Songwriter showcase moves to Little Theater

SANDPOINT — Like families adapting to a tight economy by revisiting their household budgets, the folks behind the 4th Annual Songwriters’ Circle have “miniaturized” their format by moving the concert to the Panida Little Theater this Sat., Nov. 10.

According to show organizer and back-up musician Ted Bowers, the move is meant to consolidate what amounted to fairly strong past ticket sales in the main theater into a smaller venue that will be packed with the same number of people in attendance.

“We’ve moved to the Little Theater this year because it’s a much more intimate setting and songwriting is an intimate thing,” he said.

The first Songwriters’ Circle showcased veteran writers such as Dennis Coats, Charley Packard, Beth Pedersen and Jamie Richard, along with younger talents that included Emily Baker and Josh Hedlund. The following year saw the Shook Twins, Justin Landis, Holly McGarry and Randy Cope take the stage. Last time around, the songwriters were Heather McElwain, Bonnie Thompson, Peter Lucht and John Kelly.

This year’s show features a new crop of artists, all of whom have something innovative to offer in terms of they way they approach songcraft.

“There’s a lot of originality in this group,” Bowers said. “These are people who aren’t following the formulas for pop music. They’re not writing songs to get famous, they’re writing to express themselves.”

On the 2012 roster are Vance Bergeson, Alysoun Johnston, Ben Olson and Marty Perron. Although the line-up skews younger than previous concerts, Bowers pointed out that these artists have an appreciation for the old school that preceded them and a deep knowledge of their musical heritage.

“They’re good musical historians, as far as rock goes,” he said. “They’re all well-versed in the music and I have to believe that influences their songs.”

Vance Bergeson, who calls his music “a mixed bag,” grew up in the Columbia Basin working with his brothers as they helped their father take care of 800 acres of seed crops.

He moved to North Idaho in 1995, built a house along the Pack River and began building classical guitars and “experimental instruments” about five years ago.

“It is my passion and, I think, one of my callings,” he said. “Hopefully, I can make a living with it some day.”

Alysoun Johnston has worked as a singer-songwriter in a variety of venues for the past 13 years.

Originally from Massachusetts and classically trained in cello, guitar and voice, her first gig was as a singing cook on a Colorado dude ranch. Soon after, she began writing her own songs, expanding her repertoire to include old bluegrass ballads after she moved to North Carolina.

A Sandpoint resident for the past 10 years, her musical explorations now range from blues and classic rock to 18th Century folk tunes, all of which help define her style.

Ben Olson performs his original songs in the local band, Harold’s IGA — named after one of the community’s gone-but-not-forgotten early grocery stores.

Born and raised in Sandpoint, he has worked as everything from author and playwright to bar manager. Sandwiched into those credentials have been stints as photographer, journalist, graphic designer and artist. Music — the latest addition to this colorful résumé — is what Olson calls “the next stage of failure.”

“Harold’s IGA is more experiment than band,” he said.

“It is a revolving combination of instruments and random elements that somehow works — sometimes.”  

Marty Perron took to music at an early age, influenced by musical family members in Montana. He started playing guitar at 22, and the songs followed soon after.

When it comes to topical material, Perron explained that the inspiration is pulled straight from his kin.

“Songs about aunts and uncles, brothers and sisters were the easiest thing to write about,” the songwriter said.

These days, Erin Brannigan — who taught Perron his first few guitar chords — accompanies him on banjo as he plays gigs around the Sandpoint area.

Jesse Gunn, who joins Bowers in backing up some of the acts on stage, will provide sound for the show.

Going into the fourth year of the Songwriters’ Circle, Bowers said he had to “dig a little deeper” to find local writers for the showcase. That digging process, he added, turned into a treasure hunt this year.

“It’s great fun,” the organizer said.

“Most of this year’s writers are self-taught musicians and poets turned musicians. As far as my selection criteria, I believe that if someone is out there writing songs and trying to be creative, they deserve the exposure.

“It takes courage to expose yourself to an audience and I applaud anyone who does it.”

Apparently, that sentiment has caught on since the first event was held, as the Bonner County Fair has added singer-songwriter forums and Sandpoint’s community radio station, KRFY-FM, now hosts a regular songwriter interview program, Bowers noted.

“I like to think that the Songwriters’ Circle has been a springboard for writers,” he said.

As in past years, proceeds from the performance will go to fund the efforts of the Bonner County Human Rights Task Force, with 2012 ticket sales allocated to support anti-bullying programs in local schools, which also inspired the subtitle for this year’s show: “Sustaining a Community of Compassion.”

“Bullying is an ongoing problem,” Bowers said.

“It doesn’t matter if it happens because you’re little, or you’re a geek or you’re gay — it’s still a real problem.”

Previous concerts have funded task force efforts to bring the Rachel’s Challenge program — a widely acclaimed national anti-bullying campaign — to the schools.

“Even though we’re involved in human rights action and advocacy, we’re basically focused on education,” said Bowers, who sits on the task force board. “We don’t work directly with students, but we support and fund a lot of those efforts.”

The 4th annual Songwriters’ Circle will be take place Saturday, Nov. 10, at 7:30 p.m. on the stage of the Panida Little Theater, located directly north of the main theater.

Tickets for the limited-seating performance are $10 for all ages, and are available at Pedro’s, Eve’s Leaves and Eichardt’s.

Refreshments, beer and wine will be available at the event.

For more information on the Bonner County Human Rights Task Force, go online to the group’s website at www.bchrtf.org