Folk Project Songwriter’s Day Workshops & Concert
The Folk Project Songwriter’s Day this year features Susan Werner and Natalia Zukerman for a full day of instructional workshops, followed by an outstanding concert, open to the public. These two fascinating and nationally-acclaimed performing artists will be teaching and performing at the Morristown Unitarian Fellowship in Morristown, NJ on Saturday, April 13, 2024 in Morristown, workshops start at 9:30 a.m. and concert at 7:30 pm.
The daytime songwriting workshops, including lunch and dinner, is designed for everyone from the aspiring beginner to the accomplished professional, and includes a ticket to the evening concert. It’s an intensive day of study with two seasoned and accomplished professionals that will improve your knowledge, skill and understanding of how to write a great song.
The all-inclusive cost for workshops, meals and concert is $131 (Project members, $118) both prices including a $3 service charge. Tickets for the live concert only will cost $36 including service charge and the concert will also be webcast with a ticket price of $20.
NEW! Song Contest!
All attendees of Songwriting Day are eligible to enter the competition. A panel of judges will select two songs based on the lyric and musical quality. Winners will present their song to open Susan and Natalia’s concert in the evening!To enter, send your song by April 10 to tina.ross@folkproject.org
Over the course of her twenty-five year touring career, Susan Werner has built a reputation as one of the country’s most compelling live performers. With formidable chops on guitar (she began playing at age 5) and piano (she was a guest on Marian McPartland’s Piano Jazz) along with a graduate degree in voice performance, her shows are a one-woman masterclass in musicianship. Her songs are noted for their poetry and sharp wit, and also for their astonishing stylistic range. She’s written songs in the style of Gershwin and Cole Porter (I Can’t Be New, 2004), gospel music (The Gospel Truth, 2007), traditional Cuban “son” (An American In Havana, 2016), and New Orleans junk piano (NOLA, 2019). In 2014 she composed the music and lyrics to the musical theater score Bull Durham, The Musical (MGM). Her latest recording of original songs, The Birds of Florida, took flight in January 2022.
“When it comes to crafting a song, Ms. Werner’s only peers are Jimmy Webb and Paul Simon.” — No Depression
“Susan Werner, a clever songwriter and an engaging performer, brings literacy and wit back to popular song.” — The New Yorker
“(Werner is) a songwriter and musician who is in such complete command of her gifts that it’s almost scary.” — All Music Guide
“Vulnerability has rarely been so witty or concise in modern song.” — Boston Herald
Natalia has had a remarkable musical career that has since seen her become an international solo performer and the proud creator of eight independent albums, released through Weasel Records and her own label, Talisman Records. She has shared the stage, been a side player for, and/or opened for some of acoustic music’s most beloved artists including Ani DiFranco, Shawn Colvin, Dar Williams, Janis Ian, Nanci Griffith, Susan Werner, Willy Porter, Melissa Ferrick, Glen Phillips, Richard Thompson and many others.
Natalia’s music has left its indelible mark and has graced the soundtracks of hit shows like “The L Word” and “Chasing Life.” She has lent her musical talents to diverse projects, including scoring the independent film “The Arch of Titus” for Yeshiva University and contributing to the Harvard online course, “Poetry in America.”
But her artistic journey doesn’t stop at music. Natalia’s brush strokes adorn both private and public murals, and her illustrations breathe life into adult and children’s books alike. She has crafted sets for plays in the bustling streets of New York City and immortalized countless individuals (human and animal!) through her private portrait commissions.
Nurturing the next generation of talent, Natalia imparts her wisdom through private songwriting lessons and has graced various programs and festivals throughout the U.S. and Canada with her teachings as well as working with Paul Reisler of Kid Pan Alley.
Join Natalia Zukerman on this enchanting journey through creativity, where every note, every stroke, and every word tells a story of boundless passion and artistic exploration.
Natalia is the daughter of violinist/violist/conductor Pinchas Zukerman and flutist/writer Eugenia Zukerman, and the sister of opera singer Arianna Zukerman. Talent runs deep in her family!
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“Natalia’s voice could send an orchid into bloom while her guitar playing can open a beer bottle with its teeth.” – New Yorker
“a strutting brass band one minute, a sighing lover the next.” – The Boston Globe
“a wise mix of rootsy styles from torch blues to country swing. If you’re a fan of Madeleine Peyroux, Bonnie Raitt or even Amy Winehouse, you’ll find stuff to connect with here.” – Philadelphia Daily News
The hotel is nearby and you have the option of making reservations for Friday and/or Saturday nights.