The Cosmic Songwriters Club will be partnering with the IU Arts and Humanities Council for the June 5 Cosmic Songwriters Showcase. The Showcase takes place during the main week of the Granfalloon festival this year, and we’re looking to connect the showcase with the festival in some fun and creative ways. We’re hoping that you’ll present a song that aligns with the Granfalloon festival in one or more of the following ways:
Inspired by the themes from Jailbird. This year’s festival is taking inspiration from Kurt Vonnegut’s “Watergate novel” Jailbird, which tackles themes of social economic justice, political and corporate crime, homelessness, incarceration, and aging. There’s plenty to take inspiration from there, even if you aren’t familiar with the novel.
Inspired by Kurt Vonnegut’s works and ideas. Kurt Vonnegut is the Granfalloon Festival’s presiding spirit and the ethos of his life and work runs through every iteration of it: promoting civic engagement, encouraging independent thought, and championing art and creativity as essential to the spiritual life of individuals and the health of our democracy. His novels, stories, speeches, and letters cover a wide range of topics and have inspired thousands all around the world, and we’re hoping he may inspire you as well.
Inspired by Bloomington and/or the Midwest. In the most general terms, the Granfalloon Festival is a multi-week celebration of art, ideas, and community that kicks off the Bloomington summer arts season and highlights the creative spirit of our region.
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Leavin' Town 4:130:00/4:13
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The Miner's Bride 3:090:00/3:09
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Snow Bird 4:080:00/4:08
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0:00/3:29
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Carpenter's Arms 4:450:00/4:45
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Cowgirl Blues 4:400:00/4:40
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Dirty Old Town 3:050:00/3:05
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Elsecar Grace 5:300:00/5:30
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Hello Stranger 3:020:00/3:02
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January Morning 4:430:00/4:43
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Miners 4:250:00/4:25
(Above) Hi Fi Indy Opening for Sierra Ferrell / John Platt's On Yiuyr Radar at Rockwood Music Hall NYC with Rima Fand and Tina Lama / Americana Fest with Megan Palmer at Dee's, Nashville TN.
(Above) Sunny's Brooklyn NY with Hilary Hawke & Tina Lama / Metamora Music Festival, IN /
(Below) Story Inn, IN / Brooklyn Bridge Park NYC / Jalopy Theatre, Brooklyn NYC with Pippa Thompson
Independent Music Awards, Lincoln Center
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Listen on Sound Cloud or Listen on BandCamp
Album Release Show at Barbes, Brooklyn NYC 2019.
From a coal-mining village in Yorkshire England, Jan Bell made her name as a songwriter in NYC. Over the last twenty years recording seven critically acclaimed albums made in New Orleans, Eureka Springs AR and Brooklyn NYC. Her band "The Maybelles” started out in The Ozarks as a duo with Melissa Carper.
Along the way opening for Wanda Jackson, Emmylou Harris, Steve Earle, Odetta, and Ramblin’ Jack Elliott. Independent Music Award for Best Alt. Country album. Nominee Best Concept album ‘Dream of the Miner’s Child’.
“Maybe growing up in Nottinghamshire is what sets Jan Bell apart from the run of local lady folkies. Or maybe its the slide guitars, harmonicas, mandolins and banjos. Dark, old timey spareness......gorgeous ” - Chuck Eddy, The Village Voice
“Bell's music isn't strictly bluegrass, but her reworking of old-time country and jug-band blues is remarkably nuanced. It embodies the wide-open spirit of what has become an antic, hybrid genre.” - Edd Hurt, The Nashville Scene