So you want to write some hot lyrics – get your songs picked up by major recording artists, hear one featured in a film score……yes…we can all dream. But what if you had a chance to attend a rare, one-of-a-kind songwriting workshop with a master guitarist, composer and arranger? It’s going to happen on Saturday April 17th from 10am-4pm at JEPA’S Place in Oakland Park, Broward when Eugene Grey will bring his vast experience as a practicing musician and music educator to share with aspiring songwriters in the workshop – Lovin De Lyrics.
The event is presented by the Louise Bennett-Coverley Heritage Council in keeping with their goal of helping to develop the cultural consciousness of the next generation, highlighting the contributions of various Jamaican artforms to popular culture in Jamaica and abroad.
Musician, composer Eugene Grey will conduct songwriting workshop
Eugene Grey was born in Green Island, Jamaica and started his musical journey playing harmonica in the school band at Russeas High. He taught himself to play trombone, drums, piano and guitar and has earned the title of Master Guitarist, through his talent, hard work and wide-ranging interest in reggae, jazz and classics.
As a working musician, he toured as lead guitarist with many well-known musicians, such as, Toots and the Maytals, Ras Tesfa and Fab Five, also with West African singer Abdou M’Bou and Senegal’s Vieus Diop. He was a member of the orchestra in several off-Broadway shows and was Musical Director for the off-Broadway musical ‘Rasta.’
Back in Jamaica, he worked with the Wailers, Burning Spear, the Skatalites and many other fellow Jamaican musicians, as arranger and musician, and has himself a formidable discography of his own compositions.
Now living in Florida, Eugene and his wife Felicia formed Rootz of Music which aims to advance music education to underserved communities. One such project is their weekly music sessions with the SOS Villages of Florida. The organization also works with middle and high school students and supports the work of other non-profits in musical education.
Due to COVID regulations, participation is limited so interested songwriters need to apply right away. To register, go to: www.louisebennetheritage.com. Participants must wear masks and follow distancing and sanitizing protocols. The workshop is free and lunch will be provided.
