Billy Jones

By DAVID BORAKS
DavidsonNews.net

Local music fans who cast votes in the Summit Songwriter of the Year awards competition this year couldn’t decide – the competition ended in a tie. Billy Jones of Davidson and Mike Alicke of Huntersville were the crowd favorites from the monthly songwriters series in 2012. You can see Mr. Jones live tonight at Summit in downtown Davidson. The weekend schedule also includes a free jazz concert with percussionist Adam Snow and the Davidson Jazz Ensemble at Davidson College, as well as live music at several other area venues.

SUMMIT SONGWRITERS OF THE YEAR

Mike Alicke

Singer Rob McHale organizes the monthly Summit Songwriters Showcase, a chance to hear local songwriters performing their work. Mr. Jones and Mr. Alicke were chosen from among 24 eligible local, regional, and touring artists who performed at the coffee shop during the monthly showcases in 2012.

Hannah Miller of Nashville, Tenn., won Best Performing Female Songwriter and Paul Finnican of Charlotte was awarded Best Performing Male Songwriter.

Both Mr. Alicke and Mr. Jones are active on the local music scene. Mr. Jones runs The Birdsnest, on Main Street Davidson, a music school, shop and performance venue. He typically performs with his band The Pocket, but Thursday’s show is a chance to hear him solo.

Mr. Alicke is a singer-guitarist who plays an acoustic, soft rock style. He has played a variety of local venues, including The Bathtub Gin in Mooresville, the Wine Cellar in Cornelius, and the Corkscrew in Birkdale, as well as Summit. He also has recorded with his band Alaskan. He’s due to play again on Feb. 9 at The Wine Cellar.

The Summit Coffee Songwriters Showcase is held on the third Thursday of each month at Summit Coffee in downtown Davidson. Mr. Jones and Mr. Alicke will be performing with host Mr. McHale at the March 21 showcase. Ms. Miller and Mr. Finnican will perform later in the year.

MUSIC SCHEDULE

THURSDAY, JAN. 24

Wine tasting and music, 7-9pm, The Wine Cellar, 19712 One Norman Boulevard, off West Catawba Ave., Cornelius – Wine tasting with live music. http://winecellarlkn.com/

Live music at Summit Coffee, 8-11pm, Summit Coffee, 128 S. Main St., Davidson – Live music: Billy Jones solo. Free. Info: 704-895-9090 or visit www.summitcoffee.com

FRIDAY, JAN. 25

Davidson Jazz Ensemble with Adam Snow, 7:30pm, Davidson College Sloan Music Center Tyler-Tallman Hall – The Davidson College Jazz Ensemble collaborates with special guest artist Adam Snow in a program of jazz standards and jazz improvisation. Snow teaches private percussion and the college’s West African Drumming class, and also teaches at Winthrop Univ. Free. Davidson.edu Postponed until Feb. 1 because of weather

Live music at Summit Coffee, 8-11pm, Summit Coffee, 128 S. Main St., Davidson – Live music: Justin Castellano. Free. Info: 704-895-9090 or visit www.summitcoffee.com

Live music at Galway Hooker, 10pm, Galway Hooker Pub, 17044 Kenton Drive, Cornelius – Live music with Tim White. Info: GalwayHookerPub.com

Live music at Rusty Rudder, 10:30pm, The Rusty Rudder, 20210 Henderson Road, Cornelius – Live music with PUSHH. Info on Facebook

SATURDAY, JAN. 26

Wine tasting and music,, 7pm, 202 North Main Wine Shop and Music Room, 202 N. Main St., Mooresville – The shop features a Reidel Glass wine tasting followed at 9pm by live music, Tony Gallo Electric CD Release Party. Details 704-663-5445 or 202wines.com

Live music at Summit Coffee, 8-11pm, Summit Coffee, 128 S. Main St., Davidson – Live music: Rick Spreitzer Band. Free. Info: 704-895-9090 or visit www.summitcoffee.com

Live music at Galway Hooker, 10pm, Galway Hooker Pub, 17044 Kenton Drive, Cornelius – Live music with Tim White. Info: GalwayHookerPub.com

Live music at Rusty Rudder, 10:30pm, The Rusty Rudder, 20210 Henderson Road, Conrnelius – Live music with Blue Monday. Info on Facebook

SUNDAY, JAN. 27

Gethsemane Gospel Explosion, 3pm, Gethsemane Baptist Church of Lake Norman, 565 Jetton St., Davidson – The Gethsemane Gospel Singers will host their annual Gospel Explosion. Free and open to the public. Come and enjoy an evening of the very best in Gospel music. More information: www.gbclakenorman.org or contact the church office at 704-892-1635.