David Francey is a singer and a story teller who can establish, in minutes, a personal rapport with his audience. His wry humour and astute observations combined with his open-hearted singing style have earned him a loyal following. In his songwriting workshop, David will discuss:

- his background/history/influences (both literary and musical)

- his method of songwriting (David's motto: Write to please yourself!)

- useful tools for finding inspiration

- tools for recording and developing that inspiration

- how to recognize elements that work (or don't!)

David will also explain songwriting choices for some of his own material, and will perform a few of the songs discussed. He will also be happy to listen to the writings of those attending the workshop. Questions and comments are welcome.

DATE:      SUNDAY, MARCH 9TH

PLACE:   THE MASONIC TEMPLE, CATHEDRAL STREET

TIME:       11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (with a break for lunch)

COST:      Adults $25; Seniors, Students/Youth $20:

PAYMENT MUST BE RECEIVED IN ADVANCE OF THE WORKSHOP.

Payment must be received in advance of the workshop to ensure your place. Please drop off cash or cheque to 16 Maxse St., or to the office of the St. John's Folk Arts Council, 155 Water St., ground floor.

~ WE ARE LIMITING THE NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS TO 30, SO PLEASE REGISTER ASAP. IF YOU LOVE THE CRAFT OF SONGWRITING, THIS IS ONE WORKSHOP YOU DO NOT WANT TO MISS!!

DAVID FRANCEY was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, and was twelve when his family immigrated to Toronto. His attachment to Canada grew with travel. He hitched across the country three times, then thumbed his way to the Yukon. This attachment surfaces in his songs of rail lines, farms, and the St. Lawrence Seaway. He grew to understand the people while working in Toronto train yards, the Yukon bush, and as a carpenter in the Eastern Townships. These experiences colour his first CD, Torn Screen Door, with songs like Hard Steel Mill, and Working Poor, and his second CD, Far End of Summer, with Highway, Flowers of Saskatchewan, and February Morning Drive.

This project was made possible through the Cultural Diversity Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage.