Okee dokee folks… I had the pleasure of performing at the Rhode Island Songwriters Association (RISA) Songwriters In The Round (SITR) show a couple of weeks ago. Our theme was “Holding Back.” Because my brain is preoccupied with the ongoing destruction of this country, my contribution wound up being a protest/socially conscious song called “The Promise That Was America.” Ed McGuirl and Joanne Lurgio, both award-winning artists who were also performing, also wrote protest/socially conscious songs. I was both happy and sad about these new songs. Sad because we are having to deal with this shit but happy that more of us are speaking out in song. I coerced both Ed and Joanne into making simple recordings of the songs so I could share them with you all. Lurgio’s new composition was titled “For All” and has the chorus, “Never turn a blind eye to hatred. We cannot be silent to the lies. Family, friends, neighbors & strangers, we all hold these truths self-evident, equality & justice for all.” You can listen to Joanne’s here: soundcloud.com/joanne-lurgio/for-all. For more about Joanne: joannelurgio. com.
Ed’s song, “No Holding Back,” features the lines, “No holding back, marching in the morning, freedom’s our right let’s do our part.” You can listen to his contribution here: youtube.com/watch?v=HGI07gTQPNg. For more about Ed: edmcguirl.bandcamp.com. Finally, my song closes out with the lyrics, “May fortune be in our favor. Be strong don’t waver. Hold on to the promise that was America.” You can watch the quickie video I made for it here: youtube.com/watch?v=oYt6X4rcsoM.
If you are a RI songwriter then you should definitely be involved with RISA. They offer critiques, showcases, networking and so much more. I was one of the founders back in 1993 and I am happy that 32 years later it is still going strong! Though I am not very involved with the group anymore (I have too many other things going on)- I am a lifetime member! If you are interested in the next Songwriters in the Round show it will take place at 7pm on Thursday, May 8 at The Artist’s Exchange, 50 Rolfe St in Cranston. That show will feature hosts- Jan Luby, Mary Ann Rossoni, Mary Pierce, and Paul Rogoshewski. All will compose songs based on the theme of “If Only,” which was chosen by the audience at the previous month’s show! The SITR shows are fun, intimate, and enable you to experience songwriters debuting freshly written tunes as well as performances of their tried and true numbers, all in an unplugged format. For more about RISA and SITR, GTFO to: risongwriters.com. I am still accepting protest/socially conscious songs to be included in this column. I received yet another one by Robert John Hanson called “Guess My Name.” This one is a gem! Hanson was born in Liverpool, England, has lived in L.A. and New York but now lives in RI. He has played with and produced music for the Kelly Walsh Band, and most recently the prog rock band, Coma Toast. Also contributing to the song are Joanne Doucett and Cyndy Brown. The chorus will bring a smile to your face when you hear the words! I won’t spoil it for you, just listen! youtube.com/watch?v=HxilF9Nk6B8. You can learn more about Robert’s music at robertjohnhansonmusic.com. Keep on writing and keep sending them in!
“The American Civil Liberties (ACLU) is a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to defending and preserving individual rights and liberties guaranteed by the US Constitution. They work through litigation, advocacy, and public education to protect those rights.” RI has its own chapter fighting for its citizens. In this time of lunatic leaders, Americans need help and the ACLU is there for this reason. RI musicians Mark Cutler, Mike Laureanno, Mary Ann Rossoni, Jan Luby, and Joanne Lurgio are playing a benefit to support this very important organization at the Blackstone River Theatre in Cumberland on Sunday, May 18 at 7pm. Tickets are $20 cash at the door. Checks will also be accepted, made out to the ACLU of RI. For more justice over to RIACLU.org or BRTRI.org.
I usually don’t talk about shows months in advance but I will make an exception for this one because you will want to get your tickets now. Music icon, member of CSNY and The Hollies, Graham Nash, will be at The Park Theatre in Cranston on July 19. “More Evenings of Songs and Stories” is how this one is billed. I have been to a couple of solo Nash concerts and I can honestly say they are some of the best shows I have ever attended. Graham takes you through his historic catalogue of music and imparts the stories of the songs. He also has a lot of Joni Mitchell tales to tell – at least when I last saw him he did – as well as anecdotes about his bandmates from The Hollies and CSNY. Nash’s very recognizable singing voice is still stellar. I had the pleasure of chatting with Graham recently for my Roots Report Podcast. Give it a listen. For more about the show, “Marrakesh Express” over to: theparkri.com. Also coming up at The Park: Todd Rundgren, Lyle Lovett, Aimee Mann, Ben Folds, Pat Methany, Sara Evans, and more.
If you are a fan of Pink Floyd then this is for you. The always amazing BritFloyd returns to Veterans Auditorium on May 7. This time around they are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Wish You Were Here album. BritFloyd flawlessly performs the music of Pink Floyd, complete with lights and lasers. I am a Floyd fan and have seen this show several times. They do not disappoint! “Can you tell a green field from a cold steel rail?” Get to thevetsri.com to find out. •
That’s it for now. You can listen to my podcasts at motifri. com/rootsreportpodcast and find my concert photographs at motifri.com/fuzeksfotos. Thanks for reading and listening. johnfuzek.com
