Topical Sundance Film Features Song by Ed Leavitt
Topical Sundance Film Features Song by Claremont's Ed Leavitt
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| Ed Leavitt is a songwriter with a day job — he works at Dartmouth College — and a song heard at this year’s Sundance Film Festival. (Valley News — Theophil Syslo) |
By Dan Mackie
Valley News Staff Writer
When Ed Leavitt was about 8 years old, his family took him to a show by country music legend Mel Tillis. Leavitt remembers himself as a “pesky, pushy kid' who believed he could be a songwriter. When he went to concerts, he’d ask performers who met with fans to take a look at one of his songs.
Tillis, who had a string of hits in the 1970s, indulged young Leavitt, talking to him for about 20 minutes. He said that if he were serious about a songwriting career, he'd have to move to Nashville. He also warned about the competition: “There are a million people out there who want to write songs. There's probably half a million who are really good.’’
Nashville is on the road not taken. Leavitt, who grew up in Hartford and now lives in Claremont, never moved there. The odds of succeeding as a songwriter have always seemed long -- “the music business is probably 10 percent talent and 90 percent luck,' he said in an interview this week.
At 50, he's a songwriter with a day job who knows that not all dreams come true. But one did recently -- one of his songs, Let It Go, was featured in a film at the recent Sundance Film Festival.
The movie, Compliance, by director Craig Zobel, drew as much buzz as angry bees at Sundance. Based on true events, it recounts how a prank caller dupes a fast-food manager into interrogating, and finally strip-searching, an employee by saying he's a police officer investigating a theft. The movie asks how far people can be pushed into dehumanizing others.
“It's a very difficult subject matter,'’ said Leavitt, who followed the reaction to the film closely via the Internet. A few attendees at Sundance walked out. “They shouted, ‘This doesn't happen,’ ” said Leavitt, “but it surely does.'’
Leavitt's song, which he says has a pop flair, is the only country tune included in the movie. He's not entirely sure how it's used, although he understands that it’s playing on a radio in a scene. “I won’t know until I see it,'’ he said.
But for now, there's a note of validation for the songwriter, and a feeling of hitching his song to a star. “I'm happy to be a small part of it,'’ Leavitt said.
Leavitt has been singing and writing songs since he was a boy in Hartford, the son of a police officer (eventually deputy chief). His father played country music on the record player and often sang aloud Hank Williams Sr.'s Cold, Cold Heart. His mother, meanwhile, preferred the Beatles and classical music. The family regularly traveled to country shows around New England. Leavitt, who saw greats like Marty Robbins live, and Dolly Parton when she was an opening act -- “no one was all that impressed with her” -- came to love country music.
He said he's finished 300 to 400 songs and has sold half a dozen. His prospects have improved in recent years, because he's working with Nashville Songwriters Association International, which provides critiques that are direct -- “this is crap'’ or “this has wings’’ -- and with another service that shops songs around.
But this comes at a time when there are sharply fewer music labels, and the corporate owners, in the minds of those on the outside looking in, mostly bet on artists who fit a narrow demographic.
“It's a hard, hard business now,'’ Leavitt said. “That's why I’m proud of getting a cut in the movie.'’
His day job is at Dartmouth College, where he's executive assistant to the associate dean of the college. Leavitt said he's lucky. “They are so kind and patient when I have gigs,'’ he said. And being around students is good for him. “They are such a creative force,’’ Leavitt said, “they are so eager to learn.’’
Leavitt sometimes collaborates on songs with Pat Kelley of Springfield, Vt., for whom songwriting has been a sideline -- he owns a car dealership that his son now runs.
“Nobody's more deserving than Ed,'’ said Kelley. “He's paid his dues.’’
In Kelley's estimation, Leavitt is “a songwriter and country music historian. … He has a real passion for the music.'’
Leavitt has another outlet for that passion. He plays rhythm guitar and writes songs for the Shana Stack Band, which plays around the region and opened for Reba McIntire at Meadowbook in Massachusetts. (Its high-energy, get-'em-dancing performance was also among the highlights of the concert series at Colburn Park in Lebanon last summer.)
Leavitt said the lead singer, Shana Stack, has big ambitions for the band, which he said includes a roster of talented pros. “She's the star of the show, and I'm happy to let her be the star,’’ Leavitt said. “My goal is to continue writing and to help take the band to the next level. I'd be thrilled to do that.’’
And for himself, he'd love to have a song hit the national charts. “I'd be happy with one,'’ Leavitt said, “just to say I did it.’’
Hitting the Big Time with Ed Leavitt
Great news for Ed Leavitt, songwriter, rhythm guitar player, and male vocalist of The Shana Stack Band.
Ed received the outstanding news that his song, "Let It Go" would be featured in the Sundance Film Festival movie, "Compliance". The movie is getting rave reviews and OurStage.com, the New Music Revolution site designed for all kinds of music, and an affiliate of MTV, has congratulated Ed and others on their contributions to the movie and for their contribution to music around the world.
OurStage wrote: "Congratulations to OurStage artists Admiral Twin, Ashley Robertson, Bearin' Peace, Jesi Kettering, Daniel Whittington, Blacklisted Individuals, Gar Richmond, Konshens and Ed Leavitt of The Shana Stack Band and Jason Eustice. They all had songs in the film "Compliance," which is one of the most talked about films at Sundance Film Festival this week!"
Articles about the movie Compliance:
Sundance Film Festival
Hollywood Report
NewNowNext Beyond Trends
Compliance: Behind the Scenes - Video
Huffington Post
Trailer Addict - Video
Congratulations again to Ed Leavitt for his outstanding contribution to songwriting and being a vital member behind The Shana Stack Band's success.
Country Band of the Year Award Winners
Congratulations to The Shana Stack Band for winning the 1st Annual Cider Magazine Award for Best Country Band of the Year!
The Cider Magazine awards ceremony was held at the historic Bellows Falls Opera House on
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| 1st Annual Cider Magazine Award Winners |
Wednesday, January 11, where Shana Stack was the MC for the evening. The talent in the room was evident by the many performances from bands all across Vermont and New Hampshire, like Jatoba, The LInguistic Civilians, Natalie Turgeon and many, many more. The categories were many and the votes poured in with over 50,000 VOTES received for all categories. Country Band of the Year received the most votes of any category.
The Shana Stack Band performed their title track from their CD,
"You Can't Make Me Fall" with a special guest appearance by Natalie Turgeon singing along side Shana Stack with the Martina McBride smash hit, "Broken Wing".
A special thank you to all of the fans that voted through email, facebook, twitter, and mailing in their paper ballots. The talent of the band combined with the following of their fans is how they earned this distinguished award.
Congratulations once again to The Shana Stack Band and a special thank you to the fans and Cider Magazine.
The Shana Stack Band would like to congratulate all of the award winners and nominees in all of the categories.
Kickin back with Stack (and the boys)
The Shana Stack Band is featured on the cover, and featured in a full in-depth interview, in the December 2011 issue of the Cider Magazine.
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| The Shana Stack Band on the cover of th December Issue of the Cider Mag |
Read the featured article below, written by Brian Joy, of Cider Magazine. Shana Stack will also be hosting the 1st Annual Cider Mag awards on Wednesday, January 11, 2012 at the Bellows Falls Opera House and the band will be performing during the awards ceremony.
When it comes to country music, The Shana Stack Band is all about delivering exactly what the crowd wants to hear. They pride themselves equally on their original work as well as their ability to nail the cover tunes that get people dancing and singing. It's all about having a good time with The Shana Stack Band. From opening up for Reba at Meadowbrook to the crowd surfing at McCue's in Keene, the party seems to be wherever Shana and the boys plug in.
Shana is originally from Fitchburg, MA and came up in music in that typical, "Damn, she's got a killer voice" kind of way. She was a musical theatre major while in college at Keene State in the late 90's and dreamed about one day being on the Broadway circuit. But, just as life sometimes does, another door opened and singing became the path. First, some vocal coaching by renowned and Shana Stack recommended, Sherry Ann Curry.
"She is seriously the greatest vocal coach I've ever come across. Amazing." said Stack. She began competing in vocal competitions up and down the East coast, claiming over twenty trophies along the way. A producer saw the talent and potential and suggested a CD would help get her name out and solidify her as an artist. Shana's first CD was released in 2006. Shana formed the band Fastlane and began playing out at local bars and venues, always belting out the latest in country music's top 100. A fan base began to grow and it was obvious that Shana's vocal talent was something you could not ignore.
In 2010, Fastlane made the very difficult decision to move on separately. Shana says it was incredibly difficult, but looking back she knows it was the right thing to do for her career.
They were great people, musicians, great to be around, said Stack. "But there comes a time when everyone involved has to be at the same stage, with the same goals. It was clear that wasn't the case with us. So as much as it hurt to move on, it was what had to be done."
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| The Shana Stack Band Group Photo infront of the Colonial Theater in Keene, New Hampshire |
But with every dark cloud comes a silver lining. Shana's drummer in Fastlane, Rick Leavitt, stayed on and the two began looking for
replacements. The search didn't take long. Rick's brother Ed stepped in on vocals and guitar, and the rest of the band; Jim Eibner, Kevin Miller, and John Sanchez were all invited to a "1st quasi-rehearsal thingy," as Stack puts it. They were a united band by night's end. "Everything was so comfortable and so in tune that it was obvious we had something special. By the end of that rehearsal, we were belting out songs and throwing out ideas. It became the band immediately. We haven't looked back since," said Ed Leavitt, guitarist and vocalist.
So with the band in place, and a certain sense of direction shared by all involved, it was time to move forward; easy enough. So, what's the
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| "You Can't Make Me Fall" CD cover |
first thing a new band does once they have become said band? They find some local spots to play, maybe an Open Mic here or there to get used to playing out with each other. Test out your material and sound on some friends at a party, maybe. Nah, not The Shana Stack Band. The Shana Stack Band dove into the studio to release a CD entitled "You Can't Make Me Fall" and then booked a 500 person gig at New Hampshire Motor Speedway for their first performance. No pressure. "We were excited, a little nervous, but more excited, " said Ed. "Things had come together so smoothly through rehearsals and the studio time and the group understanding the sound. I guess it was a big taking on but we were all real positive about the chance."
The Shana Stack Band wowed their audience that day at the speedway. Shana's "big" voice backed by a group of very talented musicians and given the right stage, had produced an addiction. An addiction for fans and the band, alike. Fans are now dedicated SSB followers. The band realized they had stumbled upon something very special. They spent time reminiscing about the first rehearsal and how all the stars aligned to help form this band. A band that just played a 500 person gig on their first show, and left the crowd wanting more.
"We like to play a good mixture of our original work and our covers," said Leavitt. "It's great to play a few songs that everyone knows and connects with. That's what country music is all about. Then we sneak in our originals and the crowd still reacts like it's one of their favorites. That's a fantastic feeling."
A well-deserved feeling for Leavitt; he is responsible for the entire song-writing process. Song structure, lyrics, solos, intros, you name it. A burden that Leavitt happily and insatiably accepts and adores. "To me, it's what music is all about," said Leavitt. "Getting in there and writing, creating it. It's the best part of Country music."
Leavitt's song writing has not gone unnoticed. The movie 'Compliance' directed by Craig Zobel makes its debut at the Sundance Film Festival in 2012. Leavitt's song "Let it go" made its way onto the soundtrack. The track is performed by Jason Eustis.
So, a new band, a new CD, and a 500 person gig to get things started. How about opening up for a country legend to pad the resume? The Shana Stack Band was selected to play the Magic Hat Stage at Meadowbrook Pavilion for the one and only Reba McEntire. A performance that Shana says solidified her belief in the band that is her name.
"We had an amazing crowd and they all just danced and had a great time," said Stack. "People really seemed to enjoy what we were doing. Seems that way at a lot of places now. We're going to have fun. When you come see us, it's going to be fun. We're going to sing songs that you love and songs that you've never heard. We want to make sure everyone is having a blast. That's why they come out."
Shana will certainly be playing a spot near you. Get your boots on, and go have some fun.
The Shana Stack Band kicked off Danver's Summer
danvers.patch.com/articles/summer-concert-series-kicks-off-with-country#video-6967579
The Shana Stack Band opened the 2011 Summer Concert Series, a seven week music festival at the Rotary Pavilion at Mill Pond on July 11 at 6 p.m.
According to the organizers, Danvers Recreation and Friends of Danvers Recreation, this is the seventh or eighth year that the series has been run in Danvers. Each concert is co-sponsored by different local businesses and organizations.
Last night's kick-off was co-sponsored by Graindmaison & Tripolo, LLP, CPA's and Friends of Danvers Recreation.
Danvers Recreation offered face painting for kids, and ice cream from Goodies was, and will be, available at every concert throughout the series.
Next up in the Concert Series is HoOda ThUNk, a classic rock of the 70's and 80's band on Wednesday July 13 at 6 p.m.
1st Annual Cider Magazine Award Nominees
Voting is now closed!!!
The Shana Stack Band and its members were nominated for the below categories in the 1st Annual Cider Magazine Awards. Voting was collected through Facebook, emailing editor@cidermag.com, as well as twitter voting and mail in ballots.
The award ceremony will take place on Wednesday, January 11, 2012 at the Bellows Falls Opera House in Bellows Falls, Vermont.
Categories:
Best Band - Country - The Shana Stack Band
Best Vocalist - Shana Stack
Best Artist - Ed Leavitt
Best Drummer - Rick Leavitt
Best Bassist - Kevin Miller
Best Guitarist - John Sanchez, Ed Leavitt, Jim Eibner
Best DJ (Radio Personality) - Shana Stack
Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote for The Shana Stack Band.
CD Release - "You Can't Make Me Fall"
The Shana Stack Band, soon to release their new CD, "You Can't Make Me Fall", featuring vocals by Shana Stack and Ed Leavitt, and performed by The Shana Stack Band. Songs written by Ed Leavitt, NSAI (Nashville Songwriter’s Association International) member and some songs co-written by Pat Kelley.
Three locations have been named as the CD Release Party venues:
Friday, July 8, 2011
Shenanigans
94 Bowling Lane
White River Junction, Vermont
Call to reserve your table: 802-296-5853
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Saturday, July 9, 2011
Midnight Rodeo Bar
Located at the Yard Restaurant
1211 South Mammoth Road
Manchester, New Hampshire
603-703-8444
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Saturday, July 16, 2011
McCue's Billiards & Sports Lounge
12 Emerald Street
Keene, New Hampshire
603-352-2110
The Shana Stack Band to open for Reba McEntire
The Shana Stack Band will be opening for Reba McEntire on the Second Stage at the Meadowbrook U.S. Cellular Pavilion in Gilford, NH
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Parking Opens at 5:00 PM
Gates Open at 6:00 PM
Use Promo Code: SSTSSB when ordering your tickets for a chance to win a Meet & Greet with Reba.
Tickets went on sale beginning Friday, May 20, 2011 through the Meadowbrook U.S. Cellular Pavilion website
Good luck!!!
Stack 'em up! - Hippo Press Article - 6-2-2011
Stack ’em up
Shana Stack Band making all the pieces fit
By Michael Witthaus
mwitthaus@hippopress.com
Unlike many musical genres, a good country song leads with melody and lets the beat follow. With the Shana Stack Band, it begins with a crisp lead guitar, the kind perfected by Vince Gill and Brad Paisley, coupled with the sultry sway of pedal steel. Then the rhythm kicks in, guided by gentle acoustic strumming.
That’s Shana Stack’s moment, as she steps up to the microphone and begins to sing.
Ultimately, though, a memorable tune is all about emotion, as any crooner from Patsy to Reba will attest, and it’s Ed Leavitt who provides the band’s songwriting power. A Nashville veteran who grew up on George Jones and Merle Haggard, Leavitt knows his subjects. A ballad, “Pleasure and Pain,” explores the forbidden affair of a “soccer mom” and her former college flame, while the upbeat “Perfect Pair” (a co-write with frequent collaborator Pat Kelley) celebrates a quirky love that’s likened to “Bonnie and Clyde, Sonny and Cher.”
The songs are part of a CD the band hopes to release by July or August in support of a busy summer schedule filled with several outdoor shows in places like Sunapee, Antrim and Hanover. The season ends with the band on the bill for Reba McEntire’s Meadowbrook U.S. Cellular Pavilion show on Sept. 24.
“Reba’s not bringing an opening act; she has such a huge stage that it literally takes an entire day to set up,” said Leavitt recently during a break from rehearsals in their drummer’s Newport garage. “So we’re playing on the side stage, but we’re technically the opener.”
The group includes Stack and Leavitt (who also plays rhythm guitar) sharing lead vocals. Drummer Rick Leavitt (Ed’s brother) and veteran bass player Kevin Miller form the rhythm section, with John Sanchez on lead guitar and backing vocals. The many varying influences make the group greater than the sum of its parts. Miller comes from a rock and rollbackground, having opened for the Who and Steppenwolf.
Sanchez studied classical guitar in college, but he’s a full covert now: “It’s all about the Telecaster,” he says with a laugh.
Eibner, on the other hand, claims to have hated country music until he heard nascent Americana bands like New Riders of the Purple Sage, Poco and Gram Parsons in the early 1970s.
The Leavitt brothers represent the oldschool contingent, having formed their first country band as teenagers.
From her vantage point as afternoon DJ on country station WINK-FM in Keene, Stack keeps an eye on emerging hits for the band to cover. The latest addition to the set list is Jason Aldean’s “My Kinda Party.” Playing out, they’re able to mix a larger number of originals than a lot of other bands. McCue’s Billiards in Keene is a regular stop, but their first time through they were warned to stick to covers — which they did for the most part. “But our stuff got people on thedance floor and kept everyone drinking,” Stack recalls. “At the end of the night, we were booked for four more gigs — and we got extra money, which never ever happens.”
The band earned the Meadowbrook gig through tenacity and hard work, sending videos and song samples to venue management and engaging in a lengthy negotiation. Fans wishing to get up close and personal with the headliner, whether to gush about a favorite song or ask to have a cherished piece of memorabilia signed, are advised to buy tickets using the special promotional code SSTSSB, which will automatically enter them for a chance to win a meet and greet with McIntire at the show.
The band members themselves are fans and are eagerly anticipating the early fall show. Stack’s husband celebrated by picking up a Reba Signature Barbie doll at Wal-Mart, hoping the star will autograph it. “He loves Reba,” says Stack.
Shana Stack Band Friday, June 3, at 9 p.m. at the Chop Shop Pub and Grub, 920 Lafayette Road in Seabrook (760-7706)
Saturday, June 4, at 11 a.m. at the 27th Annual WOKQ Chowder Festival in Prescott Park, Portsmouth (rain date Sunday, June 5)
Saturday, June 11, at 9 p.m. at Midnight Rodeo Bar (Yard Restaurant), 1211 South Mammoth Road in Manchester (703-8444)
27th Annual WOKQ Chowderfest - Saturday, June 4
The Shana Stack Band will be the headlining act at the 27th Annual WOKQ Chowderfest on Saturday, June 4 at Prescott Park in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. The band will be performing Top 40 Country music and original music, written by Ed Leavitt, which will be released this summer on their CD "You Can't Make Me Fall". The Chowderfest begins at 11:30 AM and the band begins playing at 11:00 AM.
$10 Adults, $5 Youth (12 & under), Members - FREE!
The annual Chowder Festival offers some of the best Chowder the Seacoast has to offer.
Each year, more than 4,000 people help kick off the Prescott Park Arts Festival summer season by enjoying more than 500 gallons of piping hot chowder served up for tasting.
Be your own judge and vote for your favorite chowder from more than a dozen restaurants as they compete for the Best Chowder title.
Sponsored in part by Taste of the Seacoast magazine, this taste-testing event has become a New England staple for chowder lovers in the three-state region. Many restaurants use this event to try out new recipes before adding them to their menu, offering a great chance to sample the newest in Chowder fare in the area. Recipes in the past have included Smoked Scallop Chowder, Manhattan Chowder, Vegetarian Chowder, Corn Chowder, and Spicy Seafood Chowder.
Restaurants compete for your vote to be honored by being awarded Best Chowder, decided by the public. Other awards include Judge's Choice and Best Booth.
The Chowder festival also offers live music, tons of fun, and a beautiful setting like none other.
NEW THIS YEAR!
Enjoy TWO festivals for the price of one! Take our FREE ferry, generously provided by Portsmouth Harbor Cruises, between our Chowder Festival and the 3rd Annual Piscataqua Waterfront Festival!
Also, for an additional cost, enjoy FRESH shucked oysters provided by Little Bay Oyster Company!
If you are a restaurant interested in participating, click to download our RESTAURANT INSTRUCTION AND ENTRY FORM!
