Night of Song and Stories - August 3

The Rehoboth Beach Writers’ Guild “Night of Song and Stories” is back on Tuesday, August 3, after a one-month hiatus. Held at Beseme Bistro in Lewes, the program, which attracts both local and nationally-known musicians is bringing together three musicians from across the musical spectrum (and from across the state), for a unique event whereby the musicians, prompted by emcee, Terry Plowman of Delaware Beach Life, will not only perform, collaborate, improvise, but will also discuss the songwriting process, sharing the stories behind their choice songs.

Born in Pontiac, Michigan, raised in Wilmington, Delaware and with her roots planted in Turkey, Oya Alatur formed the reggae band “One,” which shared the stage with many global reggae artists that came through Philadelphia, such as Toots and the Maytals, The Wailers, Third World, Judy Mowatt, and Yellowman. After the band split up, Oya started writing and arranging more of her own music, plucking out songs on bass, drums and keyboard. She is currently one of the founders and lead singers of iKiBEAT, and often collaborates with Jonathan Reed, cofounder, who in the band and also produces, writes and records songs for the band.

Jonathan Reed started playing organ at age three, and purchased his first guitar in 7th grade. From then on he worked with a number of bands as lead singer, guitarist, and keyboard player, In  2003 he cofounded the recording label, iKibeat, where Jonathan writes, arranges, engineers and produces the iKiBEAT sound out of Treehouse studios. Currently, Jonathan is working on several collaborative projects within the “Jonoya” family as well as adding the final touches on iKiBEAT’s second album entitled “Pollination.”

Add into this combination of of reggae and blues inspired songs, the cocktail style mix of Lucinda Williams, Chrissie Hynde of the Pretenders and Patty Smith, which is how Wilmington based singer-songwriter, Laurie Phillips, describes her sound, and August 3 at Beseme can’t not be a fun, one-of-a-kind event. Phillips, a children’s art teacher  who  became a member of the Rehoboth Writers Guild 5 years ago, has honed her skills through open mic nights, songwriting blues camps and the guided teaching and friendship of musician Sam Smick. 

Alatur and Reed have not yet met Phillips, must less performed with her, but this “unknown” quality is part of what makes the nights so successful, says writers’ guild president, Maribeth Fischer, who helps Plowman, himself a musician, emcee the series. There is always an element of surprise, a “you never know what is going to happen,” quality, she says, and this is what writing is so often about. Taking chances. Not knowing exactly where you are going. As always, the audience will  be invited to pitch questions to the musicians that they must try to address through a song…and of course, the  story behind that song.

The event is free and open to the public and participants are invited to dine and drink throughout the evening. Music begins promptly at seven-thirty. Those who wish to dine on Beseme’s eclectic fare are encouraged to arrive early to minimize distractions during the actual event. Drinks and food will be served, however, throughout the evening and RSVP’s to Beseme are encouraged.