Songwriters: The Next Generation

A new program of The ASCAP Foundation, featuring emerging songwriters and composers discussing and performing their own songs, debuts at the Kennedy Center

Songwriters: The Next Generation, a new program of The ASCAP Foundation and The John F. Kennedy Center of the Performing Arts (made possible by the Bart Howard Estate), showcased the work of four emerging songwriters and composers in a free concert on the Kennedy Center's Millennium Stage on January 28th and 29th. The concerts, which were followed by a Q&A, were webcast live, and archived for future viewing (and archived for future viewing on the Kennedy Center website). Each evening's hour-long program, designed to spotlight the talent of young songwriters and composers, was hosted by Jesse Winchester, an ASCAP member singer/songwriter whose four-decade recording career has given us classic songs such as"Yankee Lady," "Biloxi" and "Payday."

Singer-songwriter Devon Sproule, performs her Sammy Cahn Award-winning song "Old Virginia Block" for the standing room only crowd

The idea for the program was conceived by jazz pianist, educator, composer and ASCAP Foundation Board member Dr. Billy Taylor—the Kennedy Center's Artistic Director for Jazz. Dr. Taylor stressed the importance of showcasing the talent of contemporary composers who are also performers."We want to show the audience that young people can be accomplished music creators," he said,"as well as musicians and singers." To that end, following the performances, Jesse Winchester engaged the performers in a conversation focusing on the craft of songwriting and their personal creative processes.

The January 28th performance featured ASCAP members Danny Rivera and Nick Howard. Baritone saxophonist and composer Rivera, the 2009 recipient of The ASCAP Foundation Scholarship in Honor of Louis Armstrong, fronted The Danny Rivera Electric 5 with Ryan Liatsis (guitar), Conun Pappas (piano), Jeff Koch (upright bass) and Dustin Kauffman (drums). ASCAP singer-songwriter Howard, the 2009 recipient of The ASCAP Foundation Robert Allen Award, performed solo.

The January 29th performance featured ASCAP members Linda Oh and Devon Sproule. Composer, double bassist and electric bassist Oh, recipient of a 2008 ASCAP Foundation Young Jazz Composer Award, led The Linda Oh Trio featuring Ambrose Akinmusire on trumphet and Marcus Gilmore on drums. Singer-songwriter, Sproule, recipient of the 2009 Sammy Cahn Award, performed solo.