WriteGirl to offer songwriting workshop Saturday

WriteGirl, the acclaimed Los Angeles-based creative writing and mentoring organization, is pleased to announce an exciting lineup of professional songwriters will join their upcoming Songwriting Workshop on Saturday, May 17, from 12 p.m.-4 p.m. at the EXPO Center (3980 Menlo Ave. Los Angeles, CA. 90037).

Sponsored by ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers), WriteGirl teens and their mentors will be guided through the process of turning ideas into pop hits, working one-on-one with some of the most sought-after songwriters on the music scene today.

“It’s a great thrill for all of our girls to work with such a creative group of music professionals,” says Keren Taylor, WriteGirl’s Executive Director and a songwriter herself. “For many teens, especially girls, music is a natural way to tap into all of the emotions and ideas swirling around inside. Add some powerful songwriting techniques, and a soundtrack provided by our talented guests, and we’re sure to come up with something special,” says Taylor.

The lineup includes legends, pop superstars and songwriters whose work is performed by the top artists on the charts. Performers confirmed at press time include:

· Kyler England (singer-songwriter who has shared the stage
with Sting, Annie Lennox, Avril Lavigne, James Taylor and Melissa
Etheridge, among many others);

· Michelle Lewis (singer-songwriter with two solo albums and
songs that have been recorded by Elliot Yamin, Lindsay Lohan, Cher,
Kelly Osbourne, Amy Grant, Lindsay Lohan, Jessica Simpson, Fefe
Dobson and Hilary Duff, among many others);

· Shelly Peiken (Grammy-nominated for “Bitch” by Meredith
Brooks and has written two No. 1 songs for Christina Aguilera, as
well as songs for Celine Dion, Backstreet Boys, Cher, Miley Cyrus
and Keith Urban);

· Lindy Robbins (has written songs for numerous artists
including Backstreet Boys, Tyler Hicks, Jordan Sparks, Vanessa
Hudgens and The Cheetah Girls);

· Laurie Geltman (currently fronts LA-based band LAYNE, has
three critically acclaimed solo albums and has performed with
artists such as Joe Cocker and Aimee Mann);

· Eve Nelson (worked with various artists as a producer and
singer-songwriter, including Laura Branigan, Donna Summer, Chaka
Khan and Sandra Bernhard).

Michelle Lewis, one of the accomplished music professionals and a WriteGirl mentor for the last four years, assures an exciting afternoon. “When you gather so many talented professionals and creative teens in one room, magic is bound to happen.” Recalling her own start, she added, “We all remember being young, wanting to express ourselves so badly. All of the songwriters will help the girls let their voices out.”

About WriteGirl (www.writegirl.org)

WriteGirl is a creative writing and mentoring program for at risk girls in Los Angeles. WriteGirl pairs professional women writers with teen girls for weekly one-on-one mentoring, and monthly full-day creative writing workshops. At the end of the nine-month season, WriteGirl publishes an annual anthology of creative writing from all members. These award-winning anthologies: Bold Ink (2003), Pieces of Me (2004), Nothing Held Back (2005), Untangled (2006) and Lines of Velocity (2008) are available nationwide online and at local bookstores.

Every girl who has completed the WriteGirl program has not only graduated from high school, but also has enrolled in college. That 100% success rate is in sharp contrast to the 50% drop-out rates at many of the large, urban high schools in Los Angeles, and is proof of the value of our program and the role it can play in the future success of girls. For more information, visit www.writegirl.org or call 213-253-2655.