West Coast Songwriters Winners Compilation Song Contest and Open Mic Winners 2000-2004 West Coast Songwriters is excited and proud to present our premier CD compilation featuring a cross-section of our talented songwriting community. Included are the winners of our Open Mic events spanning the 2000 to the present along with the winners of West Coast Songwriters International Song Contest. Our Mission Statement says it all: WCS Is an Industry Leader Dedicated to Providing the Environment, Opportunities, and Tools to Nurture, Educate and Promote Songwriters, Our first CD is another opportunity we are proud to bring to our songwriters. Check out www.westcoastsongwriters.org for info on these and other independent artists or to join our community of songwriters! This amazing collection of songs is a true testament to the songwriters and their dedication to the craft of songwriting, showcasing the wide range of styles within our organization. Tony Ferguson (A&R at Interscope, signed No Doubt, etc.) commented that all A&R Reps should attend the WCS Sunset Concert to freshen their ears. So, refresh your ears and enjoy! 1. First up, our 2004 Song Contest Winner, Sara Bareilles, now touring the world opening for Maroon 5. Sara, based in Southern California, originally hails from Mendocino county. 2. John Lester, Open Mic Winner, currently living in Amsterdam. John is touring Europe with artist/songwriter, Gretchen Peters after meeting at our Annual Songwriters Conference. 3. Tom Richardson, Open Mic Winner, plays with his group The Farallons, blends intelligent songs with exceptional vocals and genuine craftsmanship on acoustic instruments. 4. Suzie Vinnick, performs our first International Song Contest win co-written with fellow Canadians, Kristi McGraw and Stuart Lister. 5. Kenon Chen from our Open Mic Playoffs, blends intricate acoustic rhythmn with a pure voice. Look for his live shows, Kenon is currently playing to sold-out venues. 6. Michael McNevin, Song Contest Winner (he's also won our Open Mic Playoffs a couple of times in past years). Michael is a true troubador and story teller, always on the road sharing his songs across America. 7. The Kimberly Trip, Song Contest Winners, play their pop/rock song crafted after taking songwriting classes through WCS. Kimberly and Jeff now run the Sacramento Open Mic for WCS 8. Eoin Harrington, Open Mic Winner, is making a name for himself in the San Francisco Bay Area, playing the major music venues and getting airplay on KFOG. Eoin is blessed with an amazing voice and a cheeky character. He hails from Ireland. 9. Elya Finn, Open Mic Winner, originally from Russia co wrote her song with poet Michael Rothenberg. Her songs are unique, interesting and intelligent. 10. Larry Potts, Open Mic Winner, is winning awards from many song contests and Open Mics. His band is Americana at its best. 11. LaRhonda Martin, Open Mic Winner, performs with her sisters. Her original spiritual songs and vocal blend have enamored judges and audiences alike. 12. Gerry Grosz, Open Mic Winner, and world class musician. Gerry writes with an ironic comedic twist, keeping bay area audiences laughing. 13. Courtney C Patty, Open Mic Winner, co-wrote her heartfelt song that is quickly becoming a wedding standard. 14. Jimmy James Page, multiple Open Mic Winner, blends his incredible voice with talented songwriting skills. He is an in-demand Bay Area performer 15. Judy London, Open Mic Winner, haunts us with her wonderful song. She currently resides in Southern California. Open Mic Winners first won a monthly Open Mics at one of the six locations At the end of the season, they competed head to head other winners at the Playoffs. Those that get through perform their winning song at the Sunset Concert at the Annual Songwriters Conference for over 50 industry guests as well all the Conference attendees. Annual Song Contest Winners, selected by our industry judges, as the Best Song received. Songs are submitted from all over the United States and internationally. The Overall Winner receives an awesome prize such as music equipment totaling over $10,000, plus the opportunity to perform their winning song at the Sunset Concert. We are grateful to Derek Sivers and CDBaby.com for their generous donation of production of this CD and for including this on their fabulous website. Thanks to Lou Dorren and Xytar Digital Systems, Richard Stockton and Shure Microphones for donating our wonderful International Song Contest prizes Thanks to Rainer Gembalczyk of Sienna Digital for generating the graphics, Tami Mulcahy for helping get the project together, to Ned Hearn for his legal guidance work and providing contracts. Thanks to all the Open Mic Managers and volunteers and judges, and our wonderful Song Contest industry judges. For more information on events, membership and participation in our events, access our website at www.westcoastsongwriters.org. Mission/Vision Statement WCS Is an Industry Leader Dedicated to Providing the Environment, Opportunities, and Tools to Nurture, Educate and Promote Songwriters