21 SONGWRITERS MUSIC FESTIVAL – NO WORRIES BREWING COMPANY
By Ralph Beauchamp
On September 20, Bigger Beast Records and All Boats Rise Entertainment held their first ever 21 Songwriters Music Festival at the No Worries Brewery in Hamden, Ct. This was a massive endeavor and the festival went on without a hitch. There were two stages for all the singers/songwriters to perform. The outdoor stage was beautifully constructed and quite suitable for the delightful ambiance of the evening, The indoor staging made the brewery feel homey and warm. In addition, all the proceeds from the event benefitted Musical Intervention. Musical Intervention is a 501C3 organization that uses music and songwriting to help create a safe environment for the recovery of mental health and addiction.
Frank Viele of Bigger Beast Records delivered the ideal grouping of amazing New England artists. Every performer is a mainstay in the current music scene. He rotated groups of three on both stages, staggering the set times so there would be no overlaps. Everyone got to see all the artists perform without any issues. Besides Viele, the list of artists was impressive. Included were Stephen Peter Rodgers, Riley Cotton, Lee Totten, Eddie Seville and Frank Critelli among other. One performer sang a song followed by the next artist until all three featured players had a turn. Then they would start over giving each artist two songs to carry the night. The performances in the round thoroughly worked. It was truly awe inspiring.
The first group to perform tackled the outdoor stage. D’Pew, Anne Marie Menta and Liz Read set the tone for the entire festival. Their music resonated deeply with the audience and the sonic aura they created was titanic. Next up in the indoor arena was Charlotte Roth, Chris Kelly and AMP contributor Marisa Bloom. The chemistry these three provided was intoxicating. Everyone felt the beauty of their music. Undercover Cameo, Eddie Seville and Simone Marie followed outside. By now, the musical atmosphere was glowing bright, All three artists wove delightful aural textures that carried the listeners to far away spaces.
Frank Critelli, Adam Christoferson and Brian Larney followed, playing inside No Worries. Their music filled the house with audacious sounds. The three are all proficient singer/songwriters and the crowd appreciated their fervor. The 21 Songwriters Music Festival was really starting to heat up. Afterwards, a true slice of the amazing talent present performed. Stephen Peter Rodgers, Frank Viele and Kenny Mehler took the stage. These three artists delivered epic performances. Plus their stage banter was extremely heart warming. They dished out interesting stories while immersing the crowd with monstrous rhythms. It was pure magic.
Hatfield, Riley Coton and Riley Johnson finished out the indoor stage’s rotation. Their music was brazen with cinematic features. Once again, their anecdotes were vibrant and full of flair. Closing out the 21 Songwriting Music Festival were Seth Adam, Lee Totten and Someone You Can X-Ray (Lite). This was the absolute best grouping to end the show. They were witty and their music dropped lush patterns of spellbinding grooves.
After all the artists performed, Christina Meadows hosted an “All Are Welcome After Hours Songwriter Circle” which closed out the festival.
This was the inaugural 21 Songwriters Music Festival. Bigger Beast Records and All Boats Rise Entertainment vow to return next year and the years following. It was a sublime and bold event. I can tell you right now, don’t miss next year. This was an evening of glorious music and divine camaraderie. Kudos to all involved. Also, please check out these extraordinary musicians. Check out their streaming pages. They will leave you mesmerized.
One last note, No Worries Brewing Company is a really fun dog friendly establishment. My wife and I bring our crazy dog, Milan, there at least once a month. Kevin Mark is a spectacular owner. The feel is laid back, the brews are wonderful and the staff is great. This was the optimal home for the 21 Songwriters Music Festival. Also, in attendance were Pam Landry and Brian Smith of WOW Radio.
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