Chesapeake writer's tune named finalist in 'AI' contest

It seems that Chesapeake is becoming a new breeding ground for "American Idol."

"Align," a pop-rock tune penned by James Smithson, a 37-year-old resident of the city, has been chosen as one of 20 finalists in the American Idol Songwriters competition.

Voters have until Wednesday to listen to the songs and select their favorite online at www.AmericanIdol.com.

Smithson, who works at Regent University as an audio technician, became a full-fledged "American Idol" fan when fellow Chesapeake resident Chris Richardson got into the singing-performance competition last season.

When he learned of the songwriting contest, he didn't hesitate to enter.

"Align" was a song he had previously written when he toured as a hired road musician for little-known bands out of Nashville. Should "AI" select the song as the winner, Smithson will receive a publishing deal - a coup for any composer - and "Align" will be recorded by the winner of this season's "American Idol" competition.

Smithson has recorded an EP under the name Julian Sky. He is also married and a father of three youngsters, ages 5, 3 and 9 months. He has guarded optimism regarding the contest but is prepared for any financial success a win might bring.

"I think it would help pay for the kids and hopefully enrich their lives," Smithson said. "And I would love to keep writing and produce. That's where my heart's at."

Hear more of his material at www.juliansky.com.

Speaking of songwriters

On Sunday, local singer-songwriters Julie Clark and Skip Friel as well as the Annie Johnson Band and M.S.G., the Acoustic Blues Trio, will be joined by national headliners Susan Werner and Trina Hamlin for the first-ever Sea Level Singer/Songwriter Festival at Granby Theater.

"Similar festivals are held throughout the country," said MaryAnn Toboz, executive director of Tidewater Arts Outreach, the nonprofit beneficiary of the event, "but this will honor this genre of music in southeastern Virginia."

And contestants

After winning several preliminary rounds of amateur nights at the famed Apollo Theater in New York City, Virginia Beach gospel violinist Melanie Hill competed in the finale on March 2 for the nationally televised "Showtime at The Apollo."

Though Hill didn't win the first-place prize of $25,000, her mesmerizing performance is worth a view. The show will be aired Saturday and April 26 on WTVZ.

She will graduate from the University of Virginia in May, majoring in English with a minor in Spanish.

For the birds

Migratory feathered creatures that make a pit stop on Virginia's Eastern Shore have a friend in handyman singer James Taylor.

His performance May 22 at Verizon Wireless Virginia Beach Amphitheater will benefit the region's bird habitat preservation efforts.

Low key

Local music aficionados may remember Mark Lawrence as the charismatic lead singer of the Boweevils. But if high-energy rockabilly is what you're anticipating on his new solo album, the light, sometimes ambient music on "Swirl" will come as a surprise.

Whereas "All Over My Wall" is pure, delightful lounge, the interesting chord changes and vocal melody on "Floating World" recall Gentle Giant. High-quality chill music!

Jeff Maisey, (757) 222-3934, jmaisey@pilotonline.com