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PRESS
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from The Beach and Bay Press 10/20/05 regarding the Alliance
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Although singer songwriter Cathryn Beeks has only called San Diego home for the past six years, in that time she has quickly moved to the top of the list of tireless local music promoters. “I arrived here on Thanksgiving in November of 1999 and was busking on the grassy knoll between Blind Melons and the ocean the next day,” she laughs good naturedly from her Pacfic Beach home. Quickly establishing herself with a website supporting San Diego area artists, ListenLocalsd.com , Beeks has gone on to invigorate the acoustic music scene, organizing numerous events big and small. While all have been well received, her Acoustic Alliance monthly showcase series has proven to be the most popular, both for its innovative staging as well as the talent involved.
Rather than compete with the many open mic nights and coffeehouse fare around town, Beeks has come up with a novel twist on the idea of a jam session, having the musicians come on the stage together to play their songs individually. “The concept of twelve singer songwriters giving us their three best songs is cool to me,” says Cathryn Beeks. The dozen performers, a mix of well known scene vets and new discoveries, take the stage in shifts of four, playing their tunes round robin style. According to Beeks this format has two big advantages over traditional acoustic shows. “Having them play in the round gives fans of the better known acts the opportunity to hear new artists. And the variety keeps the show fast paced, interesting and entertaining. ”
Beeks notes that a performer’s genre is not relevant to the proceedings, as long as they can perform their music solo and on an acoustic instrument. “The first few shows even featured lead singers from rock bands doing their songs acoustically,” she points out. “Matt (Molarius) from Transfer, and even Zach (Goode) from Divided by Zero have both taken part. The more variety, the better.” The list of performers who have shared the Acoustic Alliance stage reads like a who’s of music in San Diego, including the likes of Jeff Berkley, Robin Henkel, Steph Johnson and dozens more. Power pop rocker Mark DeCerbo, who performed at the second show in the series, is effusive about the shows. “It’s cool enough to be able to expand your fan base a little, but the interaction between the groups of musicians onstage is really special. Everybody ups their game a little, and some lasting friendships have been formed, so it’s a great show to be a part of on either side of the stage.”
Even with so many artists having taken part in the shows, Beeks still has a wish list of acts she’s like to take have participate in the future. “It took 3 times, but I finally got Gregory Page to show up and play,” she says jokingly. “I have tried to contact John Katchur to no avail. I've invited Anya Marina every time, she swears she's gonna do one! I'd like to get Steve Poltz and Jason Mraz to pop in, too.”
Music fans who attend the latest edition of Acoustic Alliance on Oct. 25 at Cane’s Bar & Grill will once again be treated to a stellar notch group of performers. Topping the evening will be Dave Howard. Howard is probably one of the best known artists in town having penned songs for AJ Croce, Berkley Hart, and Dani Carroll amongst others, and will be making his first live appearance in over a year. Also on hand will be former Padre Tim Flannery, playing in support of his seventh album, “Ring Around the Sun,” as well as Jen Knight, Jonathan Lee, Mary Fromke, Sweet James, Peggy Watson, Kev, Aaron Bowen, Nathan Welden, Randi Driscoll, and Alex Woodard.
While Beeks is thrilled to include some heavy hitters on the bill, she’s most excited by being able to expose new talent to a wider audience. “When I first arrived in San Diego 6 years ago, I spent a lot of time investigating the music scene,” she recalls. “Unfortunately, I found the venues to be pretty exclusionary. Without a great demo or a reputation it was hard to break into specific scenes. That bummed me out. “ She hopes to give the next generation of emerging talent a break with her shows. “Since anyone can play my showcases, with or without a demo, I get to see a lot of music that would have otherwise gone unheard,” she remarks. “Some great songwriters lack the business sense to book a gig. My website makes it easy. Through all these things I do I try to shine a little light on deserving music,” she says. “I've discovered some incredible unknown talent in San Diego. And really that’s what these shows are about. The Acoustic Alliance couples some of my best finds with some of San Diego's music legends. It's cool.”
Bart Mendoza
TESTIMONALS
"Each of the Acoustic Alliance shows I've attended has been
fantastic, and I've discovered many new favorite artists.
There's so much undiscovered talent floating around out there,
and the Acoustic Alliance shows do a great job of finding and
highlighting that talent. These shows remind me of similar
"in-the-round" showcases that occur at famous places like the
Bluebird Cafe in Nashville or Club Passim in Cambridge and
they pack the houses there. The Acoustic Alliance shows are
just as good and should be drawing hundreds of people, if only
they knew about them."
Music Lover
"Acoustic Alliance is one of the best shows I've ever played
hands down. The room was packed and all of the musicians were
of an incredibly high standard. At the end of the night, my
mailing list was filled with email addresses of people who
still come to my shows months later. Thank you Cathryn Beeks
for this wonderful monthly event." Samantha Murphy
"I found out about the Acoustic Alliance concert (held at
Canes last week) from Will Edwards, who I'd seen at the Adams
Avenue Street Festival in 2003. I had signed his mailing list
at that time. Anyway, my original plan - being a working chap
- was to hear Will and get home to unwind for bed. Then, when
I saw Calman Hart was part of the first hour's line up - I
decided to stay for the first hour. I was amazed at the talent
and diversity of styles with just those first four. Then I
decided ... maybe I could stay for the second hour. In the
end, I could not leave until I'd heard every performer. 12
artists for five bucks, and every one a strong writer and/or
performer. Not only a deal, but a beautiful opportunity. I
wasn't aware how much local talent there was. I'll definitely
schedule in Acoustic Alliance shows from now on. Thanks to
Cathryn Beeks for providing this for us."
David M, Normal Heights
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Cathryn's Union Tribune
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Cathryn's
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Listen Local's second
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Listen Local's very first
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