great way to connect for info. https://www.facebook.com/groups/486583939901589

SONGWRITER NOTES NEWSLETTER ISSUE #229 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022

 HAPPY NEW YEAR from Dallas, Tx

We made it through 2021 and that is something to celebrate! I know this is a little late coming but I've had a lot on my hands to keep me busy with the award shows.

Thanks to Zoom and our Harry Hewlett, we stayed very active in 2021 and have more activities planned for 2022.

On January 15th we has our Awards Program for the 32nd Annual Dallas Songwriters Song Contest with performances from our semifinalists and appearances from our illustrious judges. Awards were given in each of the eight categories, plus grand prize awards, Lyric Contest Awards and a Young Songwriters Song Contest Awards .   More info on our song contest and to view the winners got to: https://dsasongcontest.blogspot.com For the Young Songwriters Song Contest Winners see: https://youngsongwriterscontest.blogspot.com  For the 2021 Quarterly Lyric Contest winners: https://dallassongwriterslyriccontest.blogspot.com Next deadline Next deadline March 30, 2022.

On January 22nd we awarded the Best Songs of the Meetings, Song of the Year and Vern Dailey Songwriter of the Year Awards, plus our community awards. Community Awards went to Red Byboth at Love and War in Plano, Both shows were on Saturday 12-2 via Zoom streamed to facebook and archived to Youtube.

RECAP OF 2021

Along with our Awards show in January, our special events for last year included:

 our Hall of Fame in April, a booth at the Dallas Guitar show in May, the Wild Dawg Fishing Adventure in June, Showcase at the Staples in Ft Worth in August, 2 stages for 2 days at the Deep Ellum Arts Festival in Sept, a booth at the guitar show in Arlington in Oct., and our Christmas party at the Neathery in McKinney.

   At our booth at the guitar show, we handed out the Spring 2021 Songwriters Notes Issue which contained a list of our contest winners for the past couple of years. Get the issue here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1r8sOxwzmlP_W5fLjb0-PPrZAuxku5pmb/view

The Wild Dawg Fishing Adventure in June, 

A bunch of us went to the coast to Port Aransas in June for some deep sea fishing. What a lot of fun. Check out the DSA Facebook page for photos . We brought instruments and played our songs at a dinner on Saturday night that was streamed to Facebook live. Harry put it on youtube for us. Check us out here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2QmQKUl70-0l1P2b_GE1aDxctg1HmYEm

 Don put a recap on the blog:  https://blog.dallassongwriters.org/wild-dawgs-fishin-on-the-guff/

Showcase at Staples in August, 

Starting February we are adding a 2nd Thursday Open Mic at Opening Bell 6-8pm and a 3rd Thursday Songwriters Spotlight to our regular Monthly Events.

Here are the monthly events:

1st Thursday Virtual Workshop with Guest Speaker and Song Critiques

2nd Thursday Open Mic and Showcase at Opening Bell

3rd Thursday Member Songwriters Spotlight

4th Thursday Open Mic at Love and War

Every Saturday Virtual Showcase

3rd Friday Songwriters Round at Porta Di Roma

Every Wednesday Night Virtual Open Mic

Harry Hewlett hosts the Bring Your Own Mic Open Mic at Love & War on the 4th Thursday each month. Great fun, great music and great food. Who could ask for more. DSA's open mic is there every 4th Thursday and streams to Facebook.  Performances are archived on the DSA Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2QmQKUl70-2BUBV_3yyYejRGK4lu9vMM

Porta Di Roma - Songs In The Round is still going strong with great songs and excellent Italian food! DSA Songwriters Round takes the stage there on the 3rd Friday every month and is streamed live to Facebook. Rickey Gene Wright is the host of that Songwriters in the Round format. Three DSA members perform each month: You can find archives on the DSA Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sH48H7wcW0&list=PL2QmQKUl70-0i4zr97msbRLENE-cPTBLV

 EVENTS - Quick look events page: https://dallassongwriters.blogspot.com

The Between the Waves Music Conference, presented by Broadjam, is back and ready to rock in 2022! This year, BTW will be a 1-day, fully-virtual conference on February 26, 2022. See more below.
Register Today! 

WILDFLOWER SONG CONTEST

Al Johnson Performing Songwriting Contest

Deadlne to Enter March 4 Enter here:

https://wildflowerfestival.com/songwriter-contest/

 DSA Hall of Fame - 

The 2022 Hall of Fame ceremony will be held on Saturday April 23, hopefully in a live venue, Loe and War in Texas, or option is virtually on Zoom and streamed live to Facebook.  

Seven years ago we began to honor famous singer/songwriters with roots in the Dallas/Fort Worth area through an induction into the Dallas Songwriters Association Hall of Fame. This year's honorees are: Willie Nelson, Charlie Pride, Townes Van Zandt, Kelly Clarkson, Leann Rimes and David Card.

In the previous years we have honored legends such as T-Bone Walker, Blind Lemon Jefferson, Freddie King, Trini Lopez, Sam Samudo (Sam the Sham), Cindy Walker, Gus Levine, Al Johnson, Bruce Channel, Jerry Lynn Williams, Gary Nicholson, Delbert McClinton, the Nightcaps, Larry Henley, Steve Miller, Boz Scaggs, Stephen Stills, Rod Phelps, England Dan Seals, John Ford Coley, Janie Fricke, Steve Weisberg, John Denver, and Gregg A Smith. The DSA's initiative is to encourage young aspiring musicians to celebrate our legends with their performances of songs made famous by our inductees. We reached out to the local music schools and asked for auditions at each school for the honor to perform. The show is also archived on our Youtube channel.

  For more information about our program and inductees, go to the Hall of Fame website:  https://dallassongwritershalloffame.blogspot.com

 Donate to Hall of Fame

https://dallas-songwriters-association.square.site/product/donate-to-dallas-songwriters-hall-of-fame/27?cs=true&cst=custom

Past programs can be viewed on our Youtube Channel  - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2QmQKUl70-3Y_SmChiZRqM9rmPfrLWbL

DSA YOUTUBE CHANNEL - PLEASE SUBSCRIBE

      2020 Community Awards went to Dunn Brothers Coffee and Broadjam, Inc.

             https://dsasongcontest.blogspot.com/p/dsa-community-awards.html

SONGWRITERS NOTES ISSUE #226 MAY 2021

   Hello Songwriter,

The Dallas International Guitar Show is the best entertainment value for this weekend, April 30 - May 2. Venders from all over the US are marketing their guitars and accessories. Multiple stages showcase the best guitar talent in the world. Come on out and stop by the DSA booth to visit wit us.

Bring Your Own Mic Open Mic at Love & War on the 4th Thursday monthly, has been enjoying an increasing crowd as more people become vaccinated.  Btw, L&W has great food! If you are still not ready to venture out or you live out of town, you can watch us streaming live to facebook. The month of April found Allen Larsen acting as host, with our Director of A&R, Harry oversees the event.

Last month I attended Porta Di Roma with Bill Martin, Don Wall, Kimberly, and Bobby Montgomery all enjoying pizza and pasta at a front table.  Excellent Italian food! DSA Songwriters Round takes the stage there on the 3rd Friday every month and is streamed live to Facebook. Rickey Gene Wright is the host of that Songwriters in the Round format. Performing last month were: Harry Hewlett, Rickey Gene and Craig Langford in the photo  L-R.

SPECIAL EVENTS

 DSA Hall of Fame -  can now be viewed on our Youtube Channel  - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2QmQKUl70-3Y_SmChiZRqM9rmPfrLWbL

The 2021 Hall of Fame ceremony was held on Saturday April 17 virtually on Zoom and streamed live to Facebook.  We were so lucky to have John Ford Coley join is from Nashville and perform his hits. It was truly a wonderful experience. He is such a great guy. Gregg A Smith also joined us to perform and accept his award. There were over 20 performers covering songs by our inductees. I hope you will take some time to watch it on our Youtube Channel and please subscribe.

Six years ago we began to honor famous singer/songwriters with roots in the Dallas/Fort Worth area through an induction into the Dallas Songwriters Association Hall of Fame. In the previous years we have honored legends such as T-Bone Walker, Blind Lemon Jefferson, Freddie King, Trini Lopez, Sam Samudo (Sam the Sham), Cindy Walker, Gus Levine, Al Johnson, Bruce Channel, Jerry Lynn Williams, Gary Nicholson, Delbert McClinton, the Nightcaps, Larry Henley, Steve Miller, Boz Scaggs, Stephen Stills, and Rod Phelps.

This years honorees included England Dan Seals and John Ford Coley, Janie Fricke, Steve Weinberg, John Denver, and Gregg A Smith. The DSA's initiative this year was to encourage young aspiring musicians to celebrate our legends with their performances of songs made famous by our inductees. We reached out to the local music schools and asked for auditions at each school for the honor to perform. The show is also archived on our Youtube channel.

  For more information about our program and inductees, go to the Hall of Fame website:  https://dallassongwritershalloffame.blogspot.com

 Donate to Hall of Fame

https://dallas-songwriters-association.square.site/product/donate-to-dallas-songwriters-hall-of-fame/27?cs=true&cst=custom

NEW YOUTUBE CHANNEL - PLEASE SUBSCRIBE

      2020 Community Awards went to Dunn Brothers Coffee and Broadjam, Inc.

             https://dsasongcontest.blogspot.com/p/dsa-community-awards.html

SONGWRITERS NOTES E-NEWS #217 April 2020

Hello Songwriter,

While the coronavirus has temporarily curtailed our face to face meetings, open mics, and showcases, the global pandemic has awakened new possibilities for outreach to connect the global music community with the Texas music scene.  In response, the DSA is going global and in many cases virtual in order to grow our membership and provide new opportunities for our members.  https://dallassongwriters.org/join-dsa/

2020 is setting up to be the biggest year ever for the Dallas Songwriters Association https://dallassongwriters.org  and it starts with our Annual International Songwriting Contest, which offers more than $5,000 in prizes with winners in 8 categories.  In 2019, we had entries and winners from Iceland, Sweden, the UK, and all over the United States.  https://dsasongcontest.blogspot.com  

In addition to our International Songwriting Contest, members can enter other contests, including the Quarterly Lyric Contest https://www.facebook.com/DSALyricContest/, Rising Star for 18 & Under, and monthly song critiques.  The DSA currently offers members 2 virtual workshops each month, 2 virtual showcases, a virtual open mic, as well as special events.  https://www.facebook.com/dallassongwriters/

DSA is using https://zoom.us to facilitate our virtual events, and we encourage you to join DSA to jump into the Texas music scene, and take advantage of these new opportunities anywhere in the world.     

This year, our annual DSA Hall of Fame Event, which honors outstanding songwriters with North Texas ties, has been postponed until Sep 19, 2020.  Honorees will include John Denver, England Dan and John Ford Coley, Janie Fricke, and Gregg A. Smith.  Live performances by DSA Rising Star Students, DSA Members, and the BYO Musicians Network will be broadcast LIVE to a global audience.  

Live performances and camaraderie with fellow songwriters make up the soul of DSA.  Recent events have shown us that reaching out to the global community is hugely important to our mission to promote the craft of songwriting, provide realistic, educational opportunities to better navigate the music industry, and to provide exclusive performance opportunities, both LIVE and VIRTUAL.  For a quick look at our virtual events this month we have provided an events list at 

 https://dallassongwriters.blogspot.com or you can tune into our facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pg/dallassongwriters/events/ 

To fulfill our mission, the Dallas Songwriters Association invites guest speakers to address our virtual audience for now, and to join our monthly workshops in the future.  These workshops offer educational information from accomplished songwriters and industry professionals, everything from jingle writing, to do it yourself videos, to the new economics of the music industry.  If you would like to conduct a workshop, please contact: info@dallassongwriters.org.    DSA is a 501 C3 nonprofit organization.  Please join us as we join the Global community.  https://dallassongwriters.org/join-dsa/ 

..............Don Wall   - Director of Public Relations

Love this video - "Staying Inside"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmUXntGlqFI

My Carona
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmUXntGlqFI

Our regular DSA MONTHLY EVENTS have gone virtual
* First Thursday Monthly Meeting, with guest speaker and song critiques.
* Songwriter Meetup, 1st Monday, at Half Price Books on NWH in Dallas
* the 3rd Thursday Open Mic at Dunn Brothers Coffee in Addison hosted by Harry.
* the 2nd Wednesday Showcase at Opening Bell in South Side.
* the 4th Thursday Showcase at Love and War in Texas in Plano
Here's a list of monthly events and the Facebook event links: https://dallassongwriters.blogspot.com
Wanna join us online for our events? It's easier than you think ! Here is a how to video:

ZOOM’S JOIN A MEETING VIDEO (Watch this video first!)
https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362193-How-Do-I-Join-A-Meeting-?zcid=1588

At our first Thursday Meeting, on March 5th Johnny Hooper talked to us about the jingle business then and now and how much it has changed. Randy Brooks talked about the success of his Christmas song, Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer. The 1st Monday Meetup was our last face to face meeting.

We had a slim audience at the Opening Bell showcase on the 2nd Wednesday, March 11   but a great line up of performers, including: Raquel Lindeman; Aaron Shook; Rickey Gene Wright and Denice Owens; Phil Ward; HOST: Harry Hewlett. You can start here with Harry and scroll forward.
https://www.facebook.com/dallassongwriters/videos/2892218047505524/

There were about 10 members that tuned into our virtual Third Thursday Dunn Brothers Open Mic on March 19 and the Fourth Thursday Love And War Open Mic on March 26 hosted by Harry Hewlett.  All the usual suspects Zoomed in. We'll be having some choice videos posted from these performances.  facebook page in videos.

SPECIAL EVENTS COMING UP

DEEP ELLUM DALLAS SONGWRITERS SPOTLIGHT STAGE -has been rescheduled SEPT 11 - 12, 7-11pm
Check out the line up on the event page.
https://www.facebook.com/events/624936004966130/

DALLAS SONGWRITERS SPOTLIGHT ON THE WILDFLOWER CITY LINE STAGE -cancelled

DSA HALL OF FAME - rescheduled CALL FOR PERFORMERS - Rising Stars who would like to perform can send audition videos to DSA HOF Audition Video.
2020 Hall of Fame inductees: John Denver, England Dan Seals, John Ford Coley, Steve Wiseberg, Janie Fricke, and Gregg Smith. Last year, DSA initiated a new Rising Star program to encourage young aspiring musicians to celebrate our legends with performances of songs by our inductees. DSA is reaching out to the local music schools and asking for auditions at each school for the honor to perform. These students will be backed up by the BYO Hall of Fame band consisting of highly respected local musicians. The band members and special guests will also perform songs by our inductees.

WHAT: DSA Hall Of Fame
WHERE:  Sons of Hermann Hall
WHEN: Sept 19th, Doors open 6:30PM  Show Starts at 7PM
TICKETS: General Admission - 15 in advance, 18 at the door
                   Students:   10 in advance,  12 at the door
More Info: http://dallassongwritershalloffame.blogspot.com

Ticket link 

https://squareup.com/store/dallas-songwriters-association/item/dallas-songwriters-hall-of-fame

Our LYRIC CONTEST has quarterly deadlines: March 31, June, September, December.
Winners from the Spring 2019 contest has been announced below.

ANNUAL SONG CONTEST Opens on June 1. Semifinalist were announced on November 7th. Winners to be announced at the Awards Banquet on January 18, 6PM, Sons of Hermann Hall.  https://dsasongcontest.blogspot.com

YOUNG SONGWRITERS CONTEST - We have a new contest for youth 18 and under. Winners were announced on Jan 18. 2020 Contest opens June 1.
https://youngsongwriterscontest.blogspot.com

We are migrating our member forum from yahoo to google groups. Here is the new google group. https://groups.google.com/d/forum/dallas-songwriters-members

You have to check out this wonderful Stay Active link that was put together by Collin College professors. You will not get bored watching real life Zoo animals (my fave), participating in a virtual scavenger hunt etc., etc.

https://www.collin.edu/intramurals/stayactive.html 

We will get through this together but let's have some fun too!

We still count on you for support with your membership and donations. But most of all we want you to take advantage of the educational opportunities and participate. 
There is still a chance to donate for the new year. Your generosity keeps our organization going. Just go to www.dallassongwriters.org and click on the donation link. 

Thanks to Paul Zander, John Jaggers, Bobby Montgomery, David Lewis, Michael Brandenberger, Phillip Casteel, Alexis Tapp, Don Wall, Harry Hewlett, Kery Maddox, Ginger Stanoia, Kenneth Shoemaker, and Kristi Myers for their recent contributions to our fall fundraiser. Other contributors include Ireland, John Jaggers, Bill Kapac, Rio King, Mimi Balkey, Suzi Morse, and Jared LoStrato. Go to this link: https://squareup.com/store/dallas-songwriters-association

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 past Angela's showcases. Can't make it? Then tune into Facebook/dallassongwriters. Want to be on our facebook streams? Show up and perform.

WOW! What a exciting spring full of great events. Happy Valentines and Mardi Gras.

Songcerely,
Barbe

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DSA SONG CONTEST -  Opens June 1

Mesus and Dam Stasi with grand. prize Casio Privia PX-S1000 keyboard 

Dam Stasi and Kickbend with Mesus is Grand Prize Winner with song "UNLESS". Runner up Comrad (Arthur Revechkis) wins with "A THOUSAND LIVES" and Debra Gussin is second runner up with 'LOVE IS NOT". Read about these winners and the interviews with these artists here on our press page.  MORE: https://dsapress.blogspot.com/2020/04/dsa-2019-song-contest-grand-prize.html

Hear the winning song, "UNLESS".
 https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=444966422937309

Hear the grand prize runner up, "A THOUSAND LIVES". https://www.broadjam.com/songs/comrad/a-thousand-lives

Hear second grand prize runner up "LOVE IS NOT".  https://www.broadjam.com/songs/debragussin/love-is-not

Here is a link to a complete list of the winners: https://dsasongcontest.blogspot.com

The DSA Song Contest Awards Dinner that was held on Saturday, January 18, at Sons of Hermann Hall was well attended with 70+. Awards were presented for the Song Contest, Lyric Contest, Song of the Year and Songwriter of the Year. Semi-finalists  Eddie Bowers, Charles Carter, Addison Havens, David Lewis, Bill Martin, Kyle Short and Stephanie Sammons will be performing, as well as, young songwriters Jade Nichol and TK Brown, who received 18 and under Rising Star Awards, plus Harry Hewlett and Barbara McMillen.
Robert Ehlert won the Fall lyric Contest.

Sorry you were not able to appear in person. Here is a link to a video of the event: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69Ov2xo-Acs

And there are oodles of photos on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/dallassongwriters/photos/?tab=album&album_id=2883673535018186
Here is a link to the pdf of the Awards Program: https://drive.google.com/file/d/12U21eMdAYS13sS4Z5smSL3AD059xYUVt/view?usp=sharing

http://dsasongcontest.blogspot.com      Cash Prizes +

DSA is proud to announce that this years Grand Prize Casio Privia Keyboard is the new PX-S1000. This new electronic keyboard sounds and feels like a real piano and it is lighter weight than other keyboards with the same features. This “world’s slimmest digital piano” weighs in at just 24.7 pounds. The back panel includes a USB port, an audio (stereo mini-jack) port,  and two 1/4 inch outputs, (stereo and mono). The Privia PX-S1000 contains 18 different "bread and butter" sounds, including numerous acoustic pianos, Rhodes and Wurlitzer-type electric pianos, vibes, string patches, organs, harpsichord, and acoustic bass. You can also layer and split these sounds.

Every working pianist in a metropolitan area where space and portability are paramount should try Casio's Privia PX-S1000 for themselves. From its realistic piano sound and touch, to its extreme portability and modern connectivity it’s truly a marvel.

Read full review at Keyboard Magazine.

https://www.keyboardmag.com/gear/review-casio-privia-px-s1000

THANKS TO OUR SONG CONTEST SPONSORS

GRAND PRIZE  -   A Casio Privia Piano

https://www.casio.com/products/electronic-musical-instruments/stage-pianos/px-360

1st, 2nd and 3rd place 

wins recording time at 

Grand Prize winners receive:

1 Yr. Broadjam Primo MoB Membership

($199.95 Value) 

Includes Artist Website, 1 Yr. Hosting

Category winners get cash prizes

Winners announced at our Awards Banquet.

JOHN LATINI WINS GRAND PRIZE IN THE 2018 DALLAS SONGWRITERS SONG CONTEST 
http://dsapress.blogspot.com/2019/03/john-latini-wins-grand-prize-in-2018.html

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DSA MEETINGS - http://dsameetings.blogspot.com

MONTHLY MEETING - Thursday, April 2, 6:30

Zoom Into DSA Virtual Events with Harry Hewlett

Learn how to use zoom to connect with our virtual workshops, Meetups, Open Mics and Showcases. This is easier than you think. So join us because we are missing you. You will get and invite to join the meeting from our member group email or you can look on the event page on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/events/2654181978137285/

ZOOM’S JOIN A MEETING VIDEO (Watch this video first!)
https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362193-How-Do-I-Join-A-Meeting-?zcid=1588

Critiques will follow:

As usual, for members we will also have song critiques by industry pros Barbe McMillen and Joe Milton.  Play your song live, from your computer, or your phone or email an MP3 to Harry Hewlett at hhhewlett@gmail.com, and also you can display your lyrics from your computer so the members can give comments as well.  You will also be entered into the DSA Song of the Year and Songwriter of the Year contest. The cost is $10 per song.

Location: Your home
6:00 pm: Doors Open/Networking and visiting
7:00 pm: Program followed by song critiques for members only
Pay online for critique. https://squareup.com/store/dallas-songwriters-association or

https://dallassongwriters.org/shop/dsa-meeting-song-critique-entry/
Each song is entered into the Song of The Year and Songwriter of the Year Competition which is awarded at our December Awards Banquet. 

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VIDEO OF PAST MEETINGS
Don Wall about DIY Music videos, Feb 6, 2020
https://www.facebook.com/dallassongwriters/videos/564837404103111/

John Jaggers about the Colorado capo, January 6, 2020. https://www.facebook.com/dallassongwriters/videos/615703919198867/

JANA STANDFIELD: JUNE 6, 2019 Half Price Books

https://www.facebook.com/dallassongwriters/videos/2413755892187746/ 

ED BURNET:  May 2, 2019 Half Price Books
https://www.facebook.com/groups/242191552781160/permalink/839986039668372/

BRUCE CHANNEL : https://www.facebook.com/dallassongwriters/videos/1820749174645104/

Thanks to Harry Hewlett we have a video of the Sept 6th 2018 meeting with Bruce Channel. Bruce received an award from BMI for two million radio performances of Hey! Baby. His original record of Hey! Baby is featured in the hit movie, Dirty Dancing, and on the international sound track album, listed in BILLBOARD’s Pop Album for over three months with sales of over twelve + million units.

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BEST SONGS of the Meeting -  2020

https://bestsongsofthemeeting.blogspot.com

There is a comprehensive list on this website of all submitted. Also, past winners can be located at the above url.

2020

JAN
Take Another Chance - David Lewis
Must Be Present to Win - John Jaggers

Light On The Sand - Beau McDermott

FEB

Full Moon - Barbe McMillen

Red White and Blue - Don Wall

The Forgotten Vet - Don Wall
Another Whiskey - David Case

MARCH
I Can't Breathe - Allen Larson
I Could Never - Bill Martin
Humble Refugee - Kerry Maddox
Home in My Dreams - Don Wall

2019

Winners were announced at the Awards Dinner on Jan. 18, 6Pm Sons of Hermann Hall.

2019 SONG OF THE YEAR SEMIFINALIST

THE STORY OF BONNIE & CLYDE - Barbe McMillen

WATERING HOLE - Harry Hewlett

 MONAHANS by Randy Overton

I FOUND LOVE by David Lewis

RED YELLOW BLACK AND WHITE - Harry Hewlett

SANTA ALWAYS HIT EAST TEXAS LAST - Don Wall

GONNA LOVE ON YOU - Harry Hewlett

HE LOOKED LIKE WAYLON BUT SOUNDED LIKE CASH - Rickey Gene Wright

I NEVER CRIED - Rio King

MADISON ELIZABETH'S DAY - David Lewis

THE MUSIC WAS A MIRACLE - Alexis Tapp

THOUGHTS OF YOU - Barbe McMillen

WINNER OF BEST SONGS OF THE MEETING

SONG OF THE YEAR

THE STORY OF BONNIE AND CLYDE - Barbe McMillen

SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR - Harry Hewlett

Jack Allday, Judge, Barbe McMillen, Harry hewlett

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