Sunday Sessions Songwriters Circle provides songwriters from some of the most popular local bands with an outlet for creative expression; musicians are able to focus on their songwriting in an intimate space and the community is invited to share in the creative process. Joining us on March 18th will be Chris Hanson, Susan Zelinsky, Natalia Betzler and Dore Coller. Come by from 5-7pm for a musical treat that showcases some of the best tunesmiths around.
MUSICIAN BIOS
Chris Hanson is an Americana folk musician native to the San Francisco Bay Area with a soulful sound and a compelling repertoire of songs. He is noted for his refreshingly raw yet smooth voice and brilliant lyrics. Hanson has been awarded best song by West Coast Songwriters three years in a row (2006, 2007, and 2008) and again in 2017. His songs encompass everything from a reverence for historical and political struggles to the hauntingly soulful bellows of unrequited love.
Susan Zelinsky has an extensive resume as an actor and singer. Currently she is directing musicals for children in San Rafael and Fairfax, and teaches piano and voice. This spring she will star as Tanya, in “Mamma Mia” (The Mountain Play). Susan has several original music CDs, and she continues to write songs and play guitar whenever she gets the chance. She is married to guitarist, Michael Jobe, and they have two children.
Thirteen year old Natalia Betzler started learning piano when she was four. When she was eight years old she joined a kids rock band run by musician and mentor Jimmy Packes. Jimmy saw Natalia’s limitless potential as a musician and encouraged her to try guitar and singing, in addition to piano. After just 3 short years of practice, Natalia became the band’s lead singer. They performed at dozens of gigs including two performances at the OC Fair. In 2017 Natalia moved to Mill Valley and had to leave the band but she continues to purse her musical passions. You can often catch her performing at Sweetwater’s Open Mic nights. Natalia was invited to perform at the Marin IJ Lobby Lounge event in April of this year. She was also invited to perform at the 105th annual Mountain Play this summer. Two of her performances were recorded by Marin TV and can be seen on the Marin IJ’s website.
A longtime Mill Valley local Dore Coller grew up in the Hudson River Valley working in the progressive music traditions of Pete Seeger and The Weavers. While in Northern California he’s had the great fortune to work with the likes of Howard Alden, Darol Anger, Big Brother, Jeffrey Cain, Lacy J Dalton, Matt Eakle, Jerry Garcia, The David Grisman Quintet, Dan Hicks, David La Flamme and It’s a Beautiful Day, Paul Mehling, Snooky Flowers, The Hot Club of San Francisco, Maria Muldaur, Jeff Narell, David Nelson, Petty Booka, Van Morrison, Pablo Cruise, Quicksilver, James Rothermil, The Rowan Brothers, The Youngbloods and many others. He plays and writes in a wide variety of musical styles. Recently he’s written several songs about local Mill Valley topics including The Old Railroad Grade and the Mt Tamthem The Way It’s Supposed to Be, both of which have been turned into videos that have circulated through the community. He also has the extreme pleasure to produce and Emcee the Sunday Session Songwriter’s Circle.
ABOUT SUNDAY SESSIONS
Throckmorton Theatre’s Sunday Sessions offer the community the opportunity to discover artists and be inspired in an intimate and positive setting. To ensure accessibility we offer these sessions free of charge to the public. We pay a small stipend to performers and greatly appreciate your support in making these programs possible. Donations are welcome and appreciated.
Throckmorton Theatre is committed to fostering community and providing accessible, transforming experiences. We believe the arts create and bestow community identity and a strong sense of identity and pride rallies confidence, hope and productivity. This cannot be done, however, without risk, adventure, and the willingness to embrace and understand the new. We embrace that risk every day.
