Since moving to the Central Coast in 2005 I've been able to meet many new very talented songwriters

Don Lampson

Steve Key

I hosted 15 Songsalive Showcases in Sacramento during 2003 and 2004.
Here are the talented singer - songwriters who have contributed to these Showcases

Dave Baldwin was born in Maryland but his parents “dragged me out to California at the tender age of 5.  The first music I remember hearing was the Sons of the Pioneers and Roy Rogers.  When I was 14, I got an acoustic guitar to learn folk music, then an electric guitar to play Beatles songs.  In the 70's, I was in bar bands playing rock and roll and some funk music, fun stuff.  A couple of country bands too.  While I was married, I just played at home.  Now I play almost every chance I get, open mic's, Songsalive Showcases, on my front porch, in the parks and in the coffee shops.  Have guitars, will pluck and strum and pick a tune for you.  Make up one if I have to”  . . . oh by the way, he’s an electrical whiz too, it’s Dave’s gear that you’re hearing the music through.  Dave hosts an open mic in Sacramento at the Fox and Goose (Mon).

Rick Cabral, a Sacramento native, has been writing and performing original music for more than 25 years.  Focusing currently on a form of music he terms “gypsy jazz," Rick's influences include most forms of American music, ranging from Hoagy Carmichael to Jerry Garcia. He is an original member of Sacramento Songsalive! and a former member of Sacramento Songwriter's Association.

Marty Cohen is a veteran of the folk music club circuit for many years, Marty played extensively on the East Coast and in Canada before moving to Sacramento and playing in various groups at venues throughout Northern California.  He founded and directed the area's first Songwriter's Showcase 20 years ago, which featured local talent in concerts and workshops at the Old Eagle Theater. He taught songwriting at City College and is a past winner of the American Song Festival.   Remember something called Woodstock?  Marty was there!  He is currently playing at local venues as well as performing in the popular local klezmer band "Yehudi and the Gefilte Fish." Marty plans to soon record a CD of new material.  He is joined by Ken Rabiroff on guitar and vocals.

James Little has been composing and performing his songs around Sacramento for many years.  One eloquent comment by a fellow Songsalive! member regarding James goes like this “James Little has been places that I never have been and he's brought back stories about them in his songs”.

Steven Andrew Kacsmar is an engaging singer/songwriter whose music is an intriguing mix of folk, acoustic rock, and the blues.  South of Mainstream describes his voice as “a mixture of James Taylor and Willie Nelson... It carries a twang as well as a soulful sound and is also sophisticated.”  His music resonates with the influence of a wide range of genres. His lyrics are both poignantly honest and thoughtful.  Steve has been getting 2 months of airplay for 2 of his songs in Europe on the Lord Litter "Outlaw for Peace" show.

Madeline Roa was born in Japan; this half-Japanese, half-Creole American singer/songwriter grew up in various parts of the world, including Spain and England. Madeline got her start in music education at the young age of six and wrote her first song by age 13. After many years in the garage band scene, she took a break to start a family and rediscover her love of music. In 2000, she bought an acoustic guitar and started writing again in 2003. She has been making appearances in every open mike venue in town to rave reviews.  Check out her website at www.madelineroa.com where you will see this interesting comment :  “if you took the DNA's of Melissa Etheridge, Sheryl Crow, Michelle Branch, and John Mayer and cloned them into one female singer/songwriter, you would have Madeline Roa”.

Deborah Crooks is a San Francisco singer/songwriter, widely published writer and teacher in No Limits for Women in the Arts. She released her first CD "5  Acres" in 2003. Her song "Dream Me" was recently included on the RockerGrl  Discoveries 2004 CD and "Answers" will be featured on an upcoming Mosquito Media release.  Born and raised in Santa Cruz County, she's been making art since childhood. Her work is informed by a dedication to peace, understanding and liberation. She is a leader in No Limits for Women in the Arts,* hosts the San Francisco West Coast Songwriter's Association monthly open mic.

Kristen Meridith Jones was born and raised in Sacramento, California; she was  exposed to music on a daily basis - her mother's side of the family was full of melody and song throughout the generations.  Music has always been a huge part of jones' life.. Her mother played the piano from a young age and sang  in the women's choir "the sweet adelines" as well as a barber shop quartet; her grandmother and great grandmother sang and played the piano; one of her uncles played the trombone, tuba,  string base and piano in a prominent Sacramento Jazz Jubilee band; and two other  uncles played the trumpet and trombone. Often compared to contemporary artists sarah mclachlan, jewel and michelle branch, jones  has a style all her own. from all i can bare - a catchy alternative slow-versed, fast-  chorused tune - to do you ever - an initially dark, quiet, mysterious song with a bright, loud, in-your-face finale - variety is the spice in this gal's performance.

Scott Berry started playing the guitar at 13 because of an obsession with Metallica's Black album.  I've been influenced by pretty much everything from Country to Hard Rock and have performed at various venues in Berkeley, Napa, Sacramento, San Francisco, and San Diego.  He grew up in Napa, moved to the bay area when he was 20 and came to Sacramento about 2 years ago.  He’s 25, single, plays beer-league softball, and  likes piña coladas and getting caught in the rain.

Carla Fleming is a performance artist who composes the music of her songs and has them recorded to CD so she can sing the lyrics karaoke style for her audience’s enjoyment.

Mario Zelaya is a Bay Area musician, Mario divides his playing time between San Francisco and Los Angeles. For him, Pete Townshend’s performance on Monty Python’s Secret Policeman’s Ball is the model to aspire to. Rich, percussive chordwork and lyrical imagery - that’s his gig...not to mention the occasional Who cover. His CD recording, “Sorcery and Beer,” is an impression of what he does - a collection of first and second studio takes, with just him and his guitar. Check out the song, “Down by the Cinnabar Mines” in Creative Line’s category of “Great Songs of Beauty or Wonder”.  The San Luis Obispo New Times once described his music as “lively folk rock” - heavy on the “lively”, with a tasty helping of rock.

Drew James, a San Francisco native, grew up playing guitar influenced by several 1960’s rock, blues and folk artists. He began writing and singing his own songs in 1996. In addition to his solo performances, Drew has recently played with the local band “Fearless Heart” and with a band organized by Bay Area Favorite songwriter Bonnie Hayes through the Blue Bear School of music. Drew's original music, an eclectic collection of "rootsy" contemporary folk in the Americana tradition, combines straightforward lyrics with guitar accompaniments that are rustic, yet fresh. His guitar and vocal solo performances consist entirely of his original songs. He is a member of the West Coast Songwriters’ Association. Drew just completed recording a CD entitled “As Far As I Know” with bay area producer Bruce Kaphan, a San Francisco bay area sound engineer and musician, who has worked with a number of musical acts including Chris Isaak, David Byrne and REM. The CD, which features 14 of Drew’s original songs, was released in December 2003.

Ken Burnett has been around the Sacramento music scene for a long time backing up many performers/songwriters on mandolin and also performing his own compositions.  Whether it’s an open mic or showcase or just a jam you can count on seeing Ken there adding his own special music contribution.

Mike Strasser has been performing his songs in a variety of venues and cities since the early 1970’s.  From the streets of his native Pittsburgh, PA to touring the Northern New York College Circuit to being a regular performer around the San Francisco Bay Area in cafes, bars and street festivals.  He received "Honorable Mention" at the now defunct Napa Valley Folk Festival.  His new CD, "Alienation Café" is currently receiving airplay on various radio stations across the country.

Joe Caprice is hitting the music world hard. In the months following the release of his debut album “Acoustic”, Joe has performed extensively, including a spot at the Day on the Meadow Concert in San Jose, where he shared the bill with Switchfoot, Lit, Camper van Beethoven, Sugarcult, and Apollo Sunshine. Joe’s single, “Pretend” received commercial radio airplay within one month of being released, and continues to receive requests and frequent airplay. What makes this most impressive is that Joe is a solo, acoustic indie artist in the adult alternative genre. Listeners of Acoustic feel like Joe is singing directly to them. This is partly due to the true acoustic nature of the CD. Joe created a professional recording with a minimum of effects and tweaking, deciding instead to let the music speak for itself. Not many artists can pull this off, and Acoustic shines.

Abrecsy Icasiano’s acoustical expressions are passionate medleys of life.  A creation of pop-folk soul nurturing and heart breaking sound that resonates through all. “A.B.”, which she is commonly called, is a native Californian.  She began playing the guitar as a young child and became an accomplished singer and songwriter by high school.   She can be seen performing at local Northern California venues and has been spotlighted at the 2003 CA State Fair, L.A. Black Music Awards, and Sacramento’s 2002 Black Music Expo in the Grove.  She leaves a sleek sophisticated pathway that’s trailed by a soft spoken and unassuming voice.  She whispers like a roar of rosey sensations with never before heard of sound.  And, while leaning in to a tune belting out that roar she’ll leave you with a foot tappin’, finger snappin’, and head bobbin’ rhythm you won’t forget.

Jennifer McNutt was born in a small suburb of Cincinnati, Ohio and has been writing lyrics and melodies since she was a child. To explain to you why Jennifer is someone who stands out in a crowded world of singers, songwriters, and performers: "She delivers!" says Seth Schwartz of The LA Music Scene. Seth also states, "Jennifer McNutt is a very passionate performer. Her bluesy, rock, styling demands her audience musically, emotionally, and charismatically.

Stacey Raskin says about herself “Acquiring inspiration from many musical styles, a culmination of my eclectic influences is apparent in the songs that I write. Performing music since the age of 12, I have spent the six years since that time evolving as a musician, a singer, a songwriter, a performer, and as a human being. Now 18, I am continuously being provided with new opportunities to share my music with people throughout and surrounding my hometown of Sacramento, California. I hope to further expand my musical knowledge in the years to come, especially as I begin a focused study of such musical styles as Flamenco, Blues, and Gypsy Jazz.

Coles Whalen, a Colorado native, began singing professionally at the age of 7.  As a member of The Colorado Children’s Chorale’s elite National Touring Choir, she had already toured every region of the United States, Canada, Hong Kong, and China before she turned 14.  When Coles outgrew the Children’s Chorale she studied jazz piano as well as banjo and guitar with Drew Morell.  She played for tips in small clubs where she wasn’t allowed anywhere except on stage because she was too young to drink. Eventually she earned an invitation to the USC Thornton School of Music as a Jazz Studies major.  At USC, Coles studied piano and voice with Carmen Bradford, Tierney Sutton and Anne Farnsworth, but she knew she had more to offer than just a voice and an instrument.  Her real interest was composition.

Jahari Sai  arrived on the open mic scene here in Sacramento a few months ago and has already received acclaim for her innovative vocal arrangements and unique stage presence.  She performs wherever and whenever she can find a spotlight.  She’s a delight to watch perform and her songs are thought provoking and Craig is proud to have collaborated with her on his song “1922”.

Sarah Lee Bullock is a based in Berkley.  She has a solo CD out and plays her guitar with style.  She can tell you more about her music and influences on stage.

Gilli Moon  Founder of Songsalive. She is a singer, songwriter, recording artist, pianist, actor, producer, author, painter, motivator, entrepreneur and empowering community builder. The voice of a siren and her piano purging songs that ooze raw emotion and sensuality, gilli moon is the quintessential renaissance woman.  She's an illustrious, energetic poly-media artist and her multifaceted albums and dynamic, entertaining live shows have touched music lovers worldwide garnering high praise from the most jaded of critics.  A Trans-Pacific 'citizen', (U.S and Australia), her restless creativity and rebellious nature continually urge her to push the envelope in the studio, on stage and with whatever she touches.  She is a chameleon in artistry and thought,  creating music that is a fresh, weaving mix of contemporary rock, soul, pop and jazz with an old world style of theatrical, diva skill and superb comedic timing.

Holly Light is the youngest of 6 singing siblings.  From performing on own her in her native New Jersey singing Bonnie Raitt songs to fronting cover bands in Los Angeles during the “disco”era to Alaska, Canada, Finland, San Francisco and finally LA, Holly has seen the road and crafted her skills to a “T”.  She’s fronted her own bands, Jane Doe and Mood Swing.  Her debut CD “Beautiful World” which has received great reviews.  “Holly Light and her great Adult Alternative Pop Style can charm even the most critical music fan.” … Michael Allison, The Globulmuse.com.  She won the DIY 2002 Songwriter of the Year award.

Irina Rivkin Outmusic Awards Recipient for OutSong of the Year 2003, & founder of Rose Street & vocal trio Making Waves, Irina has performed for 25 years, from her childhood singing jazz & Russian folk in a family band, to performing her own songs for the last decade.  Her gutsy originals journey into personal & political, with occasional travels into Russian & Spanish language lyrics.  “She is political, jazzy, and rhythmic...hot, harmony-rich vocals... rhythm & sound would pass a Russian Sweet Honey in the Rock.” Angela Page, Sing Out! Summer 2004.

James Hurley was born in Virginia. Following ten years of being “military gypsies", James’ family settled in the Monterey Bay, California, region. During his teenage years, James made a living riding bulls on the Rodeo Circuit. After being injured, he concentrated on fully mastering his guitar and composed his first “proper” song. A year later, he started a new life as a professional musician playing lead guitar for a band. In late 2003, James decided to focus instead on a new career as a solo singer / songwriter acoustic performer. For James, “Performing live is where the magic is. James’ latest CD – “The Sun And The Moon” – offers the organic simplicity, accessibility and vibrant immediacy of his solo acoustic performances and what has been called, “a voice that can melt your heart.” Produced with a minimum of technology, this CD provides listeners with a genuine experience of James’ natural voice combined with actual musical instruments played by real human beings.

Dina Gathe was born and raised in Los Angeles, she picked up the guitar before the age of five and played in numerous garage bands during her teens. She surrounded herself with records of the 70’s and 80’s venturing into self-exploration of songwriting and demo recording. More recently, Dina formed Soundstruck Productions with songwriter Patricia (PK) Koprowski, to further explore music production and creative promotions. Dina is not only a prolific songwriter but also a producer and master of technology, producing music that reveals depth, smooth pop grooves, and an edge that is sure to appeal to a wide variety of listeners. Her song “While I Was Dreaming” is featured on the Songsalive! CD Sampler 5 (www.songsalive.org) and is currently on the hot pile by several film and TV music supervisors.

Sasha Tkacheff is taking the violin to new dimensions with her eclectic set of original compositions.  Blending elements of classical, blues, hip-hop, and modern rock has singled out SASHA as one of Sacramento's up-and-coming artists. Born in Woodland, California of Ukrainian-Russian and Scotch-Irish heritage, SASHA began studying classical violin at age eight. Over the past ten years she has delighted audiences as concertmistress of the Sacramento Youth Symphony Junior Orchestra, in chamber orchestras, and as a feature performer. In February, 2004, and again in March, 2005, SASHA was a soloist winner in the JAMMIES Battle of the Bands. Her debut EP, Phantom Love, was released in February, 2005.  Craig calls her America's answer to the young violin prodigy, Nigel Kennedy of the UK.

Mica Williams has been performing on stage since the age of 16.  Mica has garnered  much critical acclaim for her work. Mica was selected to compete at the 2003 New York International Music Festival held at Madison Square Garden  where she was a festival Winner out of 500 peers in her category and in January 2004 she won "Best Performance" in the West Coast Songwriter Open Mic Competition. In 2004 her song "A Life Profound" was named Finalist in the VH1 Save the Music Song of the Year Contest.  She won 2nd Place in the G.I.N.A for Missing Persons live Songwriter Contest, hosted by LA Women in Music, earning her song "A Life Profound" a slot on the prime-time cable series America Lost and Found.  Mica’s craftsmanship has taken her from coffee houses and street performing to festival crowds of thousands, including the Vermont Music Festival, First Night on Boston Common, the Fringe Arts Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland and Komasket Festival in British Columbia.

Jimmy Braden  "If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you." (John 15:7 NIV)  This scripture best describes the testimonial life of Min. Jimmie T. Braden Jr., known by the gospel music world as J2B. His life has been filled with many purifying trials and strength building tribulations and even though sometimes he would become battle weary; the spirit inside him would always pick him back up. His debut project "Just to Bless", is an example of what happens when you allow the spirit to use the secrets of your heart and tranform them into music. Each song was created to carry a particular message for any brother or sister that are going through storm, just coming out of a one or can see one brewing on the horizon; letting them know that they're not alone in the fight and that there's shelter and comfort in Christ.  He is a gifted gospel singer with lot's of heart and soul.

Tiffany Petrossi was born in Hartford, CT but lives in San Jose, California now. She has a passion for music, which has fueled the success of her sophomore album, “Sweet Groove.” Petrossi captures the hearts of audiences with her powerful voice and soulful lyrics., spends time writing, performing, promoting her music and running her record label. She has been recently featured in The San Jose Mercury News, The Oakland Tribune, The Contra Costa Times, KEZR's morning show, KGO radio and KTVU news. Career highlights include, a runner-up in VH1 song of the year contest; in January, 2005 she co-authored the feature length screenplay, Kilimanjaro inspired by climbing Kilimanjaro in Africa with her father and co-author, Louis Petrossi. You can find Tiffany Petrossi performing locally in the SF bay area and nationally, with a full band as well as solo acoustic shows.

Craig Kincaid, Sacramento Songsalive! Coordinator, grew up in Southern California (raised on Duane Eddy and Dick Dale) where he worked at Sunset Highland Recording Studio as an engineer; played at the Ashgrove, Pasadena Ice House, Earthmother’s (Malibu pier); wrote and sold songs for Four Star Music. He played at various clubs in Aspen, Colorado for a year in 1971.   He also plays mandolin bluegrass music.  He says he’s influenced by the likes of Tom Bahler (She’s Out of My Life), Dianne Warren, John Denver, Peter Green, Lennon & McCartney, the Byrds, Irving Berlin, Jackson Browne, Waylon Jennings, Vince Gill, The Boss, Cat Stevens, Dylan . . . . you get the picture.  I'm in the process of recording my first LP, 7 songs done and 3 to go.