The ASCAP Foundation has announced a partnership with the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Los Angeles presenting two showcases highlighting the work of emerging songwriters.
The first, Songwriters: The Next Generation takes place on Wednesday, July 18, in conjunction with the ASCAP Rhythm & Soul department. Hosted by ASCAP member Kosine, it features performances by ASCAP songwriters Joelle James, Kameron and Alex Vickery.
Kosine is a nine-time Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum producer/songwriter and one- half of the Los Angeles-based production duo Da Internz. He will introduce three ASCAP songwriters, who will each perform original songs and provide a sneak peek into their craft.
Joelle James wrote the summer smash "Boo'd Up" by Interscope recording artist Ella Mai, which is still climbing up the charts. Grammy-winning songwriter Kameron has written for heavy hitters including Babyface, Toni Braxton, Tyrese and Tamar Braxton. Alex Vickery is a multi-faceted singer/songwriter signed to Sony/ATV, who has had songs on multiple iTunes and Billboard #1 (R&B/Hip-Hop chart) albums with artists including K. Michelle and Mike Stud. Vickery has also written for and worked with Conrad Sewell (signed to 300), Grace Potter, and up-and-comers such as Madison Ryann Ward (signed to Rick Rubin), Becky Hill, and Kiana Lede (Republic Records), to name a few.
The second showcase, An Evening of New Musical Theater Songs, takes place on Thursday, July 19 in partnership with A Little New Music. It will be co-hosted by film, TV and Broadway personality Michael-Leon Wooley and Broadway and TV star Carly Hughes.
The songwriters featured include: Amy Engelhardt (Bastard Jones), Claire Partin (Sky Mall the Musical) & Angela Parrish, Terry Delsing & Brian Dykstra (Crazy Make Crazy), Sam Carner & Derek Gregor (Unlock’d), Jessica Fleitman & Rick Bassett (The Average-Sized Mermaid), Gregory Nabours (Down to the Darkness), Thomson & Desmon (Pump Up the Volume), Noemi de la Puenta & David Davila (Manuel VS. The Statue of Liberty) and Ari Afsar & Lauren Gunderson. ASCAP member and special guest Julian Hornik will also perform selections from his original musical, TENN, based on the life of the American playwright, Tennessee Williams.
ASCAP Foundation Executive Director, Colleen McDonough commented: “We are very excited to partner with The Wallis, the ASCAP Rhythm & Soul department, and A Little New Music on this initiative, which provides visibility, encouragement and support to talented music creators. This showcase is a perfect example of The ASCAP Foundation’s mission in action – to nurture the careers of up-and-coming songwriters, composers and lyricists and provide them with opportunities to perform their original work for new and familiar audiences.”
Both evenings begin at 7:00 PM at The Wallis Sorting Room. Tickets can be purchased at sortingroom.thewallis.org.
