Portland Songwriter Association Showcase Nov. 8 2006
I played at the Portland Songwriter Association’s Showcase last Wednesday at Mississippi Pizza. Great job to all of the other performers- a lot of great talent! It was a fun night because this was not a showcase of vocal or instrumental talent. Though those aspects were judged, the night was for the craft of songwriting itself. The showcase consisted of ten performers and their two songs. I chose to perform my two personal favorites- Babysitting the Cowboy and …Better Be Us All (below). Each performer was judged. Each person was unique with a whole different definition of music and songwriting as a craft and art. I was very impressed and inspired by the songwriter’s talent’s and therefore honored to find out that I was named a finalist for 2007. What does that mean?

Well, as I understand it, 30 performers are now 6 and the final Showcase is in February where the winner of the Portland Songwriter Association’s Songwriter of the Year is announced. I wouldn’t mind that title.

Each performer was allowed on accompaniment so a special thank you to Jeremy Seitz for his performance. I can honestly say that was one of my favorite performances ever and I owe a lot of it to Jeremy’s vocals and harmonica. Thanks man- great job!

Stay tuned, cross your fingers and sample the featured songs below. Jeremy and I will see you in February! Peace.

Babysitting the Cowboy
tyler stenson 2006

…Better Be Us All
tyler stenson 2006

An interesting man I know
Has the music in his bones.
He writes the songs
But he can’t stand rock n’ roll.
His name is on his right hand
As he hides behind a wall
-Somebody’s gonna make it (but you know it better be us all).

Older brother?
He’s the dreamer of some dreams so
He stretched out the gray and made it green.
I can see myself in him
(I’m just a little bit too small).
Somebody’s gonna make it (but you know it better be us all).

Little brother you are not the only one!
-Just don’t get burned in the Oklahoma sun.
You’re trying to get to heaven and
I’m just trying not to fall.
-Somebody’s gonna make it (but you know it better be us all).

I’m a music maker
Trying to make a dream
But getting there is as endless as it seems!
So, I’m gone to California
(Even if I have to crawl)
Because somebody’s gonna make it (but you know it better be us all).

So, when I get to California,
I’ll be giving you a call
Cause somebody’s gonna make it (but you know it better be us all).