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Songwriter Spotlight with Skylands Songwriters Guild

Live in the Library!

Come hear three local singer-songwriters -- Bruce T. Carroll, Ed Seifert and Stephanie Joyner -- each perform a 30 minute set.

Come hear three singer-songwriters each perform a 30 minute set.

Bruce T. Carroll: Over the span of eight years, three albums, four singles, widespread airplay and knockout reviews, Bruce T Carroll has established himself as an Americana artist with a social conscience and a deft lyrical touch. Using irony and imagery as tools in trade, Bruce’s work has been described by No Depression Magazine as “devilishly brilliant”, “intensely brilliant”, and “a fine commentary on America’s past”. His signature songs “When Two Worlds Collide”, “Fox In The Henhouse”, and “Lift Your Head Up” continue to get good airplay worldwide, spotlighting the refugee crisis and political upheaval at home and abroad.  His most recent full-length album First Bird To Sing is an exploration of love and loss and “a brilliant album that attacks the dark side with a TAC flashlight and hope”, solidifying Bruce’s reputation as a “singular talent”. Bruce’s penultimate single “Find Your Way” began as a blessing for his children but ended as a beautiful paean for the dispossessed. His latest release is called "The Words We Said" and offers a stoic's view of a relationship in decline.  Bruce is currently working on a song cycle exploring the essential commonality and occasional beauty of life in America. It is hoped that this as-yet untitled album will be ready for release in the fall. 

Ed Seifert: Lifelong New Jersey resident Ed Seifert plays guitar and harmonica and writes and sings songs of heartbreak and occasional joy. But mostly heartbreak. They span the styles of Americana, pop, country, and rock and roll, though not always in that order.  Ed’s May 2025 release Great Big World featured contributions from eighteen of his friends, including members of the Feelies, the Bongos, the Smithereens, the Sharar Sisters, and the Thousand Pities.  This year saw the release of Before The Lights went out, a live recording with his band Oh, The Humanity! from a show at The Turning Point in Piermont, NY in March of 2020.

Stephanie Joyner:  A singer mixed with a storyteller makes for an interesting songwriter. Vocal experience spanning many years of multi-genre exploration, mold this eclectic musical perspective. A simple-ditty, an awakening, or a life-moment delivered thru a variety of musical styling. Classic cover tunes are a passion. Capturing the essence and core of a moment to deliver a “powerful original” is a passion. Ageless timeless enjoyment with the simplicity of voice and acoustic guitar.. a twist of honesty and creativity...FUN! Stephanie's sound...Stories from the HEART. She textures her musical storytelling with an array of "life Adventures" both boisterous, intimate and timeless.

Skylands Songwriters Guild is an educational non-profit organization [501 (c) (3)] dedicated to nurturing the community of Singer/Songwriters of Northwest New Jersey and the surrounding region. We seek to  provide enlightenment for the public, revealing the talents of songwriters, and to offer educational and performance resources for artists to advance their craft.  

This showcase is made possible by the Skylands Songwriters Guild.  Register online or by calling the library at (973) 584-2400.

Ed Seifert                      Stephanie Joyner

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