RUBY: News

The third season of Songwriters of Alaska begins September 11th with a Songwriters Open Mic at Organic Oasis. The group's first meeting will be September 16th at Mirror Studios. For more information, go to www.songwritersofalaska.com

Musician and author, Craig Anderton, was in Anchorage May 15th to conduct a Masterclass on Mixing & Mastering. This was a great program and an Alaskan first for this internationally-recognized authority on music and technology. Could this be the start of more industry events in the Last Frontier? I hope so!

Songwriters of Alaska's season finale Songwriter Showcase was on May 8th. I shared the stage with three other talented songwriters - Robin Hopper, Randy Souhrada and Chad Reynvaan. We had a full house at Vagabond Blues and a very appreciative audience! This was the first time we tried a "songwriters in the round" format and it went great. We also collectively worked up four songs, one original from each. We're hoping our videographer captured some good moments of those that we can post online. Check out www.songwritersofalaska.com

ASCAP's "I Create Music Expo" - Three days of great workshops and front row seats for interviews with Quincy Jones, John Mayer, Bill Withers and Justin Timberlake! I love L.A.!

This Thursday, April 15th, is the last meeting of Songwriters of Alaska's 2009/2010 season.

Local performing songwriter, Marian Call, will host a "Stage Craft" workshop. There will also be a chance to share an original song in the last half of the meeting. If you would like to receive a peer critique of your work, please bring 15 copies of lyrics. At Jitters, 11401 Old Glenn Highway, in Eagle River.

The last Songwriter's Open Mic of the 2009/2010 season will be this Thursday, April 8th at Jitters in Eagle River. Show is 7 - 9 p.m.; songwriter sign-up begins at 6:30 p.m. This all ages show is free and open to the public.

Ruby recently won the NATS Classical Voice Competition, Lower Avocation division. She will be performing at a Winner's Recital, free and open to the public, on Saturday, May 15th, at the UAA Fine Arts Buiding Recital Hall.

The enthusiasm of Alaskan songwriters is catching! Our website membership is growing and turnout at our events is too! This collaborative, inclusive group is proving to be an exciting resource and networking tool for Alaskan artists.

In addition to monthly meetings and events (from September through May each year), we have a great website - www.songwritersofalaska.com. New features for the site are in development and will be launched soon. Our goal is to make the site "the" place to go for show schedules and profiles of Alaskan songwriters.

If you are an Alaskan songwriter, come join us! And if you appreciate great, original music, check out our Calendar for upcoming events. Hope to see you soon!

This month's program, "Growing Your Song - Production and Collaboration," hosted by Peggy Monaghan of Arctic Siren Productions. From 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. at Mirror Studios in Anchorage. Note: this is a change from our regular meeting location.

Saturday, March 13th 7 - 9 p.m. at Terra Bella in Anchorage. Featuring Billy7, Hank Roe, Cy Two Elk and Jim Adams.

This month's workshop, "Getting Your Best Vocal Performance" with Voni K. 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. at Surreal Studios in Anchorage.

We're launching our new website www.songwritersofalaska.com. Check out the "Calendar" section for upcoming meetings and events. Coming soon - member promotional pages, music links and videos! If you are a songwriter, make sure you register and become a member. We'll be offering special forums, industry insider information and much more!

Check out my new song, "Sunny Day." It's the first instrumental-only piece I've written. Let me know what you think!

"Getting Ready to Record" with Kevin Barnett of Lovin' Dog Music, at Jitters in Eagle River, AK. Check out www.songwritersofalaska.com for more information or sign-up for meeting and event notices at www.facebook.com/songwritersofalaska

This month's featured topic: "Songwriting Workshop." The meeting will be from 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. at Surreal Studios in Anchorage.

Another sucessful TAXI Road Rally! Met some very cool songwriters, learned a lot from key industry folks, and heard some great music. A special shout-out to - Lauren Dayton, Kyleellen, Justin Paxton, Jeffrey, James, Sly Joe, Jesse Dold, CatnipPat, Kenny Woods, Alex (Songwriters Vantage.com), The Brothers Landau, Dan Fries, RD Girard and Tommy Fish!

This month's featured topic: "Collaborative Songwriting." The meeting will be from 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. at Surreal Studios in Anchorage.

The new 2009/2010 season for Songwriters of Alaska kicks off Thursday, September 17th. We'll be sharing new songs and the latest news about the group, membership benefits and upcoming performance opportunities. For more info, contact ruby@rubysongs.com

After a summer break (and what an amazing summer it was!), we're just about to start back on an exciting new season. We'll be announcing great new features for members soon. Stay tuned for more info.

Finally rid of the cast last week. Ready to see how quickly I can start playing guitar and piano. Glad to get back working on some new songs!

I'm on an unexpected performance hiatus due to an equally unexpected broken wrist. At least I was doing something fun at the time (horseback riding). Anyone have a song about being in a cast in the summer?

My recent home studio gear purchases are inspiring a bunch of new recording work. Look for some new songs in the next month!

Had a blast over the last week attending ASCAP's "I Create Music" expo. Heard from music legends, hit writers and top producers. Also met some amazing songwriters! I'll be adding links so you can check out them out, too. Look for them under my links page next week.

I've been working on a new keyboard/synth project with a local musician. We're developing "Chill" type tracks. (Check out the genre on Sirius Satellite Radio.) I'm enjoying the challenge and inspiration!