Many a familiar name and face were there, Buddy Robertson, Ken Smith, Skip Henderson, Isabella , Carol Blum, Mary Sweeney, Jeff & The Coastal People. . .Jim Canfield, Brenda Weitzel, Cary Whaley, Pat & Dave Hull, Nathan & Becky Macdicken, Dave from “StringFellows”, Capt Dave, and the evening “opener” was the Lovely Yvette Barns! The Studio was wall-to-wall with familiar patrons of the “Coffee House of Occoquan” and brimming with talented Singer Songwriters that rotated through a well orchestrated “Songwriters Round” that Ken Smith often hosts in his upscale studio environment. Ken’s Recording Studio “Boards” look like the “Helmstation” of the USS Enterprize! While Ken doesn’t at all resemble the likes of William Shatner, in his company, you are always certain of one thing. . . “It’s Gonna Be Alright”!!!
Ken’s excellent house drummer, Dan The Drummerman, and much of the “Ken Smith Band” provided backup instrumentation and the ever present guest list of well wishers, friends, and audience gave the whole production a very nice “Live at the Coffeehouse” flavor. Buddy Robertson, Ken’s lead guitarist and, a profound singersongwriter- performer in his own right, played skillful “lead licks”throughout the evening to most every song.
Originally,the“Brainchild”of Occoquan’s Darling, Brenda Weitzel, the well organized event quickly evolved into a “Recorded Session” when it was realized that the content of the evening was profoundly enough, all ORIGINAL COMPOSITIONS. Ken Smith “MC’d” the introductions for each of the performers and occasionally stopped in a reflective moment to acknowledge the obvious, that there is a “Motherload of Creativity and Originality” among this core group of musicians and that with the content of the music being original in nature, outside royalties from the sale of a potential commemorative CD becomes a mute point. Were these performers offering “Covers” of other well known artists, rights and royalties come into play and the production would quickly become cost prohibitive. If you’re hopeful to hear the music that was generated by these talented musicians, stop by most any Saturday evening at the CoffeeHouse of Occoquan (See the AD on this Page) Allin- all, having been in the company of the many fine patrons and talented musicians that frequent the Coffee house as a musical venue, I would have to say that this event and the resulting music was nothing short of an Historical Milemarker in the local music scene. Thanks to all !
Brenda Weitzel, “Occoquan’s Darling” and Premeire Vocalist around town, hosts many an Open Mike Night at The Coffee House of Occoquan, but was also the orchestrating factor in Ken Smith’s recent Songwriters Circle. Brenda, Often seen fronting for Anthony and other notable bands at the Downunder, has played most every venue that the area has to offer and does particular justice to Janis Joplin covers. Brenda just as easily smooths out the course edges to deliver sweet Acapella renditions!
Thank you for your passion Brenda!
John Studebaker is not John Prine but he sounds like he should look Like Prine. . .John is truly a classic country gentleman and performs quite often at you guessed it, The Coffee House of Occoquan! John delivers classic cowboy and traditional Ballads that reflect his “Seasoned“status in music. Johns performances exude a campfire sensibility that feels like the Beans and Coffee are on. When John is Not choppin’ wood on his geetar, he can be found helping his wife Candice at Spirited Collections in Occoquan.
