Musicians are by nature a collaborative group. Get a few in a room together and the ideas, exchanges of information and songs start flowing almost immediately. From this magical things can happen. It is with this spirit of creativity that the Saturday Afternoon Song Swap came to be. Started by musicians Rebecca Turner and Deena Shoshkes in 2008, in ten years they have created a dynamic community of sharing and songwriting. A community where New Jersey and New York City artists can get together in a workshop atmosphere and see what emerges. A community worth celebrating.
And celebrate they will. Dubbed ‘Swapstravaganza’, the 10th anniversary show will take place Saturday September 29th at FM Bar & Grill in Jersey City. Over 40 songwriters will perform the fruits of their labors inspired from these collaborations. The event also celebrates the release of a 2-part compilation of Swap Thing: Part 1 and Swap Thing: Part 2 featuring a staggering 71 original songs from the group’s talented members. Those members include veteran songwriters with years of experience to brand new talent on the scene and everything in between.
“If you listen to the whole compilation, there are so many wonderful, funny, beautiful songs, in so many different styles…but each one has so much heart, and that’s really been a constant with the Swap.” says Turner.
Writers who have appeared at the swap include Glenn Mercer and Dave Weckerman (from The Feelies) Barbara Endes (Girls on Grass), Boo Reiners and Elena Skye (The Demolition String Band) Karen Kuhl, Alice Genese, Monica Passin, Cliff Westfall, Kate Jacobs, Jon Fried (The Cucumbers), John Baumgartner (Speed The Plough), Matt Davis (The Thousand Pities), Chris Mills and Megan Reilly (The Fond Farewells), Renee LoBue (Elk City), Tris McCall.
“We tried to create a place for songwriters to feel free to try out new material, forge friendships and collaborate creatively,” says Shoshkes. To say she and Turner succeeded would be an understatement.
You can click here to get details on the show at FM.
Spotify playlist of select tracks from musicians in the group here.
Copyright, You Don’t Know Jersey, LLC (2010-2024)
about the author: Ed Magdziak
Related Posts
-
Pizza With the Band – Tom Barrett & the Cuts at...
-
Low Cut Connie Keeps Rock and Roll Alive in Electrifying Jersey...
-
Between Two Slices: Bobwhite Counter in Jersey City