Photos and review by DONNA BALANCIA
ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Annapolis Songwriters Festival musicians prove that you don’t have to brandish a lot of fanfare to make an impression.
Ram’s Head Presents put on the fourth annual Annapolis Songwriters Festival, which drew 130 acts and a several thousand music-lovers to Maryland’s capital.
The bigger names were on hand for fans of large performances, from the likes of Dirty Heads, 10,000 Maniacs and Al Jardine. And the smaller clubs, taverns and hotel lobbies were the place to be to see some of the acts that may be equally as well known but on a different level.
The festival proves that songwriters come in all forms, genres and styles, ranging from the young people just starting out, to those road-worn veterans of the music biz who’ve been around the horn a time or two.
“It’s a great place to check out new music and go shopping at the same time,” said Mary Clybourne who made the trip from Western Maryland to the event. “I love to hear new music and watch the show.”
The event is a win-win for all. It’s a great promotion for the businesses and hotels of Annapolis at a time when summer tourism is winding down but the weather is still beautiful. Visitors get to sample the fare of the many restaurants and pubs in Annapolis, where seafood and American cuisine are the main course.
But the songwriters weekend not just for out-of-towners. Area residents are particularly supportive.
“I love this festival, it gets me out of the house and I have an excuse to stroll the neighborhood,” said John Romero who lives in downtown Annapolis. “It’s always good to be a local but on these occasions it’s even better.”
The setup is succinct. The schedule and venues can accomodate the number of acts because the performers are teamed up in twos. It may make for some unusual combinations of musical styles, but it creates a friendly and rather cooperative atmosphere.
Madisun Bailey and Nelly’s Echo, for instance, teamed up at Ram’s Head on Saturday.
“I really enjoy playing this festival,” said Bailey, who is planning a European tour. Before her set, she stopped by 49 West to see her friend Ray Weaver perform with Mark Shiiba.
An outstanding show was the Anthony Smith and Jeffrey Steele combo, as both veteran songwriters and performers tore it up at the King of France Tavern. The dynamic duo were preceded by Pete Best and Victor Vas, and Sara Jean Kelley and Kat Luna.
Steele who has written songs made famous by the likes of Billy Ray Cyrus, Trace Adkins, Tim McGraw and Zac Brown, was teamed with Smith and it was apparent these two had some musical history. Smith, in addition to being a well-regarded performer, has also written a ton of songs for the country music greats including George Strait, Blake Shelton and Rascal Flats.
Among the additional outstanding musicians hitting the streets of Annapolis were Mark Shiiba, Jillian Matundan, Dirk Schwenk, J. Coursey Willis, Dracula Jackson, Gowa Gibbs and Kristen McNamara.
