For 12 years, Valerie Ghent has produced “Songwriter’s Beat” in NYC, presenting 335 songwriters. And that’s in addition to recording five CDs of her own and traveling the world as keyboardist, singer & recording engineer for the legendary Ashford & Simpson. Weaving blues, soul, R+B, jazz and pop, Ghent is known for her smoky voice and 3 and 1/2 octave range. www.valghent.com
In May, Thea Hopkins won first place in American Songwriter Magazine’s May/June lyric contest. Best known for her song, “Jesus Is On The Wire”, recorded by Peter, Paul & Mary in 2004. Thea is digging into a rocking Americana vein with her upcoming album, “Lilac Sky.” www.theahopkins.com
The consummately artful Birdsong at Morning merge classical aesthetic with the grace of Appalachian folk and pop hooks. One of Boston’s most ambitious bands, last year they released a 4-CD box set, “Annals of My Glass House” and a live DVD, “Sanctuary.”www.birdsongatmorning.com
