"Be part of something good. Leave something good behind."
Glen Frey

The Musicians and Songwriters Guild of South Carolina is a group of like-minded artists who gather each month to support their craft and receive support as they try to create something worth singing about.
You won't find ego or parliamentary procedure. You will find a diverse collection of people trying to get to the same place by traveling different paths.
Each meeting (usually the second Monday of the month) is kept on track by Vicki Whitehead, who along with Danielle Howle, began this organization in April of 2007. Vicki serves as inspiration, town crier, and trail boss at every meeting; trying to give out information, determine what the members want the Guild to become, and keep a bunch of wandering (and sometimes wondering) souls on track.
The primary focus of each meeting is to provide some working knowledge to help working musicians. A real close second is providing an opportunity to play. If you want to show off, are stumped and want guidance, or just need to practice in front of someone other than your cat, bring your instrument and a song. We will listen.

The Musicians & Songwriters Guild of SC is now a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization! Your donations are tax deductible. We appreciate your support and your donations. To make a donation, Make your check payable to Musicians & Songwriters Guild of SC and mail to 213 John Preston Court, Lexington SC 29072.

The official release of "Her LIfe" was July 10 at the Nickelodeon. Here is the video for anyone who missed it. Check out a wonderful production by a talented group of folks. Especially Vega, Chip, Cory Plaugh and Lucas War Hero.

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Vicki has negotiated a consignment agreement with the Columbia Convention and Visitors Center Gift Shop to add local music to the shop's selection. Anyone interested should provide Vicki with seven CDs, a 5X7 handbill to be used as a sales flyer, and an 8.5X11 bio for the artist notebook in the gift shop. Vicki's address is:
213 John Preston Ct, Lexington, SC 29072
Six CDs will be sold and the seventh will be played in the gift shop. CDs will sell for $15 and seventy percent of that will go to the artist. The gift shop keeps the other thirty percent. The guild is acting as an unpaid agent. Call Vicki with any questions.

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The next meeting will be September 8, at 7:30 at the new location of Showcase Promo, 123 Library Hill Road, Suite C, in Lexington. Until the Nick moves to its new location, most Guild meetings will be at Showcase Promos.

Directions: Library Hill Road is located off Highway 378 between FATZ restaurant and the Lexington County Library. #123 is the last office complex on the left and a sign will be on the door of Showcase Promo. Anyone lost, dazed, or confused can call Vicki for directions or support. Her number is: 803.315.3223.

Bring ideas for fundraising. We are now a certified non profit organization, Vicki is putting grant applications together, and we want to continue the momentum we started with Her Life.

JUST IN CASE: Many employers offer matching funds for employees who contribute to charitable organizations. Since we now qualify. (501 c 3) check with your Human Resource people. We might be able to add to the coffers just by being members.

The August Open Mike meeting was a resounding success. Fifteen MSG of SC members performed and were extemely impressive. Special thanks to Greg Hue, Guild member and Five Points Pub sound engineer, who made the sound as good as possible and coordinated the flow of performers.

Sharon Van Fange's husband took many pictures and is sharing them by email. We are working on linking them to the website.

Anyone who didn't get to play and wants to, or anyone who did and still has the urge, here are some upcoming open mike events;
Monday: Kellys, Corner Pocket, New Brookline Tavern
Tuesday: Five Points Pub, 3 Bean Net Cafe, Locals
Wednesday: Doc's Gumbo Grill on Assembly, State Street Pub, Bogart's
Thursday: Group Therapy, Jammin Jazz Cafe, Trackside Tavern, Mac's on Main, Doc's Grill, El Burrito
Call the specific location for more information.

If you are interested in the Gospel CD project, submit either an original or public domain recording of a song to Vicki.

So far, we have the following entries:
I'll Fly Away-- Chip Mosteller
Amazing Grace-- Adam Whitehead
Old Rugged Cross-- T J Roland
A Closer Walk With Thee-- Matt Goudelock
When God Closes a Door-- Debra Watkins
Where Can I Go-- Sharon Von Fange
Master of Creation-- Adam Kiraly
Not yet named-- Marshall Price

The Columbia Star will feature a story on the making of Her Life in an upcoming issue.

Information on upcoming events and performances can be listed on the website by emailing Mike Cox at mwc423@bellsouth.net


Rock Out For the Kids is a monthly 20-30 minute accoustic concert in the Palmetto Children's Hospital atrium. Brent Mc Donald is in charge of scheduling. Contact him for more information or to schedule a performance. brent@brentmcdonaldmusic.com or 803.479.1718.


October 5; Unearthed at Saluda Shoals. New, original music to help the park celebrate. Winning songs, as was the case last year, will be performed at the event and the songwriters will be awarded Big Bucks. Deadline for entries is September 15, to Vicki. Unearthed is the first weekend in October. The performances will be Sunday, 10/5.

Evening With Josh Roberts will be at the Nickelodeonon September 30. Tickets are $15.00 and are available at; www.nickelodeon.org.



"You can't make the sun shine on a cloudy day"
Adam Whitehead



RockOm is a new website designed to be a crossroads for spirituality and the artists and fans moved by the musical expressions of those feelings. It is not limited to a particular belief or religion, but is designed to offer a forum for spiritually enclined musicians to share and promote their art. More information will be coming in June.

The Guild CD project is still looking for submissions. The CD is due for release in the Fall.

Nickelodeon Trailers for films!!: Submit CD & contact information to Andy Smith @ Nickelodeon or Vicki Whitehead 102 Gantt Street Lexington SC 29072

WAGS Radio in Bishopville has offered to play original music by Guild members. WAGS is an independent radio station and plays country, alt-country, folk, and southern rock. Jim Jenkins is the contact at WAGS. He is easy to please and willing to play music and talk to anyone willing to provide a CD and some bio information. Jim can be reached at 803 484-5415.


Evening With..... Anyone with suggestions for the An Evening With series should submit a bio sheet, demo CD, and contact information to Vicki.

"I don't believe you, you're not the truth.
No one could look as good as you"
Roy Orbison

Membership continues to increase so please continue to spread the word and invite folks to come check us out. If you have not sent in your dues, please send them to MSG of SC, 213 John Preston Court, Lexington, SC 29072. Dues are $25 per year and $15 per year for students.