Pittsburgh Songwriters Workshop with Craig Bickhardt

Date: Mar 10, 2009

Posted by:
Contact:

http://myspace.com/pittsburghsongwritersnsai
724-992-0350
Pittsburgh

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: Nancy Deckant or Michael Shield
Organization Name: Pittsburgh Songwriters Network, NSAI
Telephone Number: 412.389.6697 or 724.992.0350
Email Address: ndeckant123@hotmail.com, michaelshieldsongs@verizon.net

Songs In The Spotlight: A Workshop by Craig Bickhardt
How To Write Songs That Major Recording Artists Want To Record
(special guests, Barry Alfonso and Larry Ahearn)

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania March, 2009 - The Pittsburgh Songwriters Network, NSAI is sponsoring a songwriting concert and workshop by pro-songwriter Craig Bickhardt on March 13 & 14, 2009.

Songwriters hoping to get their song cut by a major recording artist endure intense competition. There are sometimes very subtle reasons why top recording artists such as Martina McBride and Vince Gill choose to record one song over another. Often recording stars are thinking about those 90 minutes in the spotlight where they interact and connect with fans in the concert setting.

On Saturday March 14, Craig Bickhardt will delve into the many aspects of creating these songs in this one-day workshop. In particular, Craig will explore the psychology behind the artist-fan relationship. Craig will discuss ways that songwriters can shift their thinking to see things from the artist’s perspective and show how changing the approach to subject matter can make all the difference between a cut and a pass. This workshop is for any songwriter seeking to improve the quality of their songwriting. SPECIAL GUEST, PROFESSIONAL SONGWRITER , BARRY ALFONSO WILL ALSO BE SHARING ALONG WITH CRAIG’S TOURING MGR. LARRY AHEARN. The all day event is from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

On Friday March 13 at 8pm, critically-acclaimed Nashville singer-songwriter Craig Bickhardt will perform an evening concert at the Double Door Gallery in Carnegie, PA. At this intimate venue, Craig will deliver memorable songs that demonstrate his “soulful folk” style. If you love music that refreshes and inspires, or are attending Craig’s workshop, you won’t want to miss this special event. The concert is open to the public. Limited seating is available so reserve your place without delay.

Craig Bickhardt Workshop: Songs in the Spotlight, Saturday, March 14 at. 9:30
am to 4 pm (doors open at :900 am). Adams Ridge Clubhouse 100 Adams Ridge Blvd,
Mars, PA 16046 $35.00 Tickets at the door.
Contact 724.766.9425 or leumann@zoominternet.net.

Craig Bickhardt Concert, Friday, March 13 at. 8 pm (doors at 7:30 pm)$15.00
Double Door Gallery 223 3rd Ave. Carnegie, PA 15106 $15. Contact 724.766.9425 or leumann@zoominternet.net.

About Craig Bickhardt
Craig has spent a lifetime creating meaningful meticulously shaped songs, with a keen literary and narrative approach. Most crucially, he is a communicator, capable of touching the heart of listeners. His songwriting credits read like a Who’s Who of the music industry. Ray Charles, B. B. King, Johnny Cash, The Judds (I Know Where I'm Going, Cadillac Red), Trisha Yearwood (Even a Cowboy Can Dream), Allison Krauss, Anne Murray (If a Heart Must Be Broken), Poco (Father's Day), Kathy Mattea (You're the Power), Willie Nelson, Baillie and the Boys (Wilder Days), Vince Gill (When Heaven's Calling You), and Martina McBride (All The Things We've Never Done) are just some of the many luminaries who have recorded songs written and co-written by Craig.

This native Pennsylvanian’s big break came in 1982 when he wrote and performed two songs for Robert Duvall's Academy Award winning film "Tender Mercies". In the wake of the film’s success, Craig made his move to Nashville where his songs found their way onto platinum and Grammy winning albums by major recording artists. Craig went on to have three hits when he joined Schuyler and Knobloch to make their SKB CD No Easy Horses for MTM Records, which yielded Craig's chart topper "Givers and Takers".

About Barry Alfonso
Barry Alfonso co-wrote "In Between Dances" with Craig. It was a #1 hit for Pam Tillis. He also co-wrote "If He Came Back Again" covered by the Highwaymen (Johnny Cash, WIllie Nelson, Waylon Jennings & Kris Kristofferson) and is featured on Craig's new CD, "Brother To The WInd." In addition he co-wrote "Even A Cowboy Can Dream" covered by Trisha Yearwood and also featured on new CD. www.barryalfonso.com

About Larry Ahearn

Larry has a lifetime of music promotional experience including booking for the Civic Arena, Heinz Hall, The Stanley Theater etc. in Pittsburgh, Pa. He has promoted bands such as U2, Grateful Dead and performer Barry Manilow. Larry will be sharing how to promote yourself as an Indie Artist or Band utilizing old school techniques mixed with the new wave of technologies such as Myspace, CDBaby, Digg.com etc.. Also, Larry will share on the road insights, regarding travel and promoting Craig in the North East.

> In addition, there will be an excellent handout listing all kinds of web resources for learning, promoting, publishing and pitching your works as a indie singer and or songwriter.


About Pittsburgh Songwriters Network, NSAI
Pittsburgh Songwriters Network, NSAI is an affiliate of Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), a not-for-profit organization. The songwriting group provides local and Western Pa Songwriters with the opportunity to improve their skills, learn more about the music industry, evaluate songs, and network with one another on a regular basis. Contact Nancy Deckant at 412.389.6697 or ndeckant123@hotmail.com for details about the group or go to http://www.myspace.com/PittsburghSongwritersNSAI to learn more