by Logan Gruber
operations@thenewsleaders.com
Songwriters Dave Cofell and Adam Hammer dreamed for a long time about creating a musical showcase for singers/songwriters. They didn’t just dream about it, though; they created it. And they’ve watched their showcase grow every year. The Weekend of Songs is now in its fifth year, bringing area songwriters from all genres together at the Local Blend to please central Minnesotans’ ear drums.
Cofell, of St. Joseph, and Hammer, of Sartell, have worked hard to cultivate a community of musicians at the Local Blend throughout the years, both with the Weekend of Songs and as co-hosts of a weekly open mic on Tuesday nights. The duo, who play music separately as well as together, knew from the start the Local Blend would be the perfect setting.
They wanted to maintain a festival atmosphere but in a smaller indoor setting, consisting of open-mic sessions, meet-ups and jam sessions, all featuring singers/songwriters.
For the fifth annual event, the festival is bringing in songwriters from across genres – from folk, alternative, blues, punk, pop and more. Acts include:
Friday, Aug. 14
6 p.m. – Adam Hammer and Dave Cofell; 7 p.m. – 12-year-old Paige Gielen; 8 p.m. – Dylan McFarling; 8:30 p.m. – Chaos in Clockwork.
Saturday, Aug. 15
5 p.m. – Ben Schirmers; 6 p.m. – open mic; 8 p.m. – John Larson; 9:30 p.m. – Goodbye Lucy Grey.
At 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 16, the songwriters’ challenge will be presented. The 18-hour songwriter challenge is a chance for songwriters to flex their creative muscles, have some fun, share some music and even win prizes. This challenge is based on the regular monthly songwriters’ challenge which is part of the Local Blend’s weekly open-mic nights. Each year, the songwriters’ challenge has a theme, which isn’t announced until the end of open-mic time on Saturday night. Last year, the theme was “painting a picture.” In 2013, the theme was “read a book (turn off the TV).”
Tickets are available for the Weekend of Songs, but don’t worry if you’re not sure if you’ll like the music or not; Cofell and Hammer have you covered. The festival has a suggested donation ticket model, which means you can feel free to come in the Local Blend and sit down for a while. The Local Blend is open as normal during the festival, so you don’t need a ticket to come in; just donate if you like what you hear. Cofell and Hammer guarantee you will enjoy yourself. All ticket-holders are eligible for door prizes, though, so there is an extra incentive as well.
Seen here are Dave Cofell and Adam Hammer, two songwriters who began the Weekend of Songs showcase five years ago. Both musicians will be performing at the Local Blend at 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14.
Seen here is Chaos in Clockwork, one of many groups that performed during the fifth annual Weekend of Songs. Other featured musicians include Adam Hammer and Dave Cofell, Page Gielen, Dylan McFarling, Ben Schirmers, John Larson and Goodbye Lucy Grey.
