Community Day/Songwriters Circle: Elaine Romanelli, Alexa Wiley, Jack McMahon

2/6/12 7 PM

Record stores were the community centers for many cities and towns around the country, especially in the late ‘50s, ‘60s, and ‘70s. They were a place where community in the love of music brought people together. Friendships were made and partners in life were found as people shared their interest and love of music. On Community Day, there will be free refreshments, special one-day deals, live music, and a variety of unique events throughout the year. Monday, February 6th will be the next Community Day and will include the Songwriters’ Circle at 7:00 PM.

Elaine Romanelli's music melds lyrical melodies, intimate storytelling, catchy pop choruses, wry humor, and a hint of Celtic lilt. Her singing is emotional and direct, like Alison Krauss and KT Tunstall, and her songwriting heartfelt, like Dar Williams and Joni Mitchell. Elaine moved to NYC from San Francisco in 2006, the year she starred in a What Not to Wear episode, a fan favorite which airs frequently. On Real Deal, her new album, Elaine Romanelli's clear voice, sassy spirit, and earthy song-writing meld in songs about doubt, love, and keeping going.

Alexa Wiley plays in local bars and coffee houses throughout the Pacific Northwest, Colorado, Massachusetts, Washington, California and elsewhere. With unpretentious mastery, on her beautifully produced album, Eating That Way, Alexa captures her audience, heart and mind and soul, carrying us into a waking dream we hope will never end with her riveting guitar work, sure voice and poet's lilting, earthy, melodious hooks about love and heart and dirt and sunshine, memory and nature. Her style isn't quite folk, and it isn't quite world beat, it isn't exactly jazz and it isn't anything you've ever heard before (although you'll wish you had).

Jack McMahon is a performing songwriter as well host and organizer of the Music Millennium Songwriters’ Showcase. McMahon has been a working musician for all of his adult life and over the years has fronted some of Portland's more notable bands (Tracks, The Chameleons, Jack McMahon & Friends). From his early days in New Jersey and New York to his residency in the Rose City, Jack's penchant for catchy hooks and emotionally charged lyrics have made him a favorite of long time fans and neophytes alike. He has released three CDs to date; Better Late (1982), Toe The Line (2000) and The Man That Love Forgot (2007). He performs regularly with his four-piece band (Jack McMahon Band) and does solo acoustic shows as well.