A celebration of songwriting at the Ypsilanti District Library

In my 26 years as a radio D.J. I have hosted memorable performances by pulverizingly loud rock and roll bands (Sonic Youth), bands so big in number they could barely fit into the studio (the 16-piece Cubanismo), and groups whose cooler-than-thou lead singers refused to take their sunglasses off, even indoors (most notable in this category was Blondie’s Debbie Harry, who performed with the Jazz Passengers). But for sheer emotional intimacy and intensity there is nothing like being in a studio with one person while they sing their songs and play an acoustic guitar. I have been moved to tears on-air by solo acoustic performances from the likes of Patty Larkin, Mary Gauthier and James McMurtry, all due to the power and directness of their songs with no superfluous accompaniment to get in the way.

That’s part of what makes the Ypsilanti Songwriting Festival such a special event, as it features artists performing their songs and talking in-depth about their craft in an up-close but informal setting. Put Saturday, October 10 on your calendar and plan to spend some time at the Ypsilanti District Library’s beautiful Whittaker Road branch as it presents the 3rd edition of the Ypsilanti Songwriting Festival, an all-day, all-free event that will feature songwriting sessions, a local songwriters showcase, and a talk by Americana vocalist Paul Burch, who’s just released his new album, "Still Your Man."

"Still Your Man" - Paul Burch

I’ll help close out the proceedings at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday by leading a discussion on the art of songwriting with Jason Ringenberg, leader of the cowpunk band Jason & the Scorchers. He’ll take questions from the audience and is sure to play a few songs as well.

The YDL’s assistant director Lori Coryell and customer services coordinator John Connaghan recently answered questions about the fest. Q: Who came up with the idea for the Ypsilanti Songwriting Festival? A: Lori Coryell: It was me, based on part of the library’s strategic plan for 2007 through 2010. We’re attempting to expand the appeal of the library to under-represented populations, especially teenagers and men. We know that our community values the arts and we also know that they are music lovers, as we have an incredible CD collection here and it circulates like mad. Southeast Michigan has a beautiful music tradition and what’s important to me is the fact that songwriting is about story, and libraries are about stories, so songs are just another way to tell a story. It all melds together really beautifully.

Q: What are some of the other activities happening during the festival besides the talk by Paul Burch and discussion with Jason Ringenberg? A: John Connaghan: This year we’ve got stuff for the whole family. We’re staring off with Farmer Jason, aka Jason Ringenberg, who will be performing for kids and tots at 11 o’clock in the morning. Then we’ve got something for teenagers, the local nonprofit Community Records Foundation, who will be here to talk to teens who are interested in songwriting and can learn more about that process. After that we have the popular home recording sessions. If you’ve got a song you’d like to put down you can come in and learn how to do it yourself. We’ve got a new event this year, it’s the songwriters stopwatch challenge. We’ll set the clock and have a contest to write a song in a certain amount of time. Then comes the local songwriters showcase.

Q: Following Paul Burch and Jason Ringenberg you’ve got an afterglow event, don’t you? A: JC: To cap off the evening we’ll have free performances down at Ypsilanti’s Corner Brewery from Jason, Paul and also Colin Gilmore, who has a great pedigree. He’s the son of Jimmie Dale Gilmore and a great new artist himself. That will get started up at around 8:30 p.m., and while the performances are free, you do have to buy your own beer!

"Circles in the Yard" - Colin Gilmore

Q: How did you decide to book Jason Ringenberg to headline this year’s festival? A: LC: When we look for a feature songwriter, besides a really good one, we want someone who enjoys talking and taking questions with audience. Jason is all that, plus he’s simply one of the best live performers I have ever seen. He played at the library when we had an Abraham Lincoln exhibit a few years ago and we’ve been wanting to get him at the festival since the beginning. He has a working farm and lives outside of Nashville these days, but is from Illinois originally. He grew up on a hog farm and the Rock Island Railroad went right by his house. His "Farmer Jason" persona appeals to kids, but if you’re an adult you’ll like it too. He even does a song called ‘Punk Rock Skunk” that borrows from the Ramones. He’s so genuine and such a nice guy that everyone responds to him. We’re thrilled to have him here.

"Punk Rock Skunk [2006 Remastered LP Version]" - Farmer Jason

The 2009 Ypsilanti Songwriting Festival takes place this Saturday, Oct. 10 from 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m. at the Ypsilanti District Library, 5577 Whittaker Road, with performances by Colin Gilmore, Paul Burch and Jason Ringenberg taking place afterward at Ypsilanti’s Corner Brewery, 720 Norris Street. All events are free. 734-482-2110 or Ypsilanti Songwriting Festival web site for more details.

Martin Bandyke is the 6-10am morning drive host onÂ Ann Arbor’s 107one. Follow him on TwitterÂ @martinbandykeÂ and atÂ his web site.

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