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SONGBEAR'S WRITERS & MUSICIANS
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DAVID VIA~Singer-Songwriter-Musician
David Via’s songs come from being raised
and living up in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Patrick County, Virginia. Via (as most folks call him – that’s pronounced
Vi and rhymes with sky) is a well-known figure in bluegrass/newgrass circles, and with twenty-some odd years of singing and
songwriting, he’s made a lot of pickin’ buddies along the way. He started his performing career in church when
he was three years old. He picked up on the guitar early and in college began playing the blues from coast to coast. Returning
home after college, Via’s long-time friend Tommy Morse brought him back to an appreciation for the home tradition –
the bluegrass and old time music Via had heard his uncles play when he was a boy. Via and Morse performed with The Bluegrass
Buddies and played many well-known bluegrass festivals with members David Via, Alan Bibey, Tommy Morse and Ronnie Bowman.
It was then that Via started playing the mandolin and since then he has won numerous pickin’ championships. .
Whoever David
performs with, it is designed to highly complement his songs, singing and mandolin with tight pickin’ and harmony
vocals.
Via recently was chosen to win the Mountain Stage new song competition: http://www.newsongfestival.com
Via is no stranger to songwriting competitions as a 3-time
winner of the MerleFest Songwriter's Award. Via and his band "Corn Tornado" were chosen by BMI, ASCAP, Sony Records,
TNN, & the Nashville Entertainment Association as one of the TOP 20 UNSIGNED BANDS IN AMERICA. "Blues-grass," Americana,
Roots, "Y'all-ternative," whatever you want to call it, Via's music is a hot, soulful, and eclectic acoustic mix of
bluegrass, jazz, blues and funk! Give David a listen by clicking on the links below~.
Visit David Via's Website by clicking HERE!
Visit David Via's MySpace page by clicking HERE
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BILL KOONTZ~Singer-Songwriter-Guitarist
Songbear's newest artist Bill Koontz, performs gospel,
country, folk, and some of the best John Denver tunes this ol bear has ever heard!
I first met Bill and his wife Carolyn at the Bistro 150, as they had become regular
customers.
What I didn't know about Bill, suddenly surfaced when he asked me if he could play
a couple of songs on my guitar while I was taking a short break...
Boy was I surprised!
Bill's "Chet Adkins style" guitar delivery, and vocal talents totally
amazed this ol boy! And his original gospel songs also showcase the talent in this gifted individual.
If you have ever heard John Denver's song "CALYPSO" the story of Jacques Cousteau's research
ship, You will be amazed by Bill's version! Catch Bill soon!
Click HERE to hear BILL KOONTZ @ MySpace!
KRISTINA
KIDD~ Singer/Songwriter/Guitarist
Raised
on a small farm in Oak Ridge, NC, Kristina Kidd developed her passion for country music at a young age when she first started
listening to country radio in the car with her Daddy.
At 7 years old, after performing for the first time at a karaoke night, Kristina
knew that there was nothing else she would rather be than a country music recording artist.
Throughout
middle and high school she participated in two musicals and multiple school talent shows, but it wasn’t until her freshman
year of college that she found her ‘voice’ in writing her own songs.
Kristina
wrote her first song in November of 2007, and teamed up with Tyler Pleasants to add the guitar accompaniment. Over Christmas break of the same year, she started teaching herself how to play the guitar, and has since
been writing and performing her original music.
After graduation from NC State in 2011, she plans on moving to Nashville and working towards
getting a publishing deal and eventually a record deal.
Kristina
and Tyler have been writing music together for the past year, and together they have created touching lyrics and melodies
in ballads like “Till the Last Rose Dies” and energetic songs like “So Good Lovin’ You” and
“Lightning Love.”
Visit Kristina Kidd at MySpace by clicking here!
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AUSTIN SIMMONS~~Singer-Songwriter-Guitarist
Austin Simmons is an aspiring young artist who refuses
to be held back by the boundaries of genre. No matter who is in the audience, everyone will leave with something to take home.
Most of his lyrics are inspired by a religious background,
but Austin delivers his songs in a "wise as a serpent--harmless as a dove" manner and mentality, not preaching in the face
of anyone; so through a feeling of acceptance and connectivity, he may deliver his message to an audience of willing listeners.
Austin Simmons has played with artists such as
Newsong, Fighting Instinct, Nate Sallie, Heather Cox, Akissforjersey, ect. and plans to continue scratching the surface of
mainstream music until he leaves a mark.
So far, his music has drawn people from all walks
of life, and Austin strives to continue expanding in entertainment and inspiration with his music to as many as will lend
him a listening ear. Take the time to give Austin a listen...
Visit and hear Austin Simmons @MySpace by clicking here
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JONNY COLLEY-Singer/Songwriter/Performer
It's not easy to describe Jonny's songwriting style other
than to say that it's rather eclectic. As a songwriter his music defies easy classification and can vary quite a bit
from one song to the next and from one CD to the next. Someone once called him a "zen hillbilly with something to say" and
I think that's about as close as your going to get in describing him and his style of music. But I guess singer/songwriter
and Americana comes the closest to describing his overall musical style. I believe that music is the one true language that
everybody can understand at some level. For Jonny, music is life, and life is music.
"There are a few general themes that continue to pop
up in my music. One of these is my need to speak out for peace, love and understanding. I also like to "stir up the pot" with
my more political and social commentary style songs. I guess all of that is a continued need to try and understand and improve
the world. Having obtained a couple of degree's in philosophy tend's to work it's way into my music sometimes, so, it's natural
for me that I seek out deeper questions and possible answers. On the other hand, I also have a quirky sense of humor and it
will find it's way into a song even if I didn't originally start off the song that way"
Jonny has been performing in bands and as a solo acoustic
singer/songwriter now for about thirty years. Over the past decade Jonny has been performing mostly in and around the north
central part of North Carolina, playing larger venues such as the Charlie Poole Music Festival in Eden, North Carolina and
the Bright Leaf Hoedown in Yanceyville, North Carolina. For several years in a row Jonny was featured at the Rockingham Community
College "Homemade Music" concerts that are benefits for "Habitat For Humanity". Jonny continues to play at various coffeehouses,
clubs, and bars, and have had some of his songs on the radio as well as being a featured guest on several local radio programs.
Visit Jonny Colley's MySpace by clicking here!
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| ANDREA REESE |
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| SINGER/SONGWRITER/ PERFORMER |
ANDREA REESE-Songwriter/guitarist/performer
Andrea has been writing songs
and performing for over 20 years throughout North Carolina, Virginia, and (occasionally) Minnesota. She has performed both
solo and in duos/trios, using her love for harmony to spin unique and compelling performances. Since moving to the Winston-Salem
area, she has concentrated on her solo career, playing acoustic sets in small venues across the region. She is nearly finished
recording her first CD of original songs that promises to both comfort the soul and make boys cry.
VISIT ANDREA REESE @ MySpace, BY CLICKING HERE!
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THICK-N-THIN- Folk, Bluegrass,
Roots, Rock & Comedy~
Bryan "Songbear" Smith & Jim Eanes have been playing together as their alter egos
"Thick-N-Thin" for over 10 years, entertaining folks from all parts of the Piedmont with their own style of music. From
Jim's hot banjo and guitar pickin, to Bryan's Fiddle and songwriting talent, these guys hold the very "key" to acoustic music.
Catch a show and you won't be disapointed!
Visit THICK-N-THIN @ MySpace by clicking HERE!
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| GT SUMMERLIN |
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| PERFORMING ARTIST |
GT SUMMERLIN-Vocalist/Guitarist
GT Summerlin is a gifted guitarist, has over 25 years
of experience, and performs various musical styles.
As a solo performer, GT offers a huge variety of Rock, Pop, Country,
Blues, Jazz, and Oldies with over 150 songs to choose from! GT also performs with other local musicians and various
bands in the area. GT performs for Weddings, private parties, fine social establishments, festivals, Churches, and has references
if needed.
Visit GT at the FORTE BAND WEBSITE by clicking here!
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BRET HART- Singer/Songwriter/Guitarist/Improviser
Bret Hart is an improvisor, songwriter, educator, instrument-builder, artist, and freelance journalist living with his family
and animals in Eden, North Carolina . While serving in the US Navy from 1982-1990, Bret traveled and lived in Korea, Japan,
and The Philippines, and was stationed all over America . All of the mixed-up musical influences Bret encountered in these
places end up, one way or another, in the songs he writes, which explains why some folks find them strange or different.
Listen for yourself.
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THE BILL ELY BAND- Original
Rock
Bill Ely has been involved in
independent original music for 32 years, writing, recording, and performing since age fifteen. Bill Ely Band is one of North
Carolinas Hottest Original rock bands, playing all over North Carolina and beyond for a decade now with no signs of slowing
down ! 2008 finds "BEB" working on their fourth full length CD and taking their awesome live show to more and more venues.
For all you need to know about this seasoned professional act, click on the following links below!
Click here to visit the Bill Ely Band Website!
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LOU WEST-Singer/Songwriter/Performer
Lou West is a native of Brownsville Tennessee, and has come a long way from his
humble beginnings singing in the church choir. After finishing a hitch in the Navy, Lou found himself in California, where
he started singing in clubs and karaoke bars.
His audience, and love of music grew, so he moved to Nashville Tennessee,
where he continues to play and sing in the local clubs around Nashville. Lou performs with his new band "Coldwater" at many
venues in the Nashville area, and most recently the "Reidsville Lake Music Festival" in Reidsville NC.
Visit Lou's MySpace
link below!
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| MICHAEL KEN |
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| Singer/Songwriter/Guitarist |
MICHAEL KEN-Songwriter/Performer
Michael Ken has been writing and
arranging songs since 1986. Over the years, he has developed a style both instrumentally and vocally that is unique only to
him. Michael's most recent accomplishments include winning the Colgate Country Showdown in Danville for 2 years in a row,
and winning the 2006 Nashville Music Networks annual talent show held in Nashville TN last August. Michael is currently working
on his next CD project in Nashville. Talent, stage presence, charisma, and soul equate to one great show every time and leave
you wanting to hear and see more. As Michael puts it,"Music is my life and my life is now my music.
Visit MICHAEL KEN'S MySpace page by clicking HERE!
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BRYAN C. SMITH-Singer/Songwriter/Performer
Bryan has been
performing locally for many years, and is an accomplished songwriter, guitarist, fiddle player, and Native American flutist.
In
July of 2009, Bryan won 1st and 2nd place in the Rockingham County Fine Arts Festival's music catagory for the songs
Walking Outta my heart, and The Likes Of You.
Bryan's dream of recording his first CD is being realized, and "The
Winds of Change" should be released soon on the SONGBEAR label.
Bryan lives in Eden NC, and performs locally solo
shows and also with his Thick-N-Thin partner Jim Eanes...Bryan also is the creator/owner of SONGBEAR PRODUCTIONS, and
enjoys life, music, motorcycling, camping, and just being the bear. Attend a show and you'll enjoy a peaceful evening of soulful
acoustic music...Bear Style!
Visit Bryan's SOUNDCLICK site by clicking here~
Or you can check out Bryan's music, at MySpace.com by clicking here
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GREG PHAIRAS- Singer/Songwriter/Guitarist
Greg
Phairas was born in Michigan,and has lived in Indiana, Texas, New Jersey, Tennessee, and now resides in Oak Ridge NC, with
his wife and children. His father was a gospel promoter, which resulted in long bus rides with songwriters and musicians.
Greg attended the concerts, which brought together the music and the people, and gave him the desire to write and perform
music. So after a year of guitar lessons, Greg was ready to create his musical dream.
Greg still writes and performs his
own material, along with top 40 hits, classic rock, country, and blues.
To HEAR Greg, visit his MySpace site by clicking here!
| KRIS FERRIS |
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| SINGER / SONGWRITER / GUITARIST |
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KRIS FERRIS-
Singer/Songwriter/Guitarist
Kris developed
the passion for music at the early age of 11, and played in his first band as a junior in high school.
Though the years,
Kris realized that the "stage" was his home, and as a songwriter in the late 70's, worked to develop his talent with numerous
bands, even getting an honorable mention, and a 3rd place finish in the Atlanta Songwriting Competition.
Kris performs
with the "Windfall Band", and also with "One String Over", a local acoustic group, and even does solo performances locally.
He also takes pride, in being a single parent of a young daughter. Take in Kris' show and you'll get some quality entertainment!
Check out the Artist page for Kris' show dates!
Visit Kris Ferris @ MySpace.com by clicking here!
| DANE CORUM |
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| Singer/Songwriter |
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DANE CORUM: Singer Songwriter
Dane has been writing songs for over 18 years, and is presently in the studio recording his 1st release...Pure
country is the best way to describe him. Dane resides with his wife and two children in Eden NC, and is working hard promote
his performing & songwriting. Catch Dane at the Reidsville Lake Music Festival this fall, where he'll be a great addition
to this concert!
"Get er done Dane"
Visit DANE'S MYSPACE SITE by clicking HERE~
FOR MORE ON OUR ARTIST'S PLEASE VISIT THE SONGBEAR PRODUCTION MySpace Site, By clicking *HERE*
If you're interested in talking with any of our artists @ SONGBEAR,
just drop us an e-mail to me~ bryan@songbear.com, and we'll forward it to them.
THANKS FOR VISITING THE ARTIST PAGE
@ SONGBEAR!
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