Ten years, hundreds of songwriters, thousands of songs: Grand Rapids Songwriters Alliance mark anniversary with Wealthy Theatre showcase

With the GRSA turning 10, members will deliver some of “the best songs no one’s ever heard” during Friday’s event.

 

By John Sinkevics
LocalSpins.com

The tallies are downright impressive.

At least 200 West Michigan songwriters have taken part in the monthly roundtable sessions over the past decade, generating 2,400-plus songs – some of them true gems, some of them diamonds in the rough needing attention, and all of them benefiting from the feedback of fellow musicians.

“The big thing I take away from all of this is that I’ve been so privileged to listen to almost all of those songs because I’ve only missed a handful of meetings,” says Tim Perry, who along with Jeff Oxford founded the Grand Rapids Songwriters Alliance 10 years ago. “I’ve gotten to listen to so many good songs that nobody has ever heard.”

Of course, with well-known participants over the years such as Drew Nelson, Josh Rose, Ralston Bowles, Karisa Wilson, Roger Brown, Tom Devries, Tim Foley and Nathan James, some of those songs – or at least, the roots of those tunes – have found their way onto studio albums or earned attention from receptive live audiences.

Still, much of the material inspired by the songwriters alliance and its monthly gatherings at the Schuler Books & Music on Alpine Avenue NW has gone largely unheard, which makes Friday night’s 10th Anniversary Songwriter Showcase at Wealthy Theatre a special affair, with 20 GRSA members delivering 40 original songs from the stage.

In addition to lesser-known alliance participants, the show will feature established performers such as Rose, who’s currently working on his third studio album, Brown, a veteran country musician who played years ago with Gerry Rafferty and Freddy Fender and currently performs with Drive South and Sister Wilene, and Foley and James, who are part of The Jukejoint Handmedowns.

“It’s going to be fun. It will be recorded and produced into a video (courtesy of GRTV and the Community Media Center),” says Perry.

A CHANCE ON FRIDAY FOR GRSA MEMBERS ‘TO BE HEARD’

Oxford, part of the band Neon Graffiti, notes that while the GRSA is about developing its members’ songwriting ability, “we also encourage them to get out in front of people” in an effort to boost their confidence. “That could mean playing at open mics, getting gigs around town, recording songs and posting them, or putting together an album,” he says. “This event is another chance for our members to be heard.”

Also performing Friday will be Woody Palmer, Steve Ford, Katy Scott, Joe Helsper, Jack Maynard, Milo Hart, Doug Roosien, Julia Yob, Dave Piell, Paul Emery, John Kaye, Tom Messink, Eldon Howe, Adam Wright, and Oxford and Perry.

Proceeds from ticket sales ($10 general admission) will benefit Well House, which provides affordable housing to the homeless. The GRSA also will be selling a 10th anniversary compilation CD featuring songs by 22 alliance members.

Many of those members have come a long way over the years. Perry notes Rose was “kind of rough around the edges” when he first attended GRSA meetings. “He came in with some passion for it and it’s been a pleasure to watch his growth,” he says. “He’s the real deal these days.”

Brown was the “real deal” before he even attended his first GRSA meeting after spending years in Europe performing and recording with the likes of Freddy Fender, Ringo Starr and Gerry Rafferty. But he knew few musicians when he moved to the Holland area and the alliance allowed him to make contacts in the area, not to mention getting feedback for impressive songs such as “Sometimes You’re Lucky,” the title track from his 2013 studio album.

(He performed the tune this week during Local Spins Live on News Talk 1340 AM; listen to the entire podcast above.)

But it’s just as rewarding for members of the songwriters alliance to watch fledgling artists test their wings as tunesmiths, even if they never get out of “their basements and living rooms” with those songs. It’s all part of the group’s mission to create a “welcoming environment where songwriters can meet, scout for collaborators, try out new material and hone their craft with the support of fellow songwriters.”

WITHOUT A HOME AFTER LOSING ‘THE PERFECT PLACE’ FOR MEETINGS

The alliance began a decade ago after Perry and Oxford met at a similar session hosted by singer-songwriter Lucy Webster at the Schuler Books & Music on 28th Street. When that group disbanded, Perry and Oxford (who’ve since collaborated on more than 50 songs) started the GRSA, with monthly gatherings held for years in the studio at the Schuler’s on Alpine Avenue – meetings that drew writers ranging from former Fox 17 meteorologist Peter Chan to Grand Rapids Press columnist Tom Rademacher, who brought along classes of writing students as a teaching tool.

But when the Alpine Schuler’s recently closed its doors, it left the GRSA without a home.

“We were crushed. It was just the perfect place to do something like this,” says Perry. The gatherings of 15 to 20 people (6:30 to 9:30 p.m. the second Wednesday of every month) have been taking place at various members’ residences until they can find a permanent home.

Still, that won’t deter participants who’ve become musical collaborators, good friends and dedicated GRSA attendees – some who “play out on a regular basis” and others who simply entertain relatives and neighbors.

“We pore over lyric sheets and give them in-depth analysis of their songs. It gives them a forum for some feedback,” Perry says of the sessions which allow participants to test out two original songs for other members. “Some of the songs are on the rough side and they’ll come back with improvements. We always see improvement.”

“While none of us are gunning for Grammys, the people in the group are passionate about songwriting. The months and years have just flown by,” Oxford adds. “Who knows if we’ll be here 10 years from now, but we are sure enjoying the ride while we can.”

For those interested in alliance gatherings, contact Perry via email at tperry123@att.net to get information about the next meeting location.

Email John Sinkevics at jsinkevics@gmail.com.
Copyright 2014, Spins on Music