The Unity Music Festival is hosting an Emerging Songwriter’s Stage, not a contest, but a support for burgeoning & up and coming songwriters in the region. We include: hip-hop, singer-songwriters, storytelling mixed with song and an intimate stage for our lover’s of folk, lyrics and the story in a song. 2010 performers listed below.
Scholar Man, Washington, D.C.
ScholarMan is a Maryland based hip-hop artist and producer known for socially conscious and soulful music. His presence, message, lyrical style and production skills have been compared to the likes of lyricists Common, Masta Ace, Large Professor, Diamond D, Chuck D, Hi-Tek, the late J Dilla and DJ Premier. The meaning behind his name is simple, he considers himself a student of hip-hop; an advocate of the culture and an emcee that shares his beliefs and views through his music.
Suzi Brown, Harrisburg, Pa.
Suzi Brown is a young world traveler whose life experiences leak through in her complex acoustic compositions, both instrumentally and lyrically. Her sound and influences are reminiscent to that of Andy McKee, Ani DiFranco, and Trace Bundy. Suzi continues to love and challenge her listeners to think outside of the box.
Mary Batson & Bob Sima: The Going Home Tour
“In words & music Bob & Mary remind us why we need to just slow down & pay better attention to what really matters…At the end of the show, we found ourselves, more firmly planted to this earth but somehow more willing to look to the sky.” — Fred Munroe
Dawn Iulg, Philadelphia, Pa.
Her music is dark yet hopeful. Her lyrics are personal yet inviting. She is a compelling contradiction – strong yet vulnerable, yearning yet serene. Combining a voice reminiscent of Patty Griffin or Emmylou Harris with a raw edge evocative of Lucinda Williams, Dawn Iulg continues to win hearts and ears around the country with her touching and genuine sound.
Brian Franke, Washington, D.C.
Brian Franke is an independent award-winning singer/songwriter residing in the Washington, DC area. His music has been described as rootsy folk-rock with “honest and personal reflections” on life events, social issues, and politics. He has drawn comparisons to Bruce Springsteen and Elliott Smith.
