The Shake Up

There is a new host in town; we hear Mario Lopez is crushed. It has recently been announced that famous rock n’ roll iPhone icon, Rockin Ted, will be the official host/mascot for the YAP Tent at the Kentucky State Fair. It had been unclear if Ted would be able to make time in his busy schedule for the gig, but it has now been confirmed that contracts have been signed.

Rockin Ted was originally set to audition for the Battle of the Bands competition. However, due to his recent rise to celebrity status, a move to official mascot seemed to be App-tly appropriate.

“I’m just really excited man,” said Rockin Ted. “I couldn’t believe I was picked to be official mascot, it’s pretty wicked.”

When Rockin Ted hit the App circuit earlier this year, he was quickly downloaded by fans from all over the state, country, and the world. But as a Louisville native, Ted is staying grounded by showing his support for up-and-coming local bands competing in this years competition.

“It’s just so cool that YAP gives a place for these sweet bands to show their stuff,” Rockin Ted said. “When they asked me if I could find some time to be the mascot I was like,’ Yeah, totally sounds awesome.’”

I can’t be your hero/I can’t save the day/I can’t catch you when you fall/I just feel so weak from this all - “Hero” by Spencer Hodge

Spencer Hodge may not consider himself a hero, but he proved he was worthy of top honors at the inaugural Kentucky State Fair Songwriter Contest last year. The contest returns for its second year, but with an exciting new addition. On three consecutive Saturdays in June, local music shop Mom’s Music and the Young Adult Project tent will join forces to offer Songwriter Workshops to allow contestants to polish their entries before the July 1 deadline.

Each session will begin with a panel-style discussion led by professional songwriters allowing participants to ask questions regarding the songwriting profession. Aspiring young writers will have the exclusive opportunity to pick apart the minds of leading names including the man behind the catchy Seinfield theme song. Jonathan Wolff will offer the expertise of his extensive television career that has led to an impressive rap sheet boasting household names such as Will & Grace, Who’s the Boss? and King of Queens. Phil Copeland, who has taken home Emmys for his music on both ESPN’s SportsCentury and the CBS soap opera, Guiding Light, will showcase his diverse talent and expansive knowledge of the field.

Participating songwriters may also perform select pieces, describing their creative process or revealing where the seed of a song idea originated.

Gregory Riggle, VP of Industry Relations & Business Communications at SESAC, an international performing rights organization, will wrap up each workshop with his “Music Business 101” presentation. This interactive session will lay down the basics of the industry and demonstrate the life-cycle of a song through today’s music marketplace. Those participating in the workshops will learn valuable information regarding copyright, publishing and licensing.

The Kentucky State Fair Songwriter Workshops are free, but pre-registration is required, by no later than 12:00 noon on the Friday before each workshop. To register, email Stephanie Darst at sdarst@ksfb.ky.gov or call 502.367.5496, leaving your name, age, email address, and telephone number.

Date:               Time:                          Featured Songwriters:

June 11            2:00 to 4:00 p.m.         Paul Moffett and Anthony Payton

June 18            2:00 to 4:00 p.m.         Jonathan Wolff and Phil Copeland

June 25            2:00 to 4:00 p.m.         kRi and Hettie, Peter Searcy and BJ Davis

Don’t forget to submit your entries by July 1! Guidelines for the 2011 Kentucky State Fair Songwriter Contest are available online: www.kystatefair.org/specialAreas/yap.aspx