Writers' Night hosted by Debi Champion
Jim Sales, Anthony K, Wild Oat Records, JackWitteveen, Tommy Turner, Stephanie Layne, Nita Velo, Campbell Wright, Bill Griese, Marceia Bonin, Sean Cunningham
Open mic starts at 10:30 after the scheduled music-- musicians-- you must sign up by 8 pm to play open mic.
Commodore Grille
Wed. 2/13/13
Show: 6:00 PM
Free
All ages
[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
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Jim Sales
Artist Bio:
I've made my home in the Nashville area for almost 30 years now. Although I've tried other careers briefly, I always return to my first love, which is music. The following is my promotional biography as a music man. Jim Sales was first introduced to the guitar as a toddler watching his Grandmother play hymns. His Dad showed him his first three chords at the age of 10. Since then music has been his passion. Like most people, he was a fan of the Beatles and Elvis. At the same time, he was deeply influenced by the country music coming out of Nashville and the rhythm and blues emanating from Memphis. His first touring experience was in the Midwest working with a trio playing clubs. Later he served in the U.S. Army, working as a radio and TV announcer in Alaska. It was during this time that his repertoire really began to expand, thanks to the extensive American Forces Radio library of music. After leaving the Army, Jim decided to devote his life to music. As a result, he moved to Nashville and took a job as guitarist for country legend, Vern Gosdin. Thanks to Gosdin's encouragement and patience, Jim's writing took on a whole new dimension. The two of them wrote Jim's first hit song, "I Wonder Where We'd Be Tonight." It was a Top 10 Billboard hit for Gosdin and led to a publishing deal with the prestigious Welk Music Group for Jim. Vern Gosdin says, "Jim should have been a star long ago. I think he is the most entertaining singer/songwriter I've ever met." Jim also scored several cuts by various artists including a quad-platinum CMA Album of the Year cut by Randy Travis entitled, "Tonight We're Gonna Tear Down The Walls." He went on to have releases by John Schneider, The Goldens, Pinkard and Bowden and a host of others. Jim has earned the respect of his musical peers. Award-winning singer/songwriter, Stella Parton, comments, "Jim Sales is a tremendous musician and one of the most soulful singers in our industry. What a talent!!" Even with all the accolades in the Nashville music industry, Jim wanted more. He started a production/publishing company and a recording studio where he works with new artists in the development stages of their careers. Jim has a passion for working with established artists/songwriters as well, producing projects for such well-known performers as Sheb Wooley/Ben Colder, Tommy Cash and a host of others. Recently he released his first blues CD under the pseudonym Jimbo Sales on Rivertime Records entitled The Blues Is Colorblind. Jim continues to write and perform regularly. As a soloist he features an Antonio Lorca guitar handcrafted in Madrid. This fine instrument was once owned by the legendary Chet Atkins. His music crosses all musical boundaries, performing tunes made famous by everyone from Leon Redbone to Tony Bennett. He earned a Bachelor of University Studies degree with an emphasis in Recording Industry Management from Middle Tennessee State University. His favorite pastimes are canoeing, hiking, and playing the blues. There is so much more to come from this gifted artist and the world is a much richer place whenever he is in the spotlight. Remember the name Jim Sales.
Artist info obtained from public profile, artist website or social media
I've made my home in the Nashville area for almost 30 years now. Although I've tried other careers briefly, I always return to my first love, which is music. The following is my promotional biography as a music man. Jim Sales was first introduced to the guitar as a toddler watching his Grandmother play hymns. His Dad showed him his first three chords at the age of 10. Since then music has been his passion. Like most people, he was a fan of the Beatles and Elvis. At the same time, he was deeply influenced by the country music coming out of Nashville and the rhythm and blues emanating from Memphis. His first touring experience was in the Midwest working with a trio playing clubs. Later he served in the U.S. Army, working as a radio and TV announcer in Alaska. It was during this time that his repertoire really began to expand, thanks to the extensive American Forces Radio library of music. After leaving the Army, Jim decided to devote his life to music. As a result, he moved to Nashville and took a job as guitarist for country legend, Vern Gosdin. Thanks to Gosdin's encouragement and patience, Jim's writing took on a whole new dimension. The two of them wrote Jim's first hit song, "I Wonder Where We'd Be Tonight." It was a Top 10 Billboard hit for Gosdin and led to a publishing deal with the prestigious Welk Music Group for Jim. Vern Gosdin says, "Jim should have been a star long ago. I think he is the most entertaining singer/songwriter I've ever met." Jim also scored several cuts by various artists including a quad-platinum CMA Album of the Year cut by Randy Travis entitled, "Tonight We're Gonna Tear Down The Walls." He went on to have releases by John Schneider, The Goldens, Pinkard and Bowden and a host of others. Jim has earned the respect of his musical peers. Award-winning singer/songwriter, Stella Parton, comments, "Jim Sales is a tremendous musician and one of the most soulful singers in our industry. What a talent!!" Even with all the accolades in the Nashville music industry, Jim wanted more. He started a production/publishing company and a recording studio where he works with new artists in the development stages of their careers. Jim has a passion for working with established artists/songwriters as well, producing projects for such well-known performers as Sheb Wooley/Ben Colder, Tommy Cash and a host of others. Recently he released his first blues CD under the pseudonym Jimbo Sales on Rivertime Records entitled The Blues Is Colorblind. Jim continues to write and perform regularly. As a soloist he features an Antonio Lorca guitar handcrafted in Madrid. This fine instrument was once owned by the legendary Chet Atkins. His music crosses all musical boundaries, performing tunes made famous by everyone from Leon Redbone to Tony Bennett. He earned a Bachelor of University Studies degree with an emphasis in Recording Industry Management from Middle Tennessee State University. His favorite pastimes are canoeing, hiking, and playing the blues. There is so much more to come from this gifted artist and the world is a much richer place whenever he is in the spotlight. Remember the name Jim Sales.
Artist info obtained from public profile, artist website or social media
Anthony K
Singer-SongwriterArtist Bio:
My name in Anthony K Culver and I'm the lead singer for the Anthony K. Band. I'm a new arrival to Nashville, TN but making a fast name I`ve been told by a few big songwriters (Tommy barns , Tony stamply etc that I'm a triple threat in Nash and have been performing all over the local scene, including gigs for CMA week. I have had the opportunity to co-write with many brilliant minds here while continuing my solo endeavors. I started as a rock-n-roll artist in NY and came to Nashville to pursue a career in Country Music with a Rock twist. I have toured extensively and pride myself in the diversity and level of my craft. like country ,rock, r&b and others Thank you so much for your interest! I look forward to you all at my shows God bless you. Anthony K.
Artist info obtained from public profile, artist website or social media
My name in Anthony K Culver and I'm the lead singer for the Anthony K. Band. I'm a new arrival to Nashville, TN but making a fast name I`ve been told by a few big songwriters (Tommy barns , Tony stamply etc that I'm a triple threat in Nash and have been performing all over the local scene, including gigs for CMA week. I have had the opportunity to co-write with many brilliant minds here while continuing my solo endeavors. I started as a rock-n-roll artist in NY and came to Nashville to pursue a career in Country Music with a Rock twist. I have toured extensively and pride myself in the diversity and level of my craft. like country ,rock, r&b and others Thank you so much for your interest! I look forward to you all at my shows God bless you. Anthony K.
Artist info obtained from public profile, artist website or social media
Jack Witteveen
CountryArtist Bio:
ack Witteveen is an Artist, singer/songwriter with a distinct sound and likable style. Jack has appeared in several songwriter events and showcases in Nashville Tn. Jack Witteveen's self titled CD consists of soft ballads, country and a very popular southern-rock patriotic anthem. Jack's songs have a positive message, they're danceable and family friendly with something for everyone.
Artist info obtained from public profile, artist website or social media
ack Witteveen is an Artist, singer/songwriter with a distinct sound and likable style. Jack has appeared in several songwriter events and showcases in Nashville Tn. Jack Witteveen's self titled CD consists of soft ballads, country and a very popular southern-rock patriotic anthem. Jack's songs have a positive message, they're danceable and family friendly with something for everyone.
Artist info obtained from public profile, artist website or social media
Tommy Turner
CountryArtist Bio:
Guitar Player, Songwriter
Artist info obtained from public profile, artist website or social media
Guitar Player, Songwriter
Artist info obtained from public profile, artist website or social media
Stephanie Layne
CountryArtist Bio:
For Minnesota native and singer/songwriter Stephanie Layne, country music is as tangible as the dirt and mud of her family's ranch on which she grew up. “To me, country music is about the land of America, something you can experience with all five of your senses,” Layne says matter-of-factly. “Yes, country music is about relationships too, but it's the land from where those relationships take root and blossom. From the dust is where it all begins.” Her newly-released self-titled album's first single “Hunker Down” exemplifies this in no uncertain terms. Produced by and co-written with country music trio The Farm's Nick Hoffman, along with South Dakota native and longtime friend Craig Winquist, “Hunker Down” tells the unadulterated truth of the challenges farmers and ranchers face every season when nature's wrath is unleashed on the land. It is about the realization that, even though it's human nature to believe we have control over our own lives, we really have no control at all and just have to hunker down and weather the storms of life. Sometimes those storms leave things intact, and sometimes they leave you with nothing. “My songs focus on making something out of nothing and discovering God's purpose for that something,” says Layne. The 7-song EP recorded at Nashville's revered Blackbird Studios (owned by John and Martina McBride) pierces listeners' hearts with lyrics that unearth truths about self-discovery, taking risks, persevering, and having faith in Jesus, while salting those lyrics with a blend of modern and traditional country instrumentation.
Artist info obtained from public profile, artist website or social media
For Minnesota native and singer/songwriter Stephanie Layne, country music is as tangible as the dirt and mud of her family's ranch on which she grew up. “To me, country music is about the land of America, something you can experience with all five of your senses,” Layne says matter-of-factly. “Yes, country music is about relationships too, but it's the land from where those relationships take root and blossom. From the dust is where it all begins.” Her newly-released self-titled album's first single “Hunker Down” exemplifies this in no uncertain terms. Produced by and co-written with country music trio The Farm's Nick Hoffman, along with South Dakota native and longtime friend Craig Winquist, “Hunker Down” tells the unadulterated truth of the challenges farmers and ranchers face every season when nature's wrath is unleashed on the land. It is about the realization that, even though it's human nature to believe we have control over our own lives, we really have no control at all and just have to hunker down and weather the storms of life. Sometimes those storms leave things intact, and sometimes they leave you with nothing. “My songs focus on making something out of nothing and discovering God's purpose for that something,” says Layne. The 7-song EP recorded at Nashville's revered Blackbird Studios (owned by John and Martina McBride) pierces listeners' hearts with lyrics that unearth truths about self-discovery, taking risks, persevering, and having faith in Jesus, while salting those lyrics with a blend of modern and traditional country instrumentation.
Artist info obtained from public profile, artist website or social media
Bill Griese
RockArtist Bio:
Bill Griese was born in Nutley, NJ. He took up guitar after high school. Since that time he's had his heart broken, broken hearts, gotten married, started a family, and moved around the country. Now back in NJ, Bill has an album of all original material entitled "For This Day" that reflects his life and trials. Influenced by such musical greats as James Taylor, Paul Simon, Jackson Browne, Nanci Griffith, and oddly enough Yes, his sound is rich in acoustic origin and classic harmonies. Bill continues to write and play...and someday might even release another album.
Artist info obtained from public profile, artist website or social media
Bill Griese was born in Nutley, NJ. He took up guitar after high school. Since that time he's had his heart broken, broken hearts, gotten married, started a family, and moved around the country. Now back in NJ, Bill has an album of all original material entitled "For This Day" that reflects his life and trials. Influenced by such musical greats as James Taylor, Paul Simon, Jackson Browne, Nanci Griffith, and oddly enough Yes, his sound is rich in acoustic origin and classic harmonies. Bill continues to write and play...and someday might even release another album.
Artist info obtained from public profile, artist website or social media
Marceia Bonin
CountryArtist Bio:
Texas native born in Ft. Worth, raised in Dallas. Interest in music began at the early age of 2 dancing in front of the TV so zealously that my parents couldnt see the American Bandstand screen!!First paying gig 1980 something (now i am aging myself)anyway fronted bands with the genres from blues rock and country.Singer /songwriter affilation with BMI 1980 something pub BMI 1980 something. Did time in "the land of LA" Austin and decided to make Nashville my permanent home in 2005. NSAI member which is one of the best things I have done as a writer.They are on my side not to mention well connected. I have enjoyed working on co-writes with Rocky Dimmick, A.J. Bigler,Jamie Cutler,and Sam Cooper.I have been blesseed to grace some stages in Nashville since I made it my home including The Bluebird, Nashville Palace, French Quarter,Bobby's Idle Hour,Cmmodore Grille,Cigar Lounge,Calhoun's etc.Doak's Third Sunday is a monthly must attend for me and one I highly recommend.Music is my life as hokey as it sounds , it's true. I really strive to write songs that could make someone stop and think or possibly make some kind of difference in this world.Happy Trails XOXOMARCEIA
Artist info obtained from public profile, artist website or social media
Texas native born in Ft. Worth, raised in Dallas. Interest in music began at the early age of 2 dancing in front of the TV so zealously that my parents couldnt see the American Bandstand screen!!First paying gig 1980 something (now i am aging myself)anyway fronted bands with the genres from blues rock and country.Singer /songwriter affilation with BMI 1980 something pub BMI 1980 something. Did time in "the land of LA" Austin and decided to make Nashville my permanent home in 2005. NSAI member which is one of the best things I have done as a writer.They are on my side not to mention well connected. I have enjoyed working on co-writes with Rocky Dimmick, A.J. Bigler,Jamie Cutler,and Sam Cooper.I have been blesseed to grace some stages in Nashville since I made it my home including The Bluebird, Nashville Palace, French Quarter,Bobby's Idle Hour,Cmmodore Grille,Cigar Lounge,Calhoun's etc.Doak's Third Sunday is a monthly must attend for me and one I highly recommend.Music is my life as hokey as it sounds , it's true. I really strive to write songs that could make someone stop and think or possibly make some kind of difference in this world.Happy Trails XOXOMARCEIA
Artist info obtained from public profile, artist website or social media
Sean Cunningham
CelticArtist Bio:
A great flute, whistle and pipe player who cut his trad teeth in the New York session scene in the 90s.
Artist info obtained from public profile, artist website or social media
A great flute, whistle and pipe player who cut his trad teeth in the New York session scene in the 90s.
Artist info obtained from public profile, artist website or social media






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