The Gordie Sampson Songcamp launched in 2010 with six young writers, two instructors, and a vision: to nurture emerging songwriters from across Nova Scotia, give them access to knowledge, and help them develop tools that will benefit their writing careers. A lot has happened in five years… record releases, shows, covers, awards, and more.
This year, from July 13-19, there are 15 writers and four instructors who will reunite with Gordie Sampson at Songcamp in Ingonish, Nova Scotia, for four days of collaboration. To celebrate its 5th anniversary, Songcamp has invited three special guests to participate – songwriter Donovan Woods, and Chris Noxx and Corey Lerue on the production front.
Donovan is a Juno-nominated Canadian songwriter, splitting his time between Canada and Nashville, and has had covers by country superstars like Tim McGraw as well as numerous Canadian artists. His music has been featured in major motion pictures, television shows, and commercials.
Chris and Corey will join longtime Songcamp producer, Mike Shepherd, to record songs that are written at Songcamp during the week. Chris has just returned to Halifax to set up shop after spending time in LA where his numerous and notable collaborations and credits include “Fastlane”- Eminem & Royce Da 5 9 Ft Sly Jordan, co-writing credits for “Beautiful Girls” by Sean Kingston, and production on Young Bucks’ “Anticipating”. Corey is a Halifax-based audio engineer, producer, and composer. His work has been featured in The Source, HipHopDX, CBC, Exclaim!, and was also in the top 10 HipHop/Rap downloads on iTunes for his mixing/mastering efforts on Quake Matthews Corrado.
In addition to the traditional Gordie Sampson Songcamp Circle closing concert at Ceilidh Hall, Keltic Lodge in Ingonish, which is taking place on Thursday, July 17, Songcamp writers will also hit the road to play a show at the Louisbourg Playhouse on Friday, July 18. Both Songcamp Circles are hosted by Gordie Sampson and feature performances by this year’s Songcamp writers. Audiences can purchase the first edition Gordie Sampson Songcamp CD at the show and online at gordiesampsonsongcamp.com.
The Gordie Sampson Songcamp Circle
Thursday, July 17
Ceilidh Hall, Keltic Lodge
7:30 PM – All Ages, Licensed
Adults $15 – Under 19 $10
Advance tickets available at Doucette’s Variety and Home Hardware in Ingonish.
The Gordie Sampson Songcamp Circle
Friday, July 18
Louisbourg Playhouse
7:30 PM – All Ages, Licensed
Tickets $25.00 (including HST)
Purchase online at www.fortressoflouisbourg.ca/LouisRocks2014
For more information visit www.louisbourgplayhouse.ca
2014 Songcamp Writers
Gordie Sampson – Big Cove
Steven MacDougall (Leader) – Glace Bay
Carleton Stone (Leader) – Sydney
Dylan Guthro (Leader) – Sydney Mines
Breagh Mackinnon (Leader) – Sydney
Barb Cameron – Grand River
Chris James – Springhill
Dana Beeler – Lantz
Dave Sampson – Sydney
Elijah Wohlmuth – Enfield
Jenny MacDonald – Antigonish
Kyle Mischiek – North Sydney
Laura Roy – Canning
Marc Boutilier – Millville
Mo Kenney – Dartmouth
Molly Thomason – Antigonish
Natalie Lynn – Shelburne
Nicole Curry – Sydney, Truro
Rankin MacInnis – Mabou
Willie Stratton – Bedford
Gordie Sampson Songcamp in partnership with the Bell Media Canadian Songwriting Challenge