Writers' Night hosted by Debi Champion
Marc Alan Barnette, Flat River Band, Megan Katrina, Jamie Wayz, Aimee Kaye, Vernon Honey, Janice Gilbert, Rhonda Armstrong, Shantel Adams, Random Music Group-Donna Frost, Michelle Little, Diana Kelley, Matt Watson, Emmett Grayson, DeanKostlick, Jack Bond
Open mic starts at 10:30 after the scheduled music-- musicians-- you must sign up by 8 pm to play open mic.
Commodore Grille
Tue. 2/5/13
Show: 6:00 PM
[Venue Details][Hide Details]
Debi Champion
Singer-SongwriterArtist Bio:
From Reidsville, North Carolina, Debi Champion began singing with cousins and friends in her home state, then as a solo performer and later with duo's and bands all over NC, SC, Georgia, Virginia, and Maryland. She then moved to South Florida in 1976. Debi's unique blend of country, rock, and jazz made her one of the area's favorite entertainers. In 1978 she won the Mark Allen Critic's Choice Award for "Best Female Vocalist" and in 1985 she won the South Florida Music Award for "Best Rock/Pop/Blues Female Vocalist". Debi has appeared in concert with such diverse artists as Spyro Gyra, Bob James, Leon Russell, Dan Seals, The Dirt Band, Gary Morris, Kris Kristopherson, Restless Heart, Suzi Boggus, Dave Mason, Marshall Tucker Band, Ronnie Milsap, Three Dog Night, The Bama Band, and Mark O'Conner. She also toured as a back-up vocalist with Miami Dolphin, Tim Foley, and sang with the Miami Symphony.
Debi now lives in Kingston Springs, outside of Nashville, where she does demo session work, back-up vocals for different artists, and writes songs, some of which you may have heard on HBO or Showtime. She also serves as hostess for songwriter showcases every Tues, Wed, and Thurs night at the Commodore Grill in Nashville. She currently performs at the Commodore, the Bluebird, and at special events.
Artist info obtained from public profile, artist website or social media
From Reidsville, North Carolina, Debi Champion began singing with cousins and friends in her home state, then as a solo performer and later with duo's and bands all over NC, SC, Georgia, Virginia, and Maryland. She then moved to South Florida in 1976. Debi's unique blend of country, rock, and jazz made her one of the area's favorite entertainers. In 1978 she won the Mark Allen Critic's Choice Award for "Best Female Vocalist" and in 1985 she won the South Florida Music Award for "Best Rock/Pop/Blues Female Vocalist". Debi has appeared in concert with such diverse artists as Spyro Gyra, Bob James, Leon Russell, Dan Seals, The Dirt Band, Gary Morris, Kris Kristopherson, Restless Heart, Suzi Boggus, Dave Mason, Marshall Tucker Band, Ronnie Milsap, Three Dog Night, The Bama Band, and Mark O'Conner. She also toured as a back-up vocalist with Miami Dolphin, Tim Foley, and sang with the Miami Symphony.
Debi now lives in Kingston Springs, outside of Nashville, where she does demo session work, back-up vocals for different artists, and writes songs, some of which you may have heard on HBO or Showtime. She also serves as hostess for songwriter showcases every Tues, Wed, and Thurs night at the Commodore Grill in Nashville. She currently performs at the Commodore, the Bluebird, and at special events.
Artist info obtained from public profile, artist website or social media
- Everyone
- My Friends
- My Comments
Marc-Alan Barnette
RockArtist Bio:
Originally from Birmingham, Alabama, Marc-Alan Barnette's roots trace back to his distant cousin, country music pioneer, Jimmy Rogers. With his father, a gospel music singer and a mother who brought him up in the church choir, Barnette draws upon a solid background in gospel, blues, soul, rock and country influences, infusing his music with plenty of Southern Gospel attitude. Barnette personifies the term "Blue Eyed Country-Soul." with influences from Ray Charles and the 60's Muscle Shoals era combined with the heart-believability of George Jones and Johnny Cash. Barnette's straight ahead "in your face" style and his smoky voice draws comparisons to Ray Charles, Delbert McClinton and Otis Redding, with the electric energy of the Rolling Stones. But the real key is his songwriting. Scoring a cut his first night in town, a song he had written with his father, "That's Where It Hurts," was recorded by Nashville Legend Billy Sherrill on country diva, Shelby Lynne's debut release which led to "Rescued Me," co-written with David Vincent Williams, recorded by country star John Berry, on his Lyric Street album, "Wildest Dreams." Truly a singer's songwriter, gathering experience over 20 years in the music business, several of Barnette's songs have been referred to by Grammy award winning producer/writer Larry Butler, as "standards waiting to happen." He has written with a who's who of Nashville's elite songwriters: Jim ("Chattahoochie) McBride, Jimbeau ("Party Crowd") Hinson, Kim ("All Alone Again") Williams, Jon ("She's In Love With the Boy")Ims, David Vincent ("Hands of Working Man") Williams, Joie "Not That Different") Scott, Casey ("Still") Kelly, John Ford ("Nights Are Forever Without You") Coley, Jerry ("For A Little While") Vandiver, Paul ("Close As I Get to Loving You") Jefferson, and Larry ("Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song") Butler. Subtlety is not one of his distinguishing characteristics. Big voice, big stage personality, big fun, Barnette has opened concerts for Patty Loveless, John Anderson, Tanya Tucker, Charlie Daniels, Confederate Railroad Cheap Trick, Tommy Shaw,and others.
Artist info obtained from public profile, artist website or social media
Originally from Birmingham, Alabama, Marc-Alan Barnette's roots trace back to his distant cousin, country music pioneer, Jimmy Rogers. With his father, a gospel music singer and a mother who brought him up in the church choir, Barnette draws upon a solid background in gospel, blues, soul, rock and country influences, infusing his music with plenty of Southern Gospel attitude. Barnette personifies the term "Blue Eyed Country-Soul." with influences from Ray Charles and the 60's Muscle Shoals era combined with the heart-believability of George Jones and Johnny Cash. Barnette's straight ahead "in your face" style and his smoky voice draws comparisons to Ray Charles, Delbert McClinton and Otis Redding, with the electric energy of the Rolling Stones. But the real key is his songwriting. Scoring a cut his first night in town, a song he had written with his father, "That's Where It Hurts," was recorded by Nashville Legend Billy Sherrill on country diva, Shelby Lynne's debut release which led to "Rescued Me," co-written with David Vincent Williams, recorded by country star John Berry, on his Lyric Street album, "Wildest Dreams." Truly a singer's songwriter, gathering experience over 20 years in the music business, several of Barnette's songs have been referred to by Grammy award winning producer/writer Larry Butler, as "standards waiting to happen." He has written with a who's who of Nashville's elite songwriters: Jim ("Chattahoochie) McBride, Jimbeau ("Party Crowd") Hinson, Kim ("All Alone Again") Williams, Jon ("She's In Love With the Boy")Ims, David Vincent ("Hands of Working Man") Williams, Joie "Not That Different") Scott, Casey ("Still") Kelly, John Ford ("Nights Are Forever Without You") Coley, Jerry ("For A Little While") Vandiver, Paul ("Close As I Get to Loving You") Jefferson, and Larry ("Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song") Butler. Subtlety is not one of his distinguishing characteristics. Big voice, big stage personality, big fun, Barnette has opened concerts for Patty Loveless, John Anderson, Tanya Tucker, Charlie Daniels, Confederate Railroad Cheap Trick, Tommy Shaw,and others.
Artist info obtained from public profile, artist website or social media
Flat River Band
CountryArtist Bio:
The Flat River Band’s members are lead singer, guitarist and songwriter
Chad Sitze, his brother, mandolin, harmonica and electric guitarist, lead and
harmony vocals Dennijo Sitze, their other brother, electric and upright bass,
lead and harmony vocals, Andy Sitze.
The Sitze brothers began playing music at an early age with their Parent’s
band, the Sitze Family. The entire family played venues such as Dollywood,
Silver Dollar City, and numerous festivals, fairs and churches.
Music was an integral part of everyday life in the Sitze family. They soaked
up a variety of musical influences ranging from their parent’s bluegrass
gospel to country and southern rock.
Artist info obtained from public profile, artist website or social media
The Flat River Band’s members are lead singer, guitarist and songwriter
Chad Sitze, his brother, mandolin, harmonica and electric guitarist, lead and
harmony vocals Dennijo Sitze, their other brother, electric and upright bass,
lead and harmony vocals, Andy Sitze.
The Sitze brothers began playing music at an early age with their Parent’s
band, the Sitze Family. The entire family played venues such as Dollywood,
Silver Dollar City, and numerous festivals, fairs and churches.
Music was an integral part of everyday life in the Sitze family. They soaked
up a variety of musical influences ranging from their parent’s bluegrass
gospel to country and southern rock.
Artist info obtained from public profile, artist website or social media
Michelle Little
Singer-SongwriterArtist Bio:
Michelle Little has the country firmly in her heart and the Country Music Industry firmly in her sights. Recently she received a nomination for Best Female Vocal at the TIARA awards in Tamworth with her single 'Free To Be Me' which received national and international support on country music radio. With her big voice and "stand and deliver" style of performing, Michelle continually mesmerises audiences wherever she goes. Whether its with a heart felt ballad like "Crazy" or a raunchy rendition of her latest single "Forty Degrees" this girl knows how to sing and will draw you in! 25 year-old Michelle hails from Mendooran in NSW and grew up listening to her parents' country music collection which included a large helping of traditional american country like Patsy Cline, Marty Robbins and Dolly Parton, as well as the great pop music of the 80's and 90's. In 2001 she headed off to Tamworth to the College of Country Music and Toyota Star Maker. She's had her sights set firmly on a career in country music since. " I just love the songs and the people" she says "especially the Patsy Cline era and big ballads. 2006 saw Michelle playing gigs in Nashville USA, including the world famous 'Bluebird Café'. "….Seeing how the American performers worked was such an eye opener for me. They are so committed to their craft. When I got home I was determined to show the same commitment". Since releasing her album, Hear Me Now, in Dec 2007, Michelle's career has been on the rise with performances at some of Australia's major festivals including, Tamworth Country Music Festival and The Toyota National Muster in Gympie QLD. Michelle also represented Australian Country Music at the Buddha's Birthday Celebrations at Darling Harbour in Sydney. Michelle's tribute to her long-time idol, Patsy Cline, at the 2009 Tamworth Country Music Festival was a great success. Michelle was also nominated for Best Female Vocal at the 2009 TIARA awards with her song "Free To Be Me". Now based in Brisbane, this country girl has come a long way from the sleepy little town where she grew up and when you discover some of the trials she has overcome - such as surviving a horrific car accident and recovering from a broken back - then you'll understand where the depth and passion comes from. As Country Capital News magazine put it, "You have to hear Michelle Little now!"
Artist info obtained from public profile, artist website or social media
Michelle Little has the country firmly in her heart and the Country Music Industry firmly in her sights. Recently she received a nomination for Best Female Vocal at the TIARA awards in Tamworth with her single 'Free To Be Me' which received national and international support on country music radio. With her big voice and "stand and deliver" style of performing, Michelle continually mesmerises audiences wherever she goes. Whether its with a heart felt ballad like "Crazy" or a raunchy rendition of her latest single "Forty Degrees" this girl knows how to sing and will draw you in! 25 year-old Michelle hails from Mendooran in NSW and grew up listening to her parents' country music collection which included a large helping of traditional american country like Patsy Cline, Marty Robbins and Dolly Parton, as well as the great pop music of the 80's and 90's. In 2001 she headed off to Tamworth to the College of Country Music and Toyota Star Maker. She's had her sights set firmly on a career in country music since. " I just love the songs and the people" she says "especially the Patsy Cline era and big ballads. 2006 saw Michelle playing gigs in Nashville USA, including the world famous 'Bluebird Café'. "….Seeing how the American performers worked was such an eye opener for me. They are so committed to their craft. When I got home I was determined to show the same commitment". Since releasing her album, Hear Me Now, in Dec 2007, Michelle's career has been on the rise with performances at some of Australia's major festivals including, Tamworth Country Music Festival and The Toyota National Muster in Gympie QLD. Michelle also represented Australian Country Music at the Buddha's Birthday Celebrations at Darling Harbour in Sydney. Michelle's tribute to her long-time idol, Patsy Cline, at the 2009 Tamworth Country Music Festival was a great success. Michelle was also nominated for Best Female Vocal at the 2009 TIARA awards with her song "Free To Be Me". Now based in Brisbane, this country girl has come a long way from the sleepy little town where she grew up and when you discover some of the trials she has overcome - such as surviving a horrific car accident and recovering from a broken back - then you'll understand where the depth and passion comes from. As Country Capital News magazine put it, "You have to hear Michelle Little now!"
Artist info obtained from public profile, artist website or social media
Follow Artist:
Website
Jamie Wayz
CountryArtist Bio:
I love the Florida keys! It doesn't get cold there!
I love life! I'm going to follow my dreams! I believe if I work hard enough I can make anything I want in life come true!!!!
Artist info obtained from public profile, artist website or social media
I love the Florida keys! It doesn't get cold there!
I love life! I'm going to follow my dreams! I believe if I work hard enough I can make anything I want in life come true!!!!
Artist info obtained from public profile, artist website or social media
Vernon Honey
Artist Bio:
Christian / Country / Rockabilly
Artist info obtained from public profile, artist website or social media
Christian / Country / Rockabilly
Artist info obtained from public profile, artist website or social media
Follow Artist:
Website
Janice Gilbert
CountryArtist Bio:
Gilbert is a member of the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) and the Tennessee Songwriters Association International (TSAI). Gilbert has had several songs signed to single-song publishing contracts as well as had her songs recorded by several independent artists, including her recent cut with 4-time Grammy nominated California Country Artist, Vicki Vann. She released her debut full-length album “Pickin’ Life’s Pocket” in October 2008 and followed up with her sophomore release “Bloom” in February 2011. Gilbert uses her real-life experiences from the Mid-West to fuel her songwriting. This is evident in her writing such songs as “Corn in the Silo”, “It’s Where We Are”, and “Bloom”.
Artist info obtained from public profile, artist website or social media
Gilbert is a member of the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) and the Tennessee Songwriters Association International (TSAI). Gilbert has had several songs signed to single-song publishing contracts as well as had her songs recorded by several independent artists, including her recent cut with 4-time Grammy nominated California Country Artist, Vicki Vann. She released her debut full-length album “Pickin’ Life’s Pocket” in October 2008 and followed up with her sophomore release “Bloom” in February 2011. Gilbert uses her real-life experiences from the Mid-West to fuel her songwriting. This is evident in her writing such songs as “Corn in the Silo”, “It’s Where We Are”, and “Bloom”.
Artist info obtained from public profile, artist website or social media
Ronda Armstrong
Artist Bio:
Ms. Armstrong has been teaching in a public school setting since 1994. She has a B.A. in Music Education from Indiana University and an M.S. from The University of Arizona. She has completed Level III Orff Schulwerk Certification under renowned Belgium composer Jos Wuytack whose mentor was Carl Orff. A member of numerous professional music organizations, she is also a thriving Music City songwriter. Prior to her involvement in the Nashville community, Ms. Armstrong taught elementary music and chorus in Indiana, Arizona and Florida. She is the inspiration behind Mini MET, a new 'stepping stone' for MET singers beginning in 2006.
Artist info obtained from public profile, artist website or social media
Ms. Armstrong has been teaching in a public school setting since 1994. She has a B.A. in Music Education from Indiana University and an M.S. from The University of Arizona. She has completed Level III Orff Schulwerk Certification under renowned Belgium composer Jos Wuytack whose mentor was Carl Orff. A member of numerous professional music organizations, she is also a thriving Music City songwriter. Prior to her involvement in the Nashville community, Ms. Armstrong taught elementary music and chorus in Indiana, Arizona and Florida. She is the inspiration behind Mini MET, a new 'stepping stone' for MET singers beginning in 2006.
Artist info obtained from public profile, artist website or social media
Shantel Adams
CountryArtist Bio:
Shantel's love for music started at a young age and after learning guitar in high school she began writing songs instead of poetry in English class. Her very first cut was a song she wrote at age 17 which ended up being recorded by the Canadian duo "Sisters" and peaked to #2 on the "Made in Canada Country Countdown".
Years later she has a stack of credits including numerous cuts on independent projects, several Tennessee Songwriter's Association International awards and radio airplay as a writer and an artist in Canada, Europe and the USA. The diversity of topics, styles and moods of her songwriting is remarkable. This coupled with her natural gift to perform and skills on the guitar unite for an unforgettable audience experience. You will find songs of seriousness, fun, faith and some just pure laughs in her repertoire. She is a woman who is dedicated to her Christian faith and strives to promote a positive influence to everyone she plays for, in addition to presenting a “family friendly” show.
Artist info obtained from public profile, artist website or social media
Shantel's love for music started at a young age and after learning guitar in high school she began writing songs instead of poetry in English class. Her very first cut was a song she wrote at age 17 which ended up being recorded by the Canadian duo "Sisters" and peaked to #2 on the "Made in Canada Country Countdown".
Years later she has a stack of credits including numerous cuts on independent projects, several Tennessee Songwriter's Association International awards and radio airplay as a writer and an artist in Canada, Europe and the USA. The diversity of topics, styles and moods of her songwriting is remarkable. This coupled with her natural gift to perform and skills on the guitar unite for an unforgettable audience experience. You will find songs of seriousness, fun, faith and some just pure laughs in her repertoire. She is a woman who is dedicated to her Christian faith and strives to promote a positive influence to everyone she plays for, in addition to presenting a “family friendly” show.
Artist info obtained from public profile, artist website or social media
Donna Frost
CountryArtist Bio:
Donna Frost is a true traveling troubadour, logging thousands of miles year round performing shows in cities all across the US. She is promoting her latest release "Girls Like Us" which was released in March 2009 on SPAT! Records to great reviews. Two singles from the album were top 10 hits on the overseas independent charts last year, "Jacksonville" and "Runaway Train". She is currently writing and in pre-production for her 4th solo CD, as well as in the midst of recording a rockabilly project at Sun Studios in Memphis, TN with rockabilly legend Billy Hancock. Donna has been an ASCAPlus recipient for the past 7 years for her work as a performing songwriter. She was a Kerrville New Folk finalist in 2004. Donna also is lead singer and rhythm guitarist for the rock band, the BUNNIEs. She worked with the late Skeeter Davis as her background singer from 1996-2002. Donna also starred as Janis Joplin in the musical "Kozmic Blue" for 3 years in Nashville. She also contributed to Marley Brant's book, "Tales from the Rock and Roll Highway" as well as a new book coming soon by Rev. Keith A. Gordon called "The Other Side of Nashville."
Artist info obtained from public profile, artist website or social media
Donna Frost is a true traveling troubadour, logging thousands of miles year round performing shows in cities all across the US. She is promoting her latest release "Girls Like Us" which was released in March 2009 on SPAT! Records to great reviews. Two singles from the album were top 10 hits on the overseas independent charts last year, "Jacksonville" and "Runaway Train". She is currently writing and in pre-production for her 4th solo CD, as well as in the midst of recording a rockabilly project at Sun Studios in Memphis, TN with rockabilly legend Billy Hancock. Donna has been an ASCAPlus recipient for the past 7 years for her work as a performing songwriter. She was a Kerrville New Folk finalist in 2004. Donna also is lead singer and rhythm guitarist for the rock band, the BUNNIEs. She worked with the late Skeeter Davis as her background singer from 1996-2002. Donna also starred as Janis Joplin in the musical "Kozmic Blue" for 3 years in Nashville. She also contributed to Marley Brant's book, "Tales from the Rock and Roll Highway" as well as a new book coming soon by Rev. Keith A. Gordon called "The Other Side of Nashville."
Artist info obtained from public profile, artist website or social media
Diana Kelley
CountryArtist Bio:
Originally from Northwest Indiana, Diana is a singer/songwriter living in Nashville, TN. She has won numerous songwriting awards, including being the Grand Prize winner of the NSAI/CMT Song Contest in 2008 for her song, Hard To Stumble. She has a cuts on the following CD projects: Elizabeth Eckert's new 5 song EP "Bloomington" features "I Know Better", Jan Spillane's CD, "Thinking Out Loud" features "We'll Still Have Paris", and Alison Joy Williams' CD, "Love All Of Me" features "I Only Cry On Sundays", which has been climbing the blues charts on Airplay Direct. You can find Diana any given evening sharing the stage with other songwriters in the round.
Artist info obtained from public profile, artist website or social media
Originally from Northwest Indiana, Diana is a singer/songwriter living in Nashville, TN. She has won numerous songwriting awards, including being the Grand Prize winner of the NSAI/CMT Song Contest in 2008 for her song, Hard To Stumble. She has a cuts on the following CD projects: Elizabeth Eckert's new 5 song EP "Bloomington" features "I Know Better", Jan Spillane's CD, "Thinking Out Loud" features "We'll Still Have Paris", and Alison Joy Williams' CD, "Love All Of Me" features "I Only Cry On Sundays", which has been climbing the blues charts on Airplay Direct. You can find Diana any given evening sharing the stage with other songwriters in the round.
Artist info obtained from public profile, artist website or social media
Matt Watson
CountryArtist Bio:
Hey everyone! My name is Matt Watson. I'm a singer and songwriter form Chincoteague Island, VA. Feel free to check out my website at www.mattwatsonmusic.com. There you will find info on upcoming performances, merchandise, and links to my facebook/twitter pages! Thanks for stopping by! - mw
Artist info obtained from public profile, artist website or social media
Hey everyone! My name is Matt Watson. I'm a singer and songwriter form Chincoteague Island, VA. Feel free to check out my website at www.mattwatsonmusic.com. There you will find info on upcoming performances, merchandise, and links to my facebook/twitter pages! Thanks for stopping by! - mw
Artist info obtained from public profile, artist website or social media
Emmett Grayson
Artist Bio:
Aimlessly bouncing to and from Music Row in Nashville since the late 70s. Writing and playing when I wasn't too busy just living. Loving the art and the dear friends I've been fortunate enough to find there. I hope folks like what I have to say and how I try to say it.
Artist info obtained from public profile, artist website or social media
Aimlessly bouncing to and from Music Row in Nashville since the late 70s. Writing and playing when I wasn't too busy just living. Loving the art and the dear friends I've been fortunate enough to find there. I hope folks like what I have to say and how I try to say it.
Artist info obtained from public profile, artist website or social media






COMMENTS