2009 Beaners Songwriting Competition

Okay, I know it's old news. So last year. But Christa Lawler (Duluth News Tribune) was at the 2009 Beaners competition and I hear is the wonderful lady who recommended me for the "Ladies We Love" event that happened last night. I did a little searching, and she did a write up about the songwriting competition last year. Here's what she had to say:

Jill Zimmerman, a young musician from St. Paul, won the Singer/Songwriter Competition on Wednesday at Beaner's Central. She was one of two performers to bust out some music on a keyboard, and then performed her second song on guitar. Her style, lyrically, has a sort of stream-of-consciousness to it. She a little poppy, a little folky, really fun.

There were 16 performers, and they played two songs each. They were judged on Lyrics, Melody, Stage Presense and Originality. (I was a judge. My second songwriting competition in a month. So fun. Although I'm an erratic judge with little rhyme or reason to what catches my ear from minute to minute).

Lance Benson was the runner up. He's got a bit of an alt-country folk sound and seemed pretty comfortable on stage. Third place was Emily Jayne of Duluth, who went Tori Amos all over the keyboard. She was fantastic. Totally reminded me of one of my favorite musicians/celebrities/people to follow on Twitter, Amanda Palmer of Dresden Dolls.

The People's Choice Award went to a fine, fine young guitar player, Lucas Ollanketo. It looks like he is from St. Paul-ish area. He brought about three rows of entourage with him to the show and got a lotta love from the audience.

Ladies We Love

The "Ladies We Love" show at Teatro Zuccone was absolutely amazing. All the musicians (yes, there were a few men thrown into the mix) were superb. The stage (sound) was excellent, the audience was involved and the whole vibe from the night was wonderful. Thank you everyone for a wonderful experience: Charity Huot, Rachael Kilgour and Adeline Wright, Sarah Krueger, Sara Softich, Jerree Small, Kathy McTavish, Crystal Pelkey, Travis Crotteau, Tyler Dublah, Matt Mobley & the many various support staff.

Some candid photos.

Performance Dates

Newsletter forward:
Hello all!

I just wanted to send out an email to let you know of some up coming events. I have been very fortunate to be working with two very talented, generous guys: Travis Crotteau (guitar) and Tyler Dubla (drums.) Some of you may know Travis has been friends with my brother for years. I posted a message on Facebook about wanting to record my newest tunes with a drummer and guitarist and the rest is history! We've put recording on hold for the winter, but wo do have a few shows lined up:


Thursday January 28th
2pm KUMD radio interview and performing 3 songs

8pm "Ladies We Love" performing 3 songs at Teatro Zuccone, Duluth; Featuring Charity Huot, Rachael Kilgour and Adeline Wright, Sarah Krueger, Sara Softich, Jerree Small , Emily Jayne, and Kathy McTavish


Friday March 19th
8pm Beaners Central, Duluth (full set)


Hope to see you soon.

With love,
Emily

Some Progress...

The band has been picking up momentum and I'm trying to hang on. Yip! We're haulting the recording process - just for the time being. The hazard of recording in a garage in northern MN. Can't have the heater running, because it's loud and you don't need that gumming up your tracks. But no worries. I'm totally motivated to get some tracks down!

We've got a couple gigs lined up. Check my FB or MySpace for the dates. We've been asked to do a couple, so that's wonderful. I hope my tunes with the band are well received! It's how I've always envisioned them. I am so fortunate to be working with two very talented, generous men: Travis Crotteau and Tyler Dubla.

Rockin.