FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- 2/26/09
Morgan Arts Council • Berkeley Springs, WV
www.macicehouse.org
 
Press contact only: Mary Hott -- 304-258-2300
 
SINGER SONGWRITER PERFORMS IN BERKELEY SPRINGS
 
BERKELEY SPRINGS, WV -- Colleen Anderson, one of West Virginia's most 
honored writers and musicians, performs at the Fairfax Coffee House on 
Thursday, March 5 at 7pm as part of a Morgan Arts Council (MAC) 
program. Anderson is spending three days working with 10th graders at 
Berkeley Springs and Paw Paw high schools.
 
Anderson's public appearance at the Coffee House will blend 
performance with discussion about the creation of a song. MAC's Back 
To Our Roots project includes an emphasis on songwriting and the Forum 
on Arts, Science and Technology (FAST) is sponsoring a songwriting 
competition. "Just listening to good songwriters both perform and 
talk about their work is helpful for beginners," says Mary Hott, MAC's 
Executive Director.
 
The FAST competition is looking for songs with the theme of social 
justice. Deadline is May 1. MAC has a broader range and is searching 
for a general Morgan County song. "This creates a place for all kinds 
of songs," says Hott.
 
Anderson has been featured on Public Radio International's "Mountain 
Stage" and "The Folk Sampler," and has produced two albums of original 
songs, Fabulous Realities (1991) and Going Over Home (2001).
 
"Colleen has been back annually for several years because teachers 
love her work," says Hott. "This year she is focusing on guiding 
students in turning their life experiences into songs."
 
Anderson's school activities are part of MAC's longtime Adopt-a-School 
program and are funded in part by the Morgan County Board of 
Education. Her public performance is funded in part by FAST.
 
The Fairfax Coffee House is at 23 Fairfax St. facing Berkeley Springs 
State Park. To make reservations, call 304-258-8019. For more 
information about MAC and its programs, call 304-258-2300 or check 
online at www.macicehouse.org