Spotlight on Events (Song Fest)
Song Fest Recap: A Day to Remember
On Saturday, October 22nd, the Chelsea District Library partnered with Robin Hills Farm to host the 5th annual Song Fest. It was an unseasonably gorgeous sunny day that started with teens gathering in the Reading Garden at the Library for the Teen Fest Showcase. A total of 4 bands and 1 solo act entertained the crowd of 60 filled with parents and peers of the performers. For many, it was their very first performance! Both original and cover songs were played and the library’s very own Gary Munce, a dedicated and respected board member, served as the acting MC by giving all the performers great introductions as they took the stage.
Following the showcase, the Chelsea District Library hosted an Introduction to Songwriting workshop where a total of 17 songwriters attended including adults, seniors, and a few teens. The accomplished and seasoned songwriter, Judy Banker, taught the workshop. Judy has been described as “…one of the brightest stars on the acoustic music scene” by PULP online and she’s known for combining her personal lyrics with traditional country music instruments. One of the most exciting parts of the workshop was when students asked Judy if she was working on anything new and she was kind enough to perform some of her new material for them. To hear her most recent album, Buffalo Motel, and see where she’s performing next, visit Judy’s website: https://www.judybanker.com/home.
The last event of the day included an interview and performance with singer, songwriter, and musician, Tommy Stinson. We were very happy to see over 200 people gathered at Robin Hills Farm to see Tommy. Fans from the Ann Arbor, Detroit, and Chelsea communities all made their way out. Plus, there was even a couple that drove in from Chicago as well as guests from Madison, Wisconsin! Due to the sheer volume of people, the concert was standing room only and the farm’s patio accommodated the overflow. The crowd mostly consisted of adults, some teens, and one very excited kiddo who wants to be a rock star just like Tommy. Upon hearing this, Tommy was more than happy to give the future musician his autograph.
During Tommy’s interview with Martin Bandyke of 107.1, the crowd paid close attention as Tommy shared about how he got started with music in 1979 in his basement. He talked how he actually didn’t start writing music until later in his career and he described writing as being like any other art form meaning that it’s hard work that takes effort and time.
When asked what he would say to anyone thinking of getting into music and songwriting, Tommy discussed that there is no one right way to do it. He said that sometimes you might get lucky and go viral on social media, and other times you might make something that sounds amazing, and it just doesn’t take off for some reason. Either way, Tommy emphasized that the important thing is to keep working at it. He personally finds that writing is a cyclical process meaning that it’s a lot of listening and then writing and then listening again.
In terms of where he is at right now in his career, Tommy stated that at age 56, he is now able to manage his career the way that he really wants to, and he discussed that it can take a lot to achieve that. He also talked about how special it feels to hear people know your music and work, especially the older songs. Tommy then mentioned that now he gets to enjoy seeing his daughter start to pursue music herself. The one thing that he’s no longer super excited about is traveling as he stated that it was cooler as a younger musician, but this hasn’t stopped him from making new music. Tommy is set to drop a new album this upcoming February and we couldn’t be more excited!
After his interview, Tommy took the stage and sang songs from Bash and Pop as well as Cowboys in the Campfire as the excited crowd listened in and enjoyed barbecued delights from PB&J’s BBQ like local brisket and pulled pork. It was such a neat experience to see Tommy in a close-up environment that was also open and free to the public at the same time. Tommy really made the most of Song Fest by not only performing and giving an interview at Robin Hills Farm, but also by stopping by earlier in the events at the Chelsea District Library. He said hello to performers at the Teen Fest Showcase and dropped by the songwriting workshop. We really enjoyed seeing Tommy’s humbleness and generosity as he embraced the entire event.
To sum up this year’s Song Fest in 3 words, it was fun, engaging, and inspirational. We can’t wait for next year’s!