Girl next door

Posted by Stephen Centanni | Aug 8, 2018 | Music Briefs | 0 |

Photo | Shanelle Brown | Summerlyn Powers

Band: Summerlyn Powers
Date: Thursday, Aug. 9, 5:45 p.m.
Venue: Eugene’s Monkey Bar, 15 N. Conception St., www.eugenesmonkeybarandgrill.com
Tickets: Free

Nestled on the edge of Bienville Square, Eugene’s Monkey Bar & Grill has provided downtown Mobile with a street-side haven featuring cold libations and regional fare. Local country up-and-comer Summerlyn Powers will be adding music to Eugene’s mix
this Thursday.

This talented singer-songwriter from Fairhope has attracted listeners with a folk-inspired modern country sound built upon a traditional foundation. At first look, many might assume Powers would showcase a sugary pop country sound, but when Powers begins to sing she exhibits an artistic maturity many rising country songwriters crave.

Powers’ debut EP “Apple” provides three different aspects of Powers while demonstrating her versatile songwriting skills and angelic vocal work. The title track is a fun, bright mix of folk and ragtime. “Alabama Kinda Girl” follows with its skillful mix of radio-friendly and traditional influences. This release concludes with the shining track “Blue Satin Lace,” with Powers conjuring the spirit of classic country icons such as Loretta Lynn and Tammy Wynette for this upbeat honky-tonk number.

According to Powers’ website, her fans can expect another EP release before the end of the year, with production by Nashville’s Andy Hunt.

About The Author

Stephen Centanni

With the exception of two years spent at Auburn University, Steve Centanni has spent his life in Mobile County while focusing on his two passions: music and the written word. As soon as he was issued his driver’s license, Centanni began to explore the local music scene in the early ‘90s. He filled his weekend with visits classic local venues such as the Four Strong Winds Coffee House, Vincent Van Go-Go’s and Culture Shock, all of which welcomed those who had yet to reach 18. After high school, Centanni traded Mobile for Auburn to complete his B.A. in English with an emphasis on general writing. While at Auburn, he had the honor of studying under the Pulitzer-winning poet Natasha Trethewey, who served as the nation’s Poet Laureate in 2012 and 2014. After receiving his diploma, Centanni quickly moved back to Mobile and completed the University of South Alabama’s graduate program with a M.Ed. Eventually, he was tapped by the nationally distributed Volume Entertainment Magazine to serve as the magazine’s managing editor/senior writer. His time with Volume allowed him to exercise his love for both music and writing. As Volume began to fade, Lagniappe recruited Centanni as their Music Writer and later their Music Editor, where he has remained for a little over a decade. As far as his involvement in the local music scene, Centanni organized Cess Fest at the Langan Park, which was a mini-festival focused on original local music in a time when original local music was veritably taboo in Downtown Mobile. For a short time, he brought original music to Downtown Mobile as the in-house promoter for the now deceased venue Cell Block. He managed local underground powerhouse Fry Cook, until the members parted ways. Centanni has lent his bass to bands such as Keychain Pistol and The F’n A-Holes, and he toured nationally as a member of Abstract Artimus & the Torture Children. Currently, he provides vocals for the garage blues rock outfit Johnny No. Ultimately, Centanni’s experience in the local music scene as both a participant and an observer has allowed him to witness the ever-changing persona of Mobile’s enigmatic music scene, which continues to leave him with more questions than answers.