The Roaring Fork Valley is rich in entertainment opportunities. The valley offers a multitude of options in the fields of music, theater and fine arts. One venue in particular has proven to be a reliable option for a diverse selection of live entertainment: TACAW (The Arts Campus at Willits).
On September 1, TACAW will host a songwriter roundup that music lovers won’t want to miss. The show will feature three notable songwriters, all of whom will remain on stage, taking turns performing the songs they wrote, sharing information about the song’s inspiration, and talking about the songwriting process. song.
The songwriters will be Jackson Emmer, Susan Gibson and David Starr. The Sopris Sun had the opportunity to ask the performers a few questions before the show, and each of them offered fascinating answers.
Roaring Fork resident Jackson Emmer’s first instrument was — wait for it — the trombone, which he played in fifth-grade class. When he was 15, he switched to a Fender Stratocaster. Now Emmer prefers Collings or Martin acoustic guitars.
He first realized he could write songs after seeing a number of artists in Nashville, Tennessee. “Seeing how these artists worked, I realized I could do it too,” Emmer thought, and he was right.
In 2018, Emmer’s debut album “Jukebox” was featured in Rolling Stone magazine. “It changed my life,” he said.
Emmer noted that the Songwriter’s Round is most common in Nashville, and the format is fairly standardized. Songwriters take the stage, take turns performing an original song, and offer insight into the inspiration for creating the song.
“It’s very intimate, laid back and songwriters often pick their next song based on what the last performer did. There’s nothing else like it, and it’s one of my favorite ways to see live music,” he continued.
When asked if each song should tell a story, he replied, “No, but people tend to like stories. There are a million good ways to do this, but if you can weave a good thread, there’s a good chance the listener will tune in.
Susan Gibson, courtesy photo
Susan Gibson is a composer from Texas. She and Emmer first met at a songwriting contest (Songwriter’s Serenade) in Texas in 2018. Gibson is a well-known songwriter/performer and even wrote a hit song for the Dixie Chicks titled “Wide Open Spaces”. She has traveled all over the West and usually takes her beloved dogs with her.
Gibson said music has always been a huge part of his life. She’s an engaging songwriter and musician (with a good sense of humor), and although her favorite instrument is a Gibson EC-30 guitar, she often includes her banjo in a show.
Gibson said, “I think as a creator I’m the least objective person to describe my music, but what I hope other people would say is that my songs are little mirrors that I like so that they can see themselves in my stories and songs. Connection is always my intention.
David Starr, courtesy photo
David Starr from Cedaredge, Colorado will also participate in the Songwriter’s Round. Asking Starr about his current preference for guitars is problematic, as he owns Starr’s Guitars in Cedaredge. Starr says he received his first musical instrument when he was nine years old. It was a set of golden/shimmering drums made in Japan. Some of Starr’s favorite guitar brands include Breedlove, Gibson, and custom Larrivee guitars.
He is so well-liked in Cedaredge that the town has celebrated “David Starr Day” on his birthday every year since 2016. He first met Emmer when they performed together at a concert in Missouri Heights in the old school, and Gibson played in Starr’s store.
Starr’s musical credentials are impressive. He has released a number of albums, toured internationally and opened shows for performing artists. His latest collection of music, “Touchstones”, was produced and arranged by John Oates of Hall & Oates. Asked to describe his music, Starr replied, “Guess I’d call it Americana.”
As we all know, putting a label on something never defines it, so the best way to find out more about this special night at TACAW is to attend and judge for yourself! Doors open at 7 p.m. and the live show begins at 8 p.m. Tickets and more info at tacaw.org
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