Showcases: The Kennedy Center, Strathmore, Smithsonian, Blues Alley
Lynne leads and directs Songwriter Showcases for the Songwriters Association of Washington (SAW), in collaboration with SAW Board member Caron Dale and SAW President Jean Bayou. SAW has featured dozens of its top talent at high profile venues such as the Kennedy Center, The Smithsonian, Blues Alley, and The Strathmore. Songwriters and musicians in every genre get the opportunity to perform for large, appreciative audiences on DC’s most prestigious stages.
The Kennedy Center
Lynne was Director of the “Best of SAW” Songwriter Showcase at the Millennium Stage of the Kennedy Center. Four amazing artists – Margot MacDonald, Christylez Bacon, Dulcie Taylor, and Sol Roots- presented their original music representing the Songwriters Association of Washington.
Strathmore
Lynne directed the first “Best of SAW” Songwriters Showcase at the Mansion at Strathmore in Bethesda, Maryland. This unique event featured four terrific artists – Kenny Wesley, Patty Reese, Matt Hutchison, and Christal Prout – who presented their original music “In The Round”, a warm and congenial atmosphere where they all shared the stage. They took turns presenting their own music but then closed the show with a heartrending and uplifting rendition of John Lennon’s Imagine. There wasn’t a dry eye in the place.
Blues Alley
Lynne directed “On The Rise” – the first SAW Soul/R&B Showcase at the storied Blues Alley club in Georgetown, Washington DC. This unique show was hosted by rising star, Darien who performed If These Walls Could Talk from his hit CD.. SAW presented many of the best emerging and established Soul and R&B artists from the DC Metro Area — Dionne, Deborah Bond, Eric Scott, Levi Stephens, Lea, TalumiDE, Dumi Right, Sol Roots, along with student performers Jamie Kathleen Boyd, Devin Kowl, and Kriss Mincey.
The Smithsonian
Lynne was Director of the first SAW Songwriter Showcase at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington DC. Lamont Dozier, legendary songwriter for the biggest Motown stars like The Supremes, The Four Tops, Marvin Gaye, Michael Jackson, and Smokey Robinson was our special guest artist. Keith Kilgo, veteran drummer for the hit group, The Blackbyrds, (“Walkin’ In Rhythm”) was our MC. Twelve amazing artists presented their original music representing the Songwriters Association of Washington. Susan Greenbaum and Jamie Kathleen Boyd were awarded top People’s Choice artists of the evening by the audience.
