Songwriter Saturdays

Andrew Blair
February 25, 2012 8:30pm EXIT Cafe San Francisco
ANDREW BLAIR is a singer-songwriter based in the California’s Bay Area. Growing up he listened to the old records of his father, country albums by Willie Nelson and Hank Williams, as well as jazz greats like Duke Ellington and Count Basie. He became heavily influenced by early folk and blues singers Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, Bob Dylan and Son House. And eventually Jeff Buckley, Wilco, My Morning Jacket, and The Wood Brothers made their way into his head. Blair’s sound is simply & honestly a product of his ears & what happens in between.
http://listn.to/AndrewBlair

Johnny Mac
March 10, 2102 8:30pm EXIT Cafe San Francisco
Fringe Folk, Acoustic Roots, Artful Pop, Rock and Roll. Lyrically rooted in the here and now.Born and raised in Michigan’s hard scrabble Upper Peninsula, Jonny Mac received an initial musical education via Detroit Punk Rock, and eventually evolved into a versatile Folk singer and songwriter. In the 1990s, he lived in Portland, OR, and actively participated in the town’s fertile creative community, working as a musician, actor and promoter for countless events. Jonny Mac moved to San Francisco ten years ago, and now lives Oakland, where he continues to develop a singular style that merges musical influences of aggressive Rock, American Roots, and artful Pop, with contemporary storytelling. He has toured the United States several times over the years in support of independent releases. Currently, Jonny Mac performs his original songs around the Bay Area as a solo artist and with his band, The Downtown Hawks.  Jonny Mac has been fortunate to share a stage and/ or receive mentoring from a diverse group of songwriters and musical minds including Elliot Smith, Will Oldham, Ron Sexsmith, John Fahey, Paleface, Ike Willis, and Wolf Eyes. He once wrote down how many different day jobs he had and lost count. Jonny Mac has performed by several names, including his real name (Jon McDonald). He has also performed as Sane Lunatic Productions, as well as with many bands (Downtown Hawks, Far Corners, the Questions, ABDECEF, Tinkerbomb, the Liquid Hammers, and more).
www.sanelunaticproductions.com

Lauren Oakshott
March 10, 2012 8:30pm EXIT Cafe San Francisco
Lauren Oakshott is a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist based out of San Francisco, CA. Lauren writes and performs songs about universal experiences, oftentimes breaching subjects that largely remain unspoken in society today. She is a witness to the consequences that individuals and systems face when truths are not acknowledged: a condition her music strives to heal. Catchy melodies, unique compositions, and powerful subject matter are integral to Lauren’s poignant and unforgettable sound experience.  Lauren is inspired by the emotional honesty and drama of Tchaikovsky, the chord changes of Gershwin and Bernstein, Duke Ellington’s arrangements, the innocence in voice and atmospheric sound of Portishead, and the experimental nature of Radiohead. Other influences include Sarah McLachlan, Rasputina, Stone Temple Pilots, Iron and Wine, Fiona Apple, and everything she’s ever heard.  Lauren was born and raised outside of Detroit, MI, studying flute and piano from an early age. She is the daughter of a classically trained vocalist and the granddaughter of a pianist who at 99 years old is still playing each day. Lauren deeply believes she is meant to carry on the family tradition in her own unique way.  Currently, Lauren is transforming her solo piano and voice work to include orchestration, thereby actualizing her true vision of the compositions. Get updates on her upcoming shows and recordings via her website
www.laurenoakshott.com
www.facebook.com/laurenoakshott

Johnny Nash
March 17, 2012 8:30pm EXIT Cafe San Francisco

Greg Lamboy
March 17, 2012, 8:30pm EXIT Cafe San Francisco
Electrifying Acoustic Music
Weaving unforgettable melodies with award winning song writing, Greg Lamboy has crafted a treasure of catchy, inspired acoustic pop marked by his powerful tenor and accomplished guitar technique, creating an irresistible blend of accessible music that wins the hearts, minds, and ears of all who listen.  Singing since he could speak, Greg’s music is currently being heard on radio stations near and far, including KFOG’s Acoustic Sunrise, Costa Rica and in the UK.  His fourth CD, “Quiet Now” is due out in 2012.  “A night of Greg’s songs is like opening up a window in a tiny room and seeing out to the big beautiful world beyond” – American Songwriter Show