The Minnesota Association of Songwriters proudly presents a “Songwriting Workshop Series” at Schmitt Music stores in the Twin Cities:
Mark Brinkman’s songs have been recorded over 200 times by a wide variety of artists, and many have appeared on Billboard magazine’s Top Ten list, including two number one hits. In addition, Brinkman’s songs have appeared on several Grammy-nominated albums. His workshops focus on the creative aspects of songwriting, teaching the “hot-to” of song approach, capturing emotion and imagery construction.
Check out Mark’s song “Grandpa’s Way of Life,” the #1 hit song recorded by The Spinney Brothers:
[youtube]https://youtu.be/Cs3jek6gIGc[/youtube]
Also… Don’t miss a concert with Mark Brinkman on the evening of October 25 from 7:30 – 9:30PM at The Underground Music Cafe – 1579 Hamline Ave., St. Paul, MN.
Mark “Brink” Brinkman has been writing and singing songs his entire life. Along with being an avid bluegrass picker, he enjoys writing new songs for the Bluegrass/Americana/Gospel and Country genres. Brink is an accomplished musician and is a musical utility hitter. You might find him sitting in playing piano, guitar, banjo, and mandolin with several bands in Central Ohio. Brink is one of the most sought after, respected and recorded songwriters in bluegrass/Americana and gospel having achieved over 130 “cuts” or recordings of his songs. In 2008 his song “She’s a Stranger In His Mind” was awarded the “Spirit Award” from “Strictly Country Magazine as the fan voted “Country Song of the Year”. The song was recorded by Carrie Hassler & Hard Rain. “Brink’s” song “Beyond the Rain” was nominated and voted “Best Bluegrass Gospel Song 2007” at last year’s National Gospel Quartet Convention in Louisville, KY.
“Brink”, as all his friends call him, has been a Merlefest Chris Austin Songwriting Contest finalist 5 times. He won the Merlefest Gospel songwriting competition in 2009 as well as his song “The Old Coal Mine” took the 2nd spot in the bluegrass competition. His song “Bluestone Mountain” was awarded the West Virginia “Governor’s Award” for Don Rigsby’s version of this haunting song. “Brink” has conducted workshops for many songwriting associations over the years sharing his knowledge and experience. He conducts songwriting workshops at many bluegrass and other music festivals around the country along with being an instructor the past several years at the prestigious Nashcamp Songwriting Camp near Nashville in Cumberland Furnace, TN.
Many notable artists have recorded and/or played “Brink’s” songs including several that have charted “Top 10” in bluegrass and gospel. The list reads like a short “who’s who” in bluegrass music and includes great artists/bands like Larry Sparks, Grasstowne, Don Rigsby, Lou Reid & Carolina, Wildfire, JD Crowe & the New South, The Kruger Brothers, Valerie Smith, Pine Mountain Railroad, Dwight McCall, Darrell Webb, and Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road among others. Along with writing, Brink has his own publishing company, “BRINKSONGS” and “MARK BRINKMAN SONGS” where he publishes for several other writers. He has published songs on recordings for artists like The Lonesome River Band, Kenny & Amanda Smith, Larry Stephenson Band, JD Crowe & the New South, Lou Reid & Carolina and many others.
Learn more on Mark “Brink” Brinkman’s website: www.brinksongs.com.
The Minnesota Association of Songwriters is a volunteer, non-profit organization dedicated to celebrating the art of creating original music by combining arts, education and community outreach – CELEBRATING 20 YEARS: 1994-2014!
The M.A.S. “Songwriting Workshop Series” will include an event with the “Otter Creek Duo” in November, and a final event in June, 2015. View the series informational flier – CLICK HERE.
Learn more about the Minnesota Association of Songwriters – CLICK HERE.
