Kansas Public Radio and Maceli’s are hosting their second Songwriters Showcase, this time with local musicians Colin Halliburton, Sky Smeed and Kelly Hunt. The show is on Saturday, March 3, at Maceli’s (1031 New Hampshire St) in Lawrence; doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 at the door or $10.50 in advance at macelis.com.
Sky Smeed is a well-known local Americana singer-songwriter who has often been compared to Neil Young and Gram Parsons. Smeed was born and raised in Chanute, Kan., and his music has often been featured on KPR’s Trail Mix. Smeed said Lawrence influenced his latest album, “Lunker Bass.” Track 2, “Bumper Sticker,” was written with the help of slogans he’d seen on the back of cars in the Lawrence area.
Colin Halliburton, who often performs under the musical moniker The Roseline, describes his music as "alt-country bummer music, with a hint of hope." He is currently touring around the world to promote his newest album, “Blood,” which was released in October.
Accompanied by her 1920s tenor banjo, Kelly Hunt’s songs meld traditions of folk, blues, classic country, and old-time music for a sound that is all her own. Hunt says her songs “spring from a place of rich imagery and bespeak a genuine love of storytelling."
The musicians are generously donating their time and talent to the concert, which will benefit Kansas Public Radio, which sustained a $200,000 budget cut this year. Food and beverages will be available for purchase at the event.