Testimonials

                             Since the very first showcase artists and audience participants have had a lot to say about the SSA and here are just a few...

1/9/24

Hi, Phil -

Happy New Year! I hope you are doing great and that 2024 will be a fabulous year for you. I am ridiculously delayed in thanking you for sending my 2019 Songwriter of the Decade award; it arrived while I was on tour and I've been playing catch-up since I got back. I had a feeling that's what it would be when you emailed me - and it took me back to when the awards were announced; I'm still very much surprised, grateful, and thankful!

I'm not just thankful for the award, though. I'm deeply grateful for your commitment to local music, and to producing events that have unfailingly shone a spotlight on musicians in the scene. I know that I gained a lot of great real-world experience at Daytona Beach Live, Deland Original Music Festival, and other events that you've organized. With Mohave, and as a solo act, I cut my musical teeth at those happenings and they prepared me for the life that I'm living today.

So, thanks for the support and encouragement. Not only for my music but for all of the artists that you've worked with over the years. I know it's a labor of love, and it gives me great joy to see that you're still at it.

Best wishes, and joy in music, to you. I'll get out to a festival again soon!

Blessings of music,

Bing Futch

12/7/23

Thank you for the opportunity for Deland and Ormond. We really enjoyed being able to play outside of south Florida and in a festival atmosphere!

Thanks again, always here for your stuff!

Kristen and St. Optional

11/28/23

Thanks for the inclusion of Reggae at OBL, it was well received by the Ormond Beach Fans.
Until next year, be safe and like you said we will make it even better.

Thanks for all you do for the local musical talents in our area.

Peace, Love & Prosperity
ShunTai

 11/28/23

Thank you for all you do for indie music. Your vision has been a blessings to so many indie artist. Thanks and looking forward to the next one.
Rich Allen Music

4/23/23

4/23/23

On behalf of myself and the "Art Carter Band", we had fun playing at Delandapalooza..

Hello, 

I just wanted to thank you, for the efforts you made to make Delandapalooza happen.
It was truly awesome to be a part of, and I just wanted to express my thanks to you.


Sincerely, 
Tommy Stokes

Thanks Phil! Really appreciate it. Me and the the rest of the boys had a great time!

Jerry 
Saint Johns Wake

Jodi and I would like to thank you for inviting us to the festival this weekend. We
had a wonderful time!

I would like to commend you and your team for very smooth and professional
production. I’m sure it’s not easy coordinating 120 bands and the various venues
with Sound etc. 

We look forward to being part of it next year, and thank you so much for the
opportunity.

Best,
Eleni Skiba
Acoustic Guitarist/Harmony Vocalist
Rhythm Girl, LLC


www.eleniskiba.com 

8/15/19
Just wanted to say thanks to you and everyone involved for all of the work you did to make the music fest happen at Blackthorne Resort. It really is a perfect setting for such an event, and I hope there will be many SSA events there in the future.
There were many memorable moments at the Haunted House stage, and I am grateful to have had the chance to participate. I’m always amazed at how you are able to put these festivals together

-Mike Rydock

4-14-1019

Feb10 2019

The Coyotes and Towndogs would like to thank you so much for having us. What an excellent time was had by all.

Feb 10,19

Thank you so much for the opportunity this weekend. I hope everything went
smoothly!
Allyson LaCour

Feb, 10,19
On behalf of Luna Cruise we want to thank you for having us play at your festival. We appreciate you putting us on that badass stage in the bank!! If you ever need a band to play we are on your list my man.

Feb.10.19

Thank you for the opportunity to play! Had a great time and I look forward
to many more.
Gwen Mcmillin

2.10.19

Ya know ive said this before and no musician disagreed with me: if ya play 10 shows 8 are okay. Ya didnt race home pull out the typewriter and write a letter to mom but it was okay. Ya had fun music was good it was Okay. It was good. Then there's one out of 10 half way through your show you told yourself Never again! Ya feel like ya sucked. Totaly embarrased. Ya felt 2 in tall when ya got off stage. Then there's that 1 out of 10 that was perfect! The sound system, the other musicians the lights the audience thevweather everything was perfect. Ya walk off that stage feeling 8 foot tall. Feeling like THAT'S HOW ITS DONE!!! and ya get a rush. Gotta be as good as any drug. For a day or 2 you walk around on cloud nine, better feeling longer lasting then even sex! Myself being addicted to that is saying a lot!
Today there was an event on main street. A cool guy named Phil Weidner puts these big events on. 2 in Deland one in ormond and 2 or 3 in Daytona every year. They block streets off to vehicles. They put up 19 or 20 different stages. And bands from all over come play. Something like 130 different musical acts on 19 stages. Thats a lot of music. Todays event was called Main Street live. We got scheduled to play on 3 different stages. I was hoping that one of those 3 shows would be that One: Thats how its Done! Akso was hoping that none of the 3 where a dud.
All THREE where Perfect!!!!! I mean 100 % spot on! The audience Loved us. The sound systems 110% on the money. And the musicians? Hot Damn they were fantastic tonight! Okheir Kheir, Ray Hurtado. Metus f. Rivers lll. Bruce Arnett. Jesse Daniel and myself. Fantasic. Well i didnt get one of those shows tonight that made me second guess myself about getting on stage ever again. Nor did i get one of those shows that i wanted to race home pull out the typewriter and write mom a letter. Nope. Got THREE! All 3 shows we killed it or as Jesse would say, "we made em dead Dad" and we Did. Now i was a little concerned about that 3rd show. Long day, real real long day for me. Let alone fir a 7 year old kid. We started loading truck up with equipment at 8 am. Major drum set double bass drums double floor toms guitars congo drums. A lot of equipment. Our last show was at 9pm 13 hours after we started. I was positive the kid would blow it: 13 bours working carrying stuff down 3 flights of stairs with No Nap. Every parent knows the importance of The Nap. Kid smoked it! The whole band did. An interesting foot note. The first 2 stages had a professional sound company with over $50, 000 worth of equipment. The 3rd stage was hosted by Sam seas. Sam's a struggling musician just like us. He doesnt have $50,000 worth of sound system equipment. Good equipment dont get me wrong but he doesnt have 4 staff members just himself. He doesnt have a huge sound trailer. But some how, i have no idea how, he gave those sound companies a run for their money. His sounds where as good if not better than anything on main street today. Thank ypu Sam. And Ms Bojangles? Shes very happy. She brought a $3 bag of carrots with her today. Sold out in an hour made $47...
Well now im going to sleep and doing it with a bigger smile on my face than any drink drug or girl could ever give me. Thanks guys

Dan Pray, Jessie Daniels Band

Nov4th,2018
G2P From Tampa had an amazing time! Thank you so much for allowing us to perform and experience this with you guys! We really thought it was put together very well. Everything seem to run perfectly. All the staff were great people and had great attitudes! We discussed the other festivals that you guys do and we'd really be interested in the Daytona one and the one in April back in DeLandNov3rd,2018

 Just really wanted to say thank you again!
NathanG2P the band Tampa, Fl

Nov4th 2018
Just wanted to say thanks for having us we had a blast and we really enjoyed Deland and the whole festival. All of us and a bunch of fans hung out most of the day after the show. Really good time

Thanks again - great event.

Mark Lorenzo
Southbound75

Nov 3rd, 2018

Nov 3,18

Just wanted to thank you for the event. We had a blast. Our hosts, BlockMoney 200 and True Gain were great to work with. Thanks again!
THREE OF THE THIRTY

NOV 3.18

Today went very well, glad we could help out with the stage.  Everyone was very
happy, and we had a great lineup.  Congrats on another great festival!

Blake Trent
Musician
Blaketrentmusic.com

Oct 14,18
We had a blast thanks for an awesome event. (Ormond Beach Live) The after party was a nice ending to a great day. Thanks for the opportunity . We look forward to playing next year if you are hosting again.

Thanks
Peace
Rich Allen
fr music project

Charlie McCulloh‎7th Annual DeLandapalooza Original Music Festival

2/27/19

Hey Phil, we just wanted to thank you for all your work. We got a main stage spot
for bike week off our show at the Daytona Festival. Thanks for putting us in the
spots we played at. Looking forward to Deland! 

Shane Harper
www.shartsville.com 

2/11/18

Thank you for the wonderful opportunity! We had so much fun playing and
seeing all the other bands.
The Event was really fun and the t-shirts were fabulous.

Thank you!

Hello Sister

(Grace, Gabriella and Scarlett Mason)

2/11/18
Phil Weidner, you are such an amazing person for taking your time to host this event. The music community appreciates you and our band Martin And The Dead Guys appreciates your hard work. We had a blast at Boot Hills outdoor main stage. Special thanks to everyone who came out to hear the music and who stopped by to listen during our set. Songwriters Showcase and the City of Daytona, YOU ROCK!!

2/11/18
What a great night in Daytona.! Thank you Phil Weidner and the whole staff for Main Street live. This was the best festival we have been a part of to date.! Video to come soon Shred Fans! Shout out to Outlaw Tendancies and Baa Roos.!our treasure Coast family that also tore up the stage last night.!
Thank u so much Phil.for all you do from band and i...we had a great time...festival was great.Samantha/Mickey Cunhingham and the Aftremath

2/11/18
We wanted to thank you for the opportunity of playing at the festival, we
had some great shows!

We hope everything went well for everybody.

Have an awesome week!

- Leo Aether

2/11/18

We wanted to extend our warmest appreciation to you for allowing us to
perform at Daytona's MainStreet Live Music and Art Festival. We drew a
fairly large crowd and everyone appeared to have a lot of fun. The event
itself was wonderful. We especially enjoyed the pizza cones and seeing The
Grindstone Sinners perform! We hope you enjoyed putting on the event as
much as we enjoyed playing. We hope we'll be able to return next year!

,Lies Behind Your Eyes
​Mikey Chinchilla
Singer/Drummer

2/11/18

I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for offering the opportunity to set up at last night's event in Daytona....I am happy to report that my sales were exceptionally good. In fact they were 30% better than the last time I set up at the event. My rather large Ford 250 transit cargo van is a bear to maneuver in tight spots. Thanks for the good location and helping me secure my location, after a rather bumpy start with our traffic jam....Rest assured, I will arrive earlier that the official vendor opening time in the future. Thanks again and hope to see at the next gig!

Best regards!
Joe Mattera aka "the Hot Dog Guy"

11/5/17

4/11/17 DeLandapalooza
We would like to thank you for inviting Phantom Phunk to participate in the
DeLand Original Music Festival & Delandapalooza. It was a magnificent event
and we can only imagine the hours of work it took to organize and produce.
The Main Stage and the Abbey Bar were great venues.


Thank you again for the opportunity and we look forward to working with you
in the future.

Hector Fontanet
Phantom Phunk

4/11/17 DeLandapalooza

I just wanted to write to say how much I enjoyed playing at Delandapalooza this
year.  Having an inside venue at the Abbey really made all the difference.  The guys
working sound at the Abbey also deserve a lot of credit.  They did a nice job!

Best,
Chris Ferguson
Gods of Avalon

4/9/17 dElANDAPALOOZA

Phil, Just wanted to say thanks for stellar spot on the Cafe DaVinci
Stage. Sound guy was fantastic and we had a a great time rock in the folks
AT that great place.

We appreciate it.
--
JT Keel
Big Kettle Drum
www.bigkettledrum.com

 Sun, February 12, 2017 8:27 pm
To: "MainStreet Live & Daytonapalooza Original Music & Art Festival" <daytona@ssa.cc>
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks for including me "Bill Surf" and congratulations on a very
successful Mainstreet Live!

The diversity and quality of original music was excellent and inspiring.

I enjoyed the Daytona folks and enjoyed being part of the flow.


Best Regards,

Bill

Bill Surf

 Mon, February 13, 2017 5:02 pm
To: "MainStreet Live
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hey Guys,

I just wanted to reach out to you and say thank you for having us at
Daytona Mainstreet Live. Everything was so easy and so much fun. The sound
guys on both Stages we played were excellent and absolute gentlemen!

The variety of the music was awesome and we made contact with some bands we
wouldn't otherwise had a chance to play alongside or get to watch.

It was a memorable one and the band and myself are greatly appreciative of
being involved.

Thank you again

Chris Strain - The States MGMT

-----------------------------------------------

Just want to give you quick note on how much we enjoyed playing at this year's Daytona's MainStreet Live on Feb 11th. The location and time was perfect for us. We played on Stage 13 and had a really good audience participation. Kudos to Neptune's as well. We also made a good contact from a local radio station.

-Unicorn Wranglers

2-13-17

 April 12, 2016 10:28 am
To: "DeLand Original Music Festival & Delandapalooza" <deland2014@ssa.cc>
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thank you for having us at Dpalooza! We had a blast! Hope to do it next year

Sincerely,

Stephen Kent Pigman

Mon, April 11, 2016 8:17 am
To: "DeLand Original Music Festival & Delandapalooza" <deland2014@ssa.cc>
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Delandapalooza Original Music Festival! Rocked!Thank you Phil Weidner and all the crew that made this festival so awesome! You are the best!
J. Klein

 Sun, April 10, 2016 9:40 am
To: "deland2014@ssa.cc" <deland2014@ssa.cc>
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hi, Phil-
Thank you so much for all the hard work you and your staff put into the festival this year. I had an absolutely wonderful time, I'd love to be a part of it again next year. Again, thank you so much and have a wonderful day:)
-Kelly Neff

Phil,
        Thank you so much for having Ascending Radius play at Delandapalooza! We had a great time and made some wonderful connections with other musicians. We are very interested in playing the festival in November if that is possible. Also thanks for all of your hard work to make this happen, I'm sure you have spent countless hours planning and emailing everyone to bring the whole thing together, I wish I could have met you in person to thank you for this awesome, inspiring experience 
   Take care and I hope to hear from you again soon,
  Jennifer Sowda

4/12/15

Really great event. Paige and the band really enjoyed themselves and from the reaction of the crowd, so did everyone else.I hope the event was successful. Thanks for inviting us. Very truly yours.  Jdk /Paige Keiner Band

11/05/07

11/05/07

We appreciated the opportunity to play the music fest this year, we had a great time!!  There seemed to be a lot of people out everywhere which is great, a great turn-out!!  Thanks again and let us know when you have something else coming up that you need a ska/reggae band! hehe
Tony Tourettes
THE SWEET KINGS

Just wanted to write and say CONGRATS on the Festival, it was a LOT of fun...tons of great energy... thank you so much...

Amy Steinberg-10-05

thanks Phil and gang, we like our award just the way it is! we "bastards" are very proud, honored, and grateful to you all for all the hard work and the great festival you have put together. this was my third time performing and it's more fun every time! special thanks to Charlie Gear and Jay Smith for their help on stage and sound . . . also steve's downtown and (and Charlie at Dublin Station) just for being there, thanks again and we look forward to next year!
"The Bastards" Terry Kelly and Mike Runion (sometimes Malina)
http://myspace.com/bastardskellyrunion

ALL HAIL PHIL, CREATOR OF AWESOME FESTIVALS!!! Great job, Leo and I had an incredible time. Our puppy Melody says "woof!", which means, "Thanks Phil, it was better than a milk bone!" ~peace~ Jeannie & Leo Sleepin' Dogz http://www.sleepindogz.com or http://www.4scmusic.com

Thank you again for such an amazing festival. The OBMF was an experience
that will stay with me for ever. The venue and stages were epic, the music
was perfect, mother nature was a bitch, and the county was exactly what
we're expecting------A buch of LOSERS!!! with nothing better to do. Seems
like if your not part of bike week or spring break, than your not shit in
Volusia. Sorry about my complaining, I'm sure you've delt with enough. It
was truley amazing how you handled everything. You deserve a big fat
vacation after something like that. The Recipe definitly owes you, we'll
cook you dinner or something.
Cordially,
Rob Soviero
-Cadillac Recipe

just wanted to say thank you again for having us!!! hope there is nothing but
sunshine the next time you have an event
love, luck and respect,

kobie j.
www.alstonmusic.com
www.repossessionrecords.com

I just want to tell you what an awesome job and
service you're doing for songwriters in this area
Robert Sulivan 7-04

the beachside live gig was awesome for me...we all had a blast. sorry to hear you got rained out saturday though.  we have a few pics that i will email to you as well. you and dana did a great job. that was obviously a ton of work. i totally appreciate it.  please feel free to pass along my cds or use em on compilations or whatever.  i really feel like the ssa is moving forward very nicely.  i cant wait to see what you guys get into next. 
Eric Groves 6-20-04

We are proud to be members of one of the finest and truly sincere artist based organizations around.
Being members of several musical organizations, we are thrilled that you really do promote the artist and their original sounds for the public to experience.
Thank you for all the hard work and unselfish efforts.
Your successes are the real truth be told. We have found our home among great musicians who not only are gifted and talented but support each other many times over.
Ms Eli and Guitah Bill Perras
In Deland
Bill & Eli - 5-04

Once again, let me say that you guys did an incredible job of putting it all together.  I was really impressed with how smoothly everything seemed to run--I'm sure when you're on the inside doing all that you did it must seem like complete craziness, but from an outside perspective, you all pulled it off beautifully.   Thanks for all of the hard work and late hours you spent, and Dana and Michelle too.  We had a great time and were really proud to be a part of the show.  And all of our friends who came out really enjoyed the evening, too. I heard nothing but positive feedback.
Tina Gordan/Gailforce-9-03

I just wanted to thank you for letting us be part of the music awards.  The
sound guys and stage hands were amazing to work with, very helpful and
professional.  The whole thing was organized very well and seemed to go off
great!  Nice job.  You should have seen the look on our faces when we won
that award!  Thanks! 
Consider This 9-03

I just wanted to say again thank you so much for the beautiful award and all of the time you put into it!!! The Award Show was so nice and everything went off flawlessly! Everyone that came with us was very impressed at how professional everything was and I know you and Dana put a heck of a lot of work into it!

Thanx!
Bri
Vocatio-9-03




Hi SSA!

I am so glad that I found your organization! If it were not for the article in the newspaper I would have never found you! We just got back from the 3rd annual SSA show. There were many memorable moments tonight. Some of the most wonderful vignettes are:
Stephany, good powerful sound, good song,
Michael Barry, nice sound blend, great vocals,
Logan Belle was terrific, and a nice solid band.
The Vocatio, had an interesting retro feel, and good vocals
Dan Walter, had great presence, great guitar and vocals.
Gailforce was an outstanding performance tonight.They were on. Great vocal blend, great song.
Acousticon was a masterpiece. This groups sound and musicianship was absolutely excellent in every way, and the song was fantastic.
Amy Steinberg, what a talented talented voice, and a fun song, an excellent theatrical performance.
Consider this had great vocal blends, and I love the look of the midi violin
Mark Chiriboga, What can i say, his song made me cry. It was excellent.
During the Guitar Bizarre, I didnt catch the name of the guy, but the one who was playing acoustic guitar. His tapping, sliding, and guitar musicianship was absolutely stunning. His mix was off, too tinny, but even so, you can tell quality, and i want to hear more of this guy.
The Electric guitar player with the long hair during the guitar bizzare was terrific too, it was fun to watch him really get into the mood of the music.
I had to chuckle when Milka came up there for the award. She pretended to drop the award on her toe. A funny moment.
Also, Rich the Sales Guy's award was touching, and well done.I like how he acknowledged Philip Weidner and shared the kudos.
People I want to see play:
Serina Jung
Shawn James
Lisa Firestone
Josh Brookoff
Mark Chiriboga
Jeff Coffey
Milka
Thank you for a memorable evening! We had a very nice time,so glad we decided to do something different, and I bought a few CD's to listen to.

Thanks again,
Gail Carson 9-03




Thank you once again for letting me be part of such a wonderful event. It was so well put together this year! And I have to say those awards are the coolest things I've ever seen...and I've got one!!! Thank you very much for all you do for all the artists out there.

-Stephen Currence 9-03



What an amazing night!I had SO much fun and felt super honored.Thanks so much. Please let me know when you want me to play other gigs and stuff, I'm honored to be songwriter of the year!!!!!
-Amy Steinberg 9-03


It was my pleasure to see such a great and original line up (SSA 3rd Annual Music Awards). Some of
the acts were quite a treat! The Vocatio gets best of show from me. I
really dug your jam at the end, too.
Dave Mann/funkUs 9-03



What a show indeed! I had about 10 people with me and they all thought the show was excellent
and already are making reservations for next years tickets. The show had a very high shock factor for me personally, and i thank the ssa for it's unconditional dedication to original music, but thank Phil personally for his committment and for setting an example that teaches us all the true meaning of dedication.

I am very glad to be a member of the ssa, but more proud to know you all as friends!

RICH THE SALES GUY 9-03




Phil,
I just wanted to say thanks again for including us Saturday night. We were all very impressed at how smoothly you had the whole event going! You've got a great thing going there and I'm sure it's only going to get bigger with each year. Thanks again Phil and let me know the details about the Deland fest whenever you get the chance. We look forward to it.
Matt
M-Pulse 9-03



Hey Phil:
I had no idea how it might feel to have recognition for my work. I had come to disregard some of those old songs as water under the bridge. Still, I knew the songs on Traveler Of The Wind could hold their own and were, in a way, timeless. I dug out the copyright on All I Could See Was You...it was 1975...I wrote it in 1973, thirty years ago. I had to wait a long time.
I wanted to thank you for being the force behind songwriters Showcases & Dana too. It is such a needed force in our songwriters community. It gives writers like me exposure I'd simply never get otherwise.
I came home after the awards and listened to All I Could See again in a new light, knowing that a lot of other folks really like it enough to award me for the effort. I hadn't listened to Traveler in months. I had critically picked it apart. I knew all the obstacles I had to overcome to get it made. I knew all its weaknesses. In truth, I'd ceased to enjoy it until I realized that other people valued it. Then I rediscovered the joy which had caused me to write it.
That little pyramid will be a treasure to me, keeping me mindful that my work has not gone unnoticed.
It feels very good to receive some recognition for my work...Thanks.
I look forward to the Deland fest.........
All the best...Johnny McKenzy 9-03




To all of our new fellow musical friends.......
We want you to know how thankful we are to have been a part of such a wonderful event. We won in many ways besides just being nominated. We felt connected to others who understand our appreciation and deep concern for these times past and present. Who appreciated what we try and convey to others through our lyrics and musical style. Thank you to all of you that went the extra mile and told us you liked what we did. It really means more to us as artist than any of you will ever know. The camaraderie was wonderful as well as the sincere compliments that our music does have a place of recognition. Each of your performances was outstanding and compelling and simply proves if we all work together no matter how we express it we all can make it a better place. And touching the hearts of one person is all it takes.
And guys /gals alike you touched allot of hearts and minds by all the open compliments I heard personally from many in the audience.
Since my two girls, now grown young woman were able to be there for the first time and share in the event, just made it more special for my husband Bill and myself. Thank you to Dave Grooms [ Rockledge] our mandolin/harp player for his personal sacrifices to be there with us succeeding once again to complete and compliment our musical presentation. Being a full time musician this isn't always possible. We love you buddy!
Another big thank you goes out to all the soundman who can make or break an event and did you guys surpass the mark. Thank you so much for taking our simple acoustic sounds and turning them into a miniature masterpiece. To all the stage hands who worked so hard to see that everything ran smoothly and on time. Which many times often isn't the case. To Phil and Dana and all the gifted speakers of the night, who presented each individual artist in the best possible description of his or her chosen music style, leaving an audience ready to enjoy what was to entertain them next, a big heartfelt thank you!
We hope we can and will be a part of this organization and other up and coming festivals, and musical events for many years to come.

Singing it from the heart;and making a difference where ever we can,
Bill & Eli 9-03



Thanks for a great time last night and the opportunity to play
at the awards. I consider it a great honor to have played there
....Dave Grooms 9-03




I just wanted to say thank you to you and Dana for putting on such a
wonderful show! I feel blessed to have gotten to know the both of you and to
be part of an organization that supports original music.
It was amazing to see everyone perform (especially people I'd never heard of
and was amazed by like The Vocatio - they were AWESOME!),

You and the staff really outdid themselves....that was a great night and I'm so thankful to all of you. (and also special thanks for taking care of that seating prob at the last minute).... BTW, your MTV song is awesome!

The night has to rank as my best ever music night.... Again thanks for all you do....
Charlie GEAR 9-03




I wanted to say thank you for again letting me participate in The Deland Origianl Music Festival 2002. It was wonderful to see the growth of the whole organization. Like last year we were a baby crawling and this year we were an 8 year old sprinting just as fast as we could! I was tremendously impressed both with the organization of the fair as well as the visual layout of the main stage area. I am honored to have been asked to represent SSA on the radio and can't thank you enough for that opportunity. Although, I really didn't leave the acoustic room much, I met so many nice people and musicians I hadn't met before. Anyway, as I'm sure it's said to you many times after an event and not enough before....Thank you.

Stephen Currence

10/08/02


Thank you so much for helping obtain the great musicians last week for our
interview.  We look forward to doing the same again next year!  I hope it
helped increase attendance, thanks again! (in reference to the 2002 DeLand Music Fest)

--Vic DeVore, Morning Show Producer
Magic 107.7, WMGF-FM
10/07/02

Just wanted to let you know we had a good time this past Saturday
Thanks for having us.

Joeseph /Hindu Cowboy's
10/06/02

we here at FORTITUDE CENTRAL would like to say thank you very much for letting us play the deland music fest. although we were low in numbers, we had a great time. we had a great sound guy, the fellow musicians were totally cool, and the event staff were very helpful. this was a great time and we'd hope to be a part of this again next year.

thank you again,
FORTITUDE
10-08-02

To the folks at Songwriters Showcases of America!
   What an incredible night you all put together last night!  Absolutely incredible!  It must have been a scheduling nightmare, but everything went so smoothly!, the talent amazing!, the energy soaring!, the sound system perfect!, and the sense of comradery amongst the performers (not competition)  joyful! - thank you!!  And besides the wonderfulness of all that you brought together,  I met people that I hadn't seen in years, ate in restaurants that I'd always had wanted to try, and visited shops that I hadn't even been in before!  The whole night was an adventure!      Thank you for initiating a positive, invigorating experience for Deland!   I hope it's an adventure that can continue for many years to come!  You guys are the best!
       Donna Reynolds/Lake Helen resident
10/06/02

Every year your gigs get better and better.  Thanks for letting me be a part of that!!
Lisa Fiirestone
10/07/02

GhostBox and I had a wonderful time at the festival. We played to a large
crowd, who loved every second of the show. I was able to check out a few
other bands, and it seemed everyone was having a great time.

If I had to complain about anything, I would have to say... Stage 12, The
Temple of Time? This was no place to have a show of any type. The
temperature of that room was close to unbareable.
On the other hand, like I said, we had a good crowd who enjoyed the show, so
thank you for the chance to play.
Thanks again,
Neil
C/O GhostBox
10/07/02


That was one of the most fun sets of my life!
(In reference to the deland fest -2002)
Dan Walters
10/08/02

I've done many festivals in the past in different cities, but this was one of the most enjoyable ones.  I thank you, for your hard work, your efforts, your energy and the wonderful people that assisted you in creating a great creative venue for all of us to share our talents.  It was such a joy, to be able to listen to the different talents that are here in Florida.  The variety - totally amazed me!  Every band was uniquely talented in what they had to offer; from the single acts, to the duo's, to the bands; country, heavy metal, rage and rock.  Thank you for allowing us to showcase our talent in a great way.

Jann Childers/All Lit Up
10-06-02

Thank you again for making it possible for all of us to participate in such a wonderful event, and for bringing recognition and honor to the original musicians of the area. It was a great event, and was done beautifully. You and Dana, and all the others who worked so hard really deserve kudos.
Linda Flynn 6/11/02

Just wanted to say thanks again for putting on the coolest show I've ever been a part of.   I really do appreciate all support and hard work you guys put into keeping the songwriting going. It was truly awesome.
Pugsley 6/10/02

Just wanted to let you know how thankful I was to perform at the show, and
how wonderful the event went. It was very organized and decorated
beautifully. It was very exciting. How lucky us local musicians are to have
the SSA  putting together events - it is truly inspiring.
Thank you again, and I look forward to next year and all the events in
between!!! :)
Lorynn*~ 6/09/02

The show was great! I was there last year as well. It great that there's a
venue like this for local musicians. You put a lot of effort into the show, it was appreciated! One comment from an "outsider":
- I'd suggest that there would be a limit to the number of categories that a
person/group would qualify for. It seemed that certain performers were up
for ever other category. Once again, great show! A friend who I brought along said to me something to the effect of: I didn't know that something as cool as this was happening
around here! Thanks again,
Marten 6/10/02

BRAVO!! What a FABULOUS show that you ALL put
together last night. I was blown away by all that wonderful music, and so happy that I had an opportunity to hear people I had not heard BEFORE last night. The awards were just perfectly given for everyone involved.
Loree Taylor 6/10/02

Wow - you so floored the attendees at this show. I am honored and privileged to have been a part of it. Thanks for your tremendous support for songwriters in central Florida (and beyond!). No more playing small....you're a true class act. ...you guys are going places!!
lisa firestone 6/10/02

My compliments on doing such a professional job on the ceremony. It really speaks volumes for your organization.
Bob Panek, Leading Media 6/17/02

I thought the show was awesome. I didn't know quite what to expect.And I'm guessing that there were a fair number of people in the crowd who had only been to a few ssa concerts.&nbsp;&nbsp; At first I was thinking the show would be more about the awards. But as the show got going, I realized that the awards were just the excuse to showcase the best of the best of SSA. The music was excellent. You could tell that the performers were very grateful for what the SSA has done for them.
John Weidenr 6/15/02

Your organization puts off a good vibe, and the band has had nothing but a good time in our gatherings with the SSA.
4/01/02 Russel-Golddminers

I just wanted you to know how often I have thought of the fine Christmas Concert at the Casements.  It has carried me through the Christmas season feeling renewed and inspired.  I am always so amazed at the talent out there. 
Loree Taylor 12-28-01

Thank you folks for all your efforts & support for the local music scene.
On behalf of the Coyotes & Towndogs, we had a great time & appreciate
the venue & technical support at the main stage.
I wish I could have been more help throughout the evening, but was unavailable
due to the bands schedule. Wishing you both lots of luck & many successes with your future projects. Thanks again!! 
Coyotes & Towndogs 10-09-01

Thanks so much for all you have done for the SSA.
The Deland festival was a very nice event, and I
appreciate you having me play at it.
SussieCool 10-09-01

You guys did it again! You did an incredible job on the festival. I hope
you guys realize the magnitude of some of the things you think up and then
manage to make real. It is truly amazing! And the appreciation for what
you do is out there. You may not hear it a lot, but it is there.
CHUCK HARNES 10-09-01

Just wanted to thank you for having me out to the
festival. I'd have to say that it was one of the most
memorable events that I have ever participated in. 
I've never played in a venue that had so much mood and
vibe. Thanks again on an amazing evening. I would
love to take part in anything the SSA puts on. Be
safe.
Regards,
Ron Irizarry 10-2-01

I also wanted to say that I enjoyed playing at the Fest as well 
as watching the other acts play their music. I''ve never been to Deland 
before, but the vibe that I felt upon stepping out of my car was 
incredible.
Bryan Stuckey/Inward Elusion 10/02/01

Lots of fun! The weather couldn't keep the spirit down. It was just awesome to walk around after our set and hear music coming from practically everywhere. Very cool. We want to thank you again for letting us take part.

Larry-Popsicle Dynamite 10-02-01

You can add this email to the many thanks that you have probably been
receiving. Thanks so much for organizing such a smoothly running event. We
got to play on two of the stages and were very impressed with how easy it
was to do. With so many bands involved, you would think there would be lots
of room for problems and head-butting and whatnot, but things were better
than cool. I attribute it all to the organization, so GREAT JOB!! I don't
think I can wait a whole year to do it all again, though! :^)

Really, you should capitalize on this success. It's my opinion that this
event is being and will be talked about very favorably for some time,
leaving lots of people who regret not showing up. The attendance will
double next time, if it's soon, and it will keep doing so every time you can
muster the strength to do so with successive hits. Perhaps it's not
necessary to do it as large as you did so soon, but I definitely hope you
are planning to cook up some kind of SSA event to bring people out again
soon. I know it's really hard and time consuming, but if you can do this
consistantly, Central Florida won't know what hit 'em, but it would
definitely benefit us all!! And, of course, if you can pull the numbers,
the sponsors would come running, too... In my opinion, the SSA is one of
the first local music organizations I've ever seen in this area that has
major potential.

Keep up the good work!
Dave Mann
funkUs

p.s. The compilation CD sounds great, too.

Thanks for having me twice yesterday... I know the rain didn't help to make it an amazingly populated event (DOMG 2001), but I think those who were there had a wonderfully beautiful day! Hope to work with you again.
Amy Steinberg 10-04-01

I just wanted to say thank you for inviting me to take part in a wonderful
artistic experience. The fact that in 8 different places, for 12 hours of
the day, anyone could walk in and hear local artists play everything from
back-hills folk to all out rock to christian pop was just a wonderful thing
to be part of. Thank you so much.
Stephen Currence 10-02-01

Congratulations guys! You pulled it off. I think people had a really good time and there will be quite a lot to work with if you do it again. Good job.
Joe McCarthy 10-04-01

Just wanted you both to know that I enjoyed myself in Deland. Considering 
the weather, I think we had a pretty good turn-out for a first-time affair. 
I'm sure the folks in Deland will take SSA much more seriously next year 
because we did have 'presence' in their little town after all. I met some 
really cool musicians and songwriters too. That was fun. 

Serina Jung !0/05/01

Despite the slow start due to weather, I thought the Deland Fest was a wonderful success. I hope the local establishment owners and vendors had good success as well.
I think you, and the others who helped organize the event, are to be commended for a job well done.
I had a blast.
Thanx,Mark Chiriboga 10-02-01

Just wanted to say thanks for hooking us up with the opportunity to play House of Blues. We had a lot of fun.  The SSA is a damn cool thing. I've been telling quite a few of my friends who are musicians or in bands about it. 

Popsicle Dynamite 6/21/01

Just wanted to say I really enjoyed the show last night. Thanks for letting me take part. I am very interested in anything upcoming you may have open so just let me know! 
Amy Mullins 5/30/01 @L&F

"I don't think I got the chance to tell you that you did such a wonderful job with the awards show. It was a blast and I think it went over very well. The SSA has grown so much and I am very happy to be a part of it,"
Crickette 6/3/01

"Just writing to say how impressed I was with the award show. It really showed how much time you put in. You should do the Grammy's next year! Really enjoyed being able the hear the nominees music when they were announced. I didn't think it would have been possible to setup every act so quickly. Rodney was really on the ball. Anyway it was well worth the money and I hope next time it's a sellout. I sat in the middle of the audience and the enthusiasm stayed high the whole four hours. The presentation was very professional. Great job!"
Dean/Audience Member 5/29/01 

"The SSA awards show was a wonderfully done production and I am proud to have been part of it. You and Dana deserve a lot of credit for all your hard work. Due to your efforts, the Central Florida songwriters are pulled from their individual worlds into a community that works together ." 
Asli Walker 5/29/01

"I just wanted to compliment you on a job well done! (Awards Show 2001) I have never seen a group of people work so well together. The stage was handled with such attention that it showed true caring on the part of the whole crew. The guitar room was organized and the gentleman made us all feel at ease leaving are guitars alone in the room. He was very helpful and was there for anything we might need. I have been involved with so many shows where the crew could care less about the artist and their performance. Rodney was amazing! He kept things together so well on stage we didn't feel like we had to double check everything he did. He also did a great job being able to separate himself from the mayhem and play his butt off on the guitar! (where do you find these people?) You and Dana truly are a blessing to the music community. The things you are doing have got to help. Somebody is going to have a beautiful future in music because of the SSA. I am sure it will come back to you. Phil, thank you......for giving us all a spot in the light. Everyone has something to share if given the opportunity. And because of the SSA you've made it possible.

 Sincerely yours, Brad Sayre
"AcoustiCon" 05/22/01

"I  wanted to send a special "thank You" out to you for the incredible show you put on. It isn't often that there are people in this world who have the determination and strength to see their dreams manifest. You are a true visionary and that awards show was one of the best examples of the impact of your dreams. I, and others like me, thank God that you are blessed enough to spearhead and champion the cause of the Singer/Songwriter. Your efforts are not wasted. Don't ever think that you don't make a difference, because you do. As for me, I'm still in shock and I feel truly grateful for the honor bestowed upon me. From someone who believes that all gifts of this sort should be recognized, I feel the warmest and heartfelt appreciation for this. My sincerest thanks to you and your organization."

Logan Belle 05/22/01 

"Just wanted to especially thank You, Dana & Rodney for
the wonderful opportunity that your organization has
provided. Best of luck for the future of the SSA and I
hope to be a part of the family for a long time
coming." 

Peace,
Tracey Piergross 5/21/01

"Great job! for your first awards show you really put together a professional package of artistry. I have been a member of many many associations, and I was pleased to see a lack of politics in your awards ceremony.. Pat yourselves on the back.. toot your horn(s) and bang a big steel drum.. KUDOS!!" 

Lenorre McHugh of Lost & Found 5/01/21

 "well, thank you again for giving me the opportunity to perform at the show,
im glad it was such a big success... its such a wonderful thing you are
doing for us musicians..." it was alot of fun! :) 

Lorynn 5/21/01

"Congratulations on a terrific event! (awards show) Saturday was a lot of fun."

John Korbell 5/21/01

You "guys" did a fabulous job with the awards show Saturday night! You have truly accomplished a lot. Your efforts have provided a great deal of positive energy, drive and movement to area musicians. Please keep moving forward.

Chuck Harn 5/21/01

I was really honored to be a part of the Awards Show - THANK you... you did a spectacular job!!

Lisa Firestone 5/21/01

"Thanks for all your help and time Phil. We all had a great time playing at the awards show and it was definitely a huge success. I'm happy for you and the SSA overall. It's really starting to come together." 

Tony Cuchetti and Casual Folklor 5/21/01

We had a blast!!! Thanks again for inviting us...we'd love to do it again sometime. (L&F Show)

Jason Domulot & The Sonic Mole Chasers 4/28/01

Thanks again for the invite for the SSA Performance. We really appreciate the extra exposure. You are doing a fine service to the music scene, it is appreciated.

Gene,
theDiligents 4/26/01

I just wanted to take a moment and let you both know how much I appreciate you letting us be involved with the SSA. It has been so much fun being able to interact with so many talented and truly gifted musicians. It has also allowed us to get our foot in the door to some new venues. It has been very 
helpful.  So thanks again. I speak for the whole band when I say that we are honored to be friends of your organization and hope to be for a long time to come. Thanks again....
Michael LaSage
Beautiful Mess 04-03-01

Thanks,
we had so much fun at lost and found,
SSA rocks!
"where's moo"
brad,john, jocelyn, michael:) 03-31-01

Thanks again for the wonderful opportunity. The venue is great and we enjoyed ourselves. What you are doing for the music community is awesome.  
Joel/Eden 03-01-01

We had a great time playing there! ( Lost & Found) We would definitely love to be a part of it again.
Burnout Yellow-02/03/01

The SSA Showcase was a huge success and one of our best performances to date. Thanks so much to everyone who attended, to Lost and Found, and SSA! We look forward to working with L&F and SSA again very soon.
Weszt- 02/02-01

-
Thanks again for the opportunity. We all really enjoyed it!
The Lisa Firestone Band 2-02-01-

 I just wanted to write you and let you know Jeff and I are glad we went up to the Dome the other night...it was a lot of fun and I am glad we joined the SSA...we are both for everything you guys stand for, and we are willing to help out in any way we can...Thanks
Ric Tomasi of "beantown" 1/08/01

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be a part of your showcase. It's always an enjoyable experience.
Michele Lane 12/29/00

Once again, thanks for all you do and please keep me posted as to future SSA events where I can participate...
Brad Yates, 12/09/00

Nice web sight ...... your doing a very impressive job ... just wanted to say how much you and your crew are appreciated.
-Shawn James, 12/09/00

I had a great time last night! I really enjoyed all the other
acts and had a lot of fun myself on that big wonderful
stage! Thanks for letting me be a part of it.  
Kayonne Riley,12/01/00

We are already starting to receive such positive feedback from last nights show that you just can't put a price on! Please keep up the great work with SSA as you truly are opening doors for many unheard artists and isn't that what its really all about ?Once again thanks for letting us play!
Butch Calkins-Beautifulmess, 12/01/00

"I know I've said it before and I'll say it again, the SSA has been such a positive experience for me, thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!!"
Jim Walter

I would like to thank you again for letting me perform.  I really 
appreciate what you are doing with the SSA. I just wanted to thank you and everyone involved. It's nice to know, that in a world whose pop culture embraces "cookie cutter" music, people will still support the original songwriter. 
Thanks,
Clay Jackson, 10/08/00

"Great show!!!!
I can see a lot of you and your staffs time went into putting your 1 year anniversary showcase on. From the bottom of my heart and all the guys from Manic, we had a great time playing for everyone."
Seth Fravala 10/01/00

I just wanted to say what a super job you did for the
Anniversary show. I loved being able to hear all the
different acts.
-SusieCool 10/05/00

Phil- congratulations on a great first year and a
successful showfest 2000. i'm sure it was good to see
your hard work payoff with a good turnout. it shows
that the SSA has had an impact on the community for so
many people to show up and stay the course of the
event despite threatening weather and all. keep it
up!
- JEFF MERRILL 10/02/00

"I cannot express my appreciation for all that you and the "SSA team" have accomplished through the showcases."
Thanks,
Jim Walter

"You  are truly pioneers in the field.  I commend you for all the work you all put in to it."
-Seth Fravala

"Performing at your showcase was a breath of fresh air"
-Mark Hodgson  

"I virtually had given  up on music until someone handed my wife a flyer about the SSA and that's when I really began getting serious again about songwriting and performing. That's why I am so grateful to your organization. It helped me believe in myself again."
-Josh Sherman

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