Evenings with the Songwriter: Leeann Atherton

Evenings with the Songwriter, the celebrated monthly series from the historic Dr. Eugene Clark Library begins its tenth season with Leeann Atherton on Tuesday, January 28, 7:00pm. The series is produced and hosted by Lockhart songwriter Fletcher Clark, occurring on the last Tuesday of the month, free to the public.

Leeann Atherton came to Austin via Charleston and Nashville, her songwriting suitcase full of a seamless blend of twang, soul, gospel and blues. Steeped in southern roots, stewed in Texas blues, raised by a hillbilly housewife and an Alabama gentleman in Charleston, South Carolina, away from the shopping mall culture, she put herself through college singing in a beach music dance band. She studied the spirituals of the South Carolina islands, sat in with a rural black choir, and joined the hardened professionals at work in Nashville song factories. “I loved the way those Ft. Worth boys sang ‘baby’”, Leeann gleams. A road trip to Texas was all it took, and Leeann’s independent roots flourished in the fertile musical ground of Austin.

Evenings with the Songwriter has featured scores of celebrated artists, including such luminaries as Shake Russell, Tish Hinojosa, Vince Bell, Butch Hancock, Christine Albert, Dana Cooper, Susan Gibson, Ken Gaines, Rex Foster, Eric Taylor, Shelley King, and Walt Wilkins. This Tenth Season will continue with Jenny Reynolds, Michael Hearne, Brian Kalinec, Greg Whitfield, Mark Jungers, Talia Bryce, Stoney Gabel, Eric Gerber, and Chazz Bessette. Fletcher Clark will be featured for May, celebrating the 10 anniversary of the inaugural presentation. “Evenings with the Songwriter is not really a performance nor an interview nor a song swap nor a lecture, but elements of all. ‘Exploring ‘the art and craft of songwriting’ in this way and in this special place is a very different experience for these songwriters – and the audience.” says Clark.

Fletcher Clark III, named for his father and grandfather (both doctors from nearby Prairie Lea in Caldwell County, Texas), was born and raised in San Antonio, beginning to play professionally at age 12. Graduating from Williams College in Massachusetts as an economist, he had also studied classical composition there. Leaving a banking career in Boston, he came to Austin in 1972 to become a pivotal figure in the evolution of the music scene, joining the management team at legendary Armadillo World Headquarters. His work over the years as sideman and producer/engineer for feted songwriters Steven Fromholz, Bobby Bridger, Rusty Wier, and many others led to his current songwriter career . He has released five recorded collection of his songs and continues to perform for select audiences and venues throughout the state.

The Dr. Eugene Clark Library Lyceum is the oldest continually operating library building in Texas. Its ambiance offers a special intimacy for Evenings with the Songwriter, appreciated by audience and guests alike. The series is presented to the public free of charge on the last Tuesday of the month (except December), thanks to City of Lockhart Library Director Bertha Martinez and her staff. Support comes from local Friends of the Song sponsors Todd Blomerth & Patti Payne, Donaly & Clare Brice, and Robert & Esther Wilson.

Additional information available at EveningsWithSongwriter.com and on Facebook.