2025 Performers & Presenters
LON AUSTIN is a venerable Arizona folksinger, songwriter, storyteller, and instigator, whose influence on the folk music scene has persisted over four decades. Ingrained in the culturally diverse southwest, his songwriting and performing were primarily influenced by Woody Guthrie, Utah Phillips, and Prescott cowboy poet Gail Gardner.
Lon's instigations include the Phoenix Folk Traditions Music Festival, Glendale Folk & Heritage Festival, Peoria Library Monday Night Melodies, the Encanto Park Coffeehouse (now evolved into the Beaded Lizard Gathering), the Arizona Songwriters Gathering, Trail Dust, and the MEXICAN BEADED LIZARD BAND, among others. Lon has served as an irreplaceable member of the Arizona Songwriters Gathering planning committee for many years.
For more information about Lon, his art, and his legacy, visit lonaustin.com
Lon's instigations include the Phoenix Folk Traditions Music Festival, Glendale Folk & Heritage Festival, Peoria Library Monday Night Melodies, the Encanto Park Coffeehouse (now evolved into the Beaded Lizard Gathering), the Arizona Songwriters Gathering, Trail Dust, and the MEXICAN BEADED LIZARD BAND, among others. Lon has served as an irreplaceable member of the Arizona Songwriters Gathering planning committee for many years.
For more information about Lon, his art, and his legacy, visit lonaustin.com
JASON BLUME – With recordings by artists including Britney Spears, the Oak Ridge Boys, Collin Raye, the Backstreet Boys, and K-Pop/J-Pop stars, Jason’s songs sold more than 50 million copies.
His “Change My Mind,” was a top-10 country single and 2024 dance single hit #1 in Europe (#18 in the U.S.). An Emmy recipient, Jason’s TV/Film credits include “Scrubs,” “Friday Night Lights,” “Kim Possible,” “The Guiding Light,” “First Kid” and many more. Author of 6 Steps to Songwriting Success and This Business of Songwriting (Billboard Books) Blume has taught BMI’s workshops for thirty years, presenting master classes at the world’s most prestigious institutions.
For more info, visit jasonblume.com
His “Change My Mind,” was a top-10 country single and 2024 dance single hit #1 in Europe (#18 in the U.S.). An Emmy recipient, Jason’s TV/Film credits include “Scrubs,” “Friday Night Lights,” “Kim Possible,” “The Guiding Light,” “First Kid” and many more. Author of 6 Steps to Songwriting Success and This Business of Songwriting (Billboard Books) Blume has taught BMI’s workshops for thirty years, presenting master classes at the world’s most prestigious institutions.
For more info, visit jasonblume.com
RANDY BROWN is a Country/Americana songwriter and songwriting teacher who has won national lyric writing competitions by both American Songwriter and Billboard magazines. His credits include several songs in film and television—most notably included in Remember the Titans, and shows, ranging from Malcolm in the Middle to Person of Interest, and CMT’s Crossroads. Along with JON IGER, he hosts a monthly “Songs in Progress” workshop for ASA.
Randy has conducted songwriting seminars at various folk festivals across Arizona. He is an instrumental member of the Arizona Songwriters Gathering planning committee, and currently serves on the board of directors for the Greater Arizona Country Music Association.
To contact Randy: email [email protected] or visit his website at oldstallionmusic.com
Randy has conducted songwriting seminars at various folk festivals across Arizona. He is an instrumental member of the Arizona Songwriters Gathering planning committee, and currently serves on the board of directors for the Greater Arizona Country Music Association.
To contact Randy: email [email protected] or visit his website at oldstallionmusic.com
JEFF DAYTON – Nashville songwriter, artist, producer and podcaster who’s toured with Glen Campbell, Kenny Chesney, and more; with songs recorded by George Strait and heard on The Voice and Hawaii Five-O. Performing in AZ from 1979-2000, his bands won numerous awards and opened for 25 major touring acts.
His “Making Music Nashville Style” has brought the craft of songwriting to elementary students nationwide.
Dayton's debut podcast “Count It Off!”—featuring guests David Sandler, Tab Laven, and other noteworthy industry professionals—has been heard across the world. Dayton also has 17 credited albums, and the only #1 hit by a local band in the history of KNIX.
For a full bio and other info, visit jeffdaytonmusic.com
His “Making Music Nashville Style” has brought the craft of songwriting to elementary students nationwide.
Dayton's debut podcast “Count It Off!”—featuring guests David Sandler, Tab Laven, and other noteworthy industry professionals—has been heard across the world. Dayton also has 17 credited albums, and the only #1 hit by a local band in the history of KNIX.
For a full bio and other info, visit jeffdaytonmusic.com
NANCY ELLIOTT – With the music of John Denver, Batdorf and Rodney, and America for inspiration, Nancy began writing simple songs and performing at campfires, weddings, and local festivals at age thirteen. After singing her way from California to Texas and back to Ohio, Elliott worked the Folk scene in Dayton's Oregon District and performed opening night at Mick Montgomery's Canal Street Tavern.
Coming to Arizona in 1990, Nancy found her way into Western & Cowboy music, resulting in the creation of KATY CREEK BAND. Thirteen years and four albums later, Elliott has returned to her Folk roots, releasing two albums in the self-coined "South-Western Americana" subgenre.
For more information, visit nancyelliottmusic.com
Coming to Arizona in 1990, Nancy found her way into Western & Cowboy music, resulting in the creation of KATY CREEK BAND. Thirteen years and four albums later, Elliott has returned to her Folk roots, releasing two albums in the self-coined "South-Western Americana" subgenre.
For more information, visit nancyelliottmusic.com
FERVOR RECORDS is a record label led by executive team DAVID HILKER and JEFF FREUNDLICH. Founded in 1989 with the goal of uniting the local music community, the duo has made it a priority to avoid major market music industry groupthink. This has allowed them to create and uncover unique opportunities across all aspects of acquisition, asset management, administration, and exploitation of non-performing and under-performing music copyrights.
Visit fervor-records.com to see examples of the company's success.
Visit fervor-records.com to see examples of the company's success.
BRYAN FISHKIND has been writing and performing songs about wildfires, guns, borders, dogs in the night, sanity (or the lack thereof), vampires, hot shots, princesses, propane, churches, fields, beaches, ships, repression, fractured hearts, loss, confusion... and hope--all for over a half century. Bryan's musical journey has been a means to cope with whatever he couldn't cope with, were he not a musician.
Fishkind is also a first-prize winning songwriter for his piece which the Arizona National Organization for Women described as faithfully depicting "the philosophy of the Equal Rights Amendment."
To listen & learn more, visit bryanfishkind.com
Fishkind is also a first-prize winning songwriter for his piece which the Arizona National Organization for Women described as faithfully depicting "the philosophy of the Equal Rights Amendment."
To listen & learn more, visit bryanfishkind.com
MIKE GREENLEAF – Seattle born singer-songwriter now living in the Arizona desert, Mike has been writing and performing for over 50 years. His songwriting is influenced by a wide variety of musical styles—at times heartfelt, at times humorous, but always deeply personal and intelligent. Mike's songs capture the genuine experience of everyday reality.
Over the years, Greenleaf has developed a charming, eclectic, individual approach to finger-style guitar, and his smooth baritone voice as an easy, open, intimate style that speaks directly to the heart, allowing a gentle spirit of hope and kindness to shine through.
For more information, visit mikegreenleafmusic.com
Over the years, Greenleaf has developed a charming, eclectic, individual approach to finger-style guitar, and his smooth baritone voice as an easy, open, intimate style that speaks directly to the heart, allowing a gentle spirit of hope and kindness to shine through.
For more information, visit mikegreenleafmusic.com
DR. E. MICHAEL HARRINGTON is a leading expert in music copyright, intellectual property and AI. He played a pivotal role in freeing "We Shall Overcome" and has consulted on cases involving industry giants including Apple, Disney, Samsung, HBO, for artists including Ed Sheeran, Steve Perry, Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, Adele, spoken to US Copyright Office, WIPO, American Bar, Texas Bar, Beverly Hills Bar, Leadership Music, Mondo, at law schools including Harvard, George Washington, BC and been interviewed by CNN, PBS, NY Times, WSJ, BBC, CBC, CBS, ABC, Bloomberg, Forbes and more.
For additional information, visit emichaelmusic.com
For additional information, visit emichaelmusic.com
JON IGER is a songwriter and publisher whose song placements in movies and TV shows include Touched by an Angel, The Sopranos, Parks & Recreation, Brooklyn 99, and many more. A former Capitol recording artist, Jon co-founded the Arizona Songwriters Association in 1977, and has been an instrumental co-producer of the annual Arizona Songwriters Gathering since its inception nearly 30 years ago. Honored with inductions into the Greater Arizona Country Music Association Hall of Fame in 2018 and Arizona Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame (AMEHOF) in 2019, Iger also served on the AMEHOF Board of Directors from 2005 to 2015, and continues to serve on its Advisory Council.
To reach Jon or the Arizona Songwriters Association (ASA), please email [email protected]. The Arizona Songwriters Association website is www.azsongwriters.org.
To reach Jon or the Arizona Songwriters Association (ASA), please email [email protected]. The Arizona Songwriters Association website is www.azsongwriters.org.
MISHY KATZ is a Phoenix based singer-songwriter and recording artist who has been studying and learning the tricks and tools of recording and producing original music on a computer using a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) with a small home studio setup for over ten years. She has earned an AAS in Audio Engineering at Paradise Valley Community College and has certification in Pro Tools operation. Her music can be found online under her artist name Mishy Katz.
For additional information, visit mishykatz.com
For additional information, visit mishykatz.com
JALYCE E. MANGUM is an Attorney-Advisor in the U.S. Copyright Office’s Office of the General Counsel (“OGC”). She works on a variety of matters, including regulatory proceedings, administrative appeals, policy reports, and advising the Department of Justice on litigation matters.
Much of her work focuses on copyright registration and music, including the Music Modernization Act. Before joining the Office, she worked as an advertising and trademark associate in private practice in Washington, DC. She earned her JD from William & Mary School of Law, where she was an executive board member on the William & Mary Bill of Rights Journal.
Much of her work focuses on copyright registration and music, including the Music Modernization Act. Before joining the Office, she worked as an advertising and trademark associate in private practice in Washington, DC. She earned her JD from William & Mary School of Law, where she was an executive board member on the William & Mary Bill of Rights Journal.
DAN McCORISON cut his teeth in the thriving folk music scene of is home town of Denver, CO, and the rest is sweet, songwriting history: known for his sure-fire Country music and Western swing, McCorison has released six albums and received multiple awards over the course of his career, including Album of the Year--twice!
In 2022, The International Western Music Association named him Songwriter of the Year. In addition to the USA and Canada he has entertained audiences in Japan, Australia and Europe. Dan currently lives in Arizona.
For additional information, visit danmccorison.com
In 2022, The International Western Music Association named him Songwriter of the Year. In addition to the USA and Canada he has entertained audiences in Japan, Australia and Europe. Dan currently lives in Arizona.
For additional information, visit danmccorison.com
SANDY RAMOS arrived in Music City in 1984. As a staff writer at Wrensong Publishing she landed several Top 5 and Top 10 singles as well as cuts with Faith Hill, Kenny Rogers, Neal McCoy, Lee Greenwood and the Dixie Chicks to name a few. Her songs have appeared on more than 25 million CDs worldwide.
Seeing a growing need for aspiring songwriters to have their songs heard by music industry pros in Nashville, Sandy established The SongTuner in 2014, enabling songwriters and up-and-coming artists to submit their songs and receive direct feedback from Industry publishers and producers!
For more information, visit thesongtuner.com
Seeing a growing need for aspiring songwriters to have their songs heard by music industry pros in Nashville, Sandy established The SongTuner in 2014, enabling songwriters and up-and-coming artists to submit their songs and receive direct feedback from Industry publishers and producers!
For more information, visit thesongtuner.com
ERIC RAMSEY is a member of the AZ Blues Hall Of Fame, winner of the 2022 International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN, and a 3-time winner of the AZ Blues Showdown.
Ramsey's status as a powerhouse within the music industry has been confirmed by numerous awards for song and lyric writing, including: the Stefan George Memorial Songwriters Contest, the Peoples' Choice Award at the Al Johnson Songwriting Competition and (with MICHAEL ROTH) winner in the Lyrics Only category of the Great American Song Contest.
For a full press kit, contact info, & more, visit ericramsey.net
Ramsey's status as a powerhouse within the music industry has been confirmed by numerous awards for song and lyric writing, including: the Stefan George Memorial Songwriters Contest, the Peoples' Choice Award at the Al Johnson Songwriting Competition and (with MICHAEL ROTH) winner in the Lyrics Only category of the Great American Song Contest.
For a full press kit, contact info, & more, visit ericramsey.net
PANDY RAYE gives all musical credit to her parents, having introduced her to harmonies and guitar at the age of ten. At 16, Pandy formed her own band in Kansas and performed with them before putting stage life on hold to raise her two daughters—songwriting and recording in the meantime.
In 1999, Raye moved to Arizona and launched back into the music scene: hosting open mics, sharing the stage with many national artists, recording albums, and even touring internationally. Upon meeting RHONDA HITCHCOCK-MAST, the pair discussed their perspectives on women in music and how they could help make a difference—thus, a lasting friendship and Chicks With Picks was born!
See her performances @pandyrayemusic7160 on Youtube
In 1999, Raye moved to Arizona and launched back into the music scene: hosting open mics, sharing the stage with many national artists, recording albums, and even touring internationally. Upon meeting RHONDA HITCHCOCK-MAST, the pair discussed their perspectives on women in music and how they could help make a difference—thus, a lasting friendship and Chicks With Picks was born!
See her performances @pandyrayemusic7160 on Youtube
LES SCOTT is a veteran of the industry whose publishing company Source Q Boutique (SQB) specializes in music placement in film and television, currently representing over 400 writers/artists. SQB is exclusively marketed through its alliances with Crucial Music Group, Expressive Artists LLC., Generation Music, Inc. and Fuze Artz LLC.
As a producer, Les is commissioned to produce master recordings for major companies; having produced over 500 artists/bands in all genres—with works appearing throughout the film and television industries. Scott also consults on music business matters such as music clearance, performance releases, publishing agreements, PRO and copyright registrations, and more. Les is an instrumental member of the Arizona Songwriters Gathering planning committee.
For additional information, visit lesscottmusic.com
As a producer, Les is commissioned to produce master recordings for major companies; having produced over 500 artists/bands in all genres—with works appearing throughout the film and television industries. Scott also consults on music business matters such as music clearance, performance releases, publishing agreements, PRO and copyright registrations, and more. Les is an instrumental member of the Arizona Songwriters Gathering planning committee.
For additional information, visit lesscottmusic.com
ANN TETREAULT is a Public Affairs Specialist in the Outreach and Education Section of the U.S. Copyright Office at the Library of Congress. She first joined the Copyright Office in 2004 as a Registration Specialist, and again in 2018 as a Copyright Information Specialist.
Tetreault holds a bachelor’s degree in English from University of Maryland, College Park, a Certificate in Irish Studies from University College Cork, and a master’s degree in Folk Studies from Western Kentucky University. Before she joined the Office, she studied voice and traditional Irish harp and owned an independent bookshop in Philadelphia.
(NOTICE: this listing is not yet complete—more performer & presenter bios will be added soon.)
Tetreault holds a bachelor’s degree in English from University of Maryland, College Park, a Certificate in Irish Studies from University College Cork, and a master’s degree in Folk Studies from Western Kentucky University. Before she joined the Office, she studied voice and traditional Irish harp and owned an independent bookshop in Philadelphia.
(NOTICE: this listing is not yet complete—more performer & presenter bios will be added soon.)
