Toronto, Ontario - It’s going to be a big year for organizers of Tin Pan North in Toronto. The 10th annual event is set to pull out all the stops to celebrate the craft of songwriting with big name writer rounds in four clubs across Toronto this May 21-23. The original music festival, organized by the Toronto chapter of the Nashville Songwriters Association International, is the only one in to recreate the famous “Tin Pan South songwriter’s festival that takes place each spring in Nashville.
In its 10th year of full house success, for 2009 the Toronto festival will build upon a successful format with intimate songwriter-in-the-round shows in four venues – led by heavy hitters in the songwriting world whose work exemplifies excellence in the craft.
This year, the festival will be headlined by some of the most accomplished songwriters in its history, including:
Chris Wallin - CANADIAN DEBUT
Chris has enjoyed active chart success and numerous cuts, most recently the massive country radio hits “Don’t Blink”, by Kenny Chesney and “Love Me If You Can”, by Toby Keith – not to mention his multi-week number one hit single with Montgomery Gentry, "Something To Be Proud Of." He’s also had top five hits with “I’m Tryin’” by Trace Adkins, and “Speed” by Montgomery Gentry. Other charted singles include “You’re In My Head” (Brian McComas), "What Brothers Do” (Confederate Railroad), and “John J. Blanchard” (Anthony Smith), which were all top 40 hits. www.chriswallin.com
Deric Ruttan
Deric is one of the top Canadian-born country songwriters today and a renowned Nashville-based country star in his own right. In April 2008, he released First Time In A Long Time which yielded two top 10 hits: "Good Time” (with Dierks Bentley) and the current single "First Time In A Long Time". His first self-titled debut in 2003 boasted five Top 10 Canadian singles, one #1 video (“When You Come Around”), two Top 5 videos (“Unbeatable”, “Take The Wheel”), garnered “Best Album”, “Male Vocalist”, and “Rising Star” CCMA nominations. Ruttan’s songs have been recorded by Dierks Bentley (“What Was I Thinkin” - #1 Billboard hit; “Lot Of Leavin’ Left To Do” – Radio & Records #2), Aaron Pritchett (“My Way”, “Hold My Beer”), Eric Church, (Top 20 US hit “Guys Like Me”), Gary Allan, Doc Walker, Gil Grand and Paul Brandt. In 2007 Ruttan won the CCMA Award for Songwriter of the Year. www.dericruttan.com
Walt Aldridge
Billboard magazine named Aldridge one of the Top Ten Country Songwriters of the year twice on the strength of such songs as Ricky Van Shelton's "I Am A Simple Man". His song "No Getting Over Me" by Ronnie Milsap, was named one of ASCAP's most performed country songs. "Holding Her and Loving You" was named Song of the Year by the Nashville Songwriters' Association International. The Alabama Music Hall of Fame awarded Aldridge with a star in their Walk of Fame and their Musical Creator's Award.
Tim Taylor
Born in Bowmanville, ON, Tim Taylor has enjoyed a very successful career in Canadian country music both as a performer and more recently as a hit songwriter in Nashville. His major awards include four CCMA Duo of the Year awards with Anita Perras, and three JUNO nominations as a male vocalist. His songwriting honours include two CCMA Song of the Year Awards (One Smokey Rose and Ten Million Teardrops), CCMA Independent Song Of the Year (She’s Getting Serious), and the 2008 BCCMA Song of the Year award for Done You Wrong ( Aaron Pritchett.)
Pam Belford – Canadian Debut
Pam’s a true veteran with past writing deals with MCA Music & HoriPro Entertainment and with contracts at many, many more. Her biggest claim to fame is the song, "If I Know Me", which George Strait recorded and took to #1 for 2 weeks. George Strait also recorded a song her, "Holding My Own", the title of his CD. Pam’s songs have been recorded by Rich McCready, Dean Dillon, Angela Kaset, Doug Stone & more.
Last year, headliners included Victoria Banks (as her hit single “Come on Over” for Jessica Simpson hit the airwaves – not to mention her #1 “Saints and Angels” for Sara Evans), Eddie Schwartz (“Hit Me with Your Best Shot”), and Marc Jordan (Marina Del Rey”). Additionally, a significant number of NSAI members who perform in the show are writers and rising stars – so it’s a chance to see tomorrow’s big names today.
When: Thursday May 21, Friday May 22 and Saturday May 23, 2009 –
Where: Thursday May 21 and Friday May 22 venues TBD
Saturday May 23 - Hugh’s Room
Tickets: Available starting April 1 on www.ticketwindow.ca.
“This festival has come a long way in a decade,” says Bart Herbison, Executive Director of NSAI. “From a little showcase in a suburban library to a major music festival featuring some top names in songwriting. We applaud our Toronto Chapter’s efforts to expand the reach of Tin Pan South and the celebration of songs and songwriters.”
About the Nashville Songwriters Association
The Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) is America’s largest not-for-profit songwriters’ organization. NSAI represents the songwriting community and exists to protect the intellectual property rights of songwriters. www.nsaitoronto.com; www.nashvillesongwriters.com
