“Touching_hearts_with_harmony.pdf Linda Geleris recently learned to play the dulcimer. She has been practicing her technique by watching YouTube videos of singer Joni Mitchell play the unique instrument. Geleris called herself a songwriter at heart who started at 14 or 15 years old, but who didn't delve fully into her talent until after the birth of her third child, who is now 15. I decided then to take the gifts that were given me and move forward with music, whatever that looked like," Geleris said. The Glendora resident started by pouring her feelings into song lyrics and arrangements, followed by networking with other musicians to learn the ins and outs of getting her work heard. During her first networking mission, she made friendships that ultimately led to her original song "Call Me Crazy" being featured in the 1997 Columbia Tri-Star film "Implicated." Since then, Geleris, a former high school teacher, has released two CDs, including her latest "If I Only Had a Minute," as well as founded a songwriters network (website theSongNet.com)” - Michelle E. Buttelman
— The Signal - Santa Clarita
“SongNet connects and mentors artists By Michelle J. Mills, Staff Writer Posted: 02/04/2010 03:16:23 PM PST Jimi Yamagishi performs at the SongNet Songwriter's Showcase which he leads on the third Wednesday of every month at the Coffee Gallery Backstage in Altadena. Jimi Yamagishi grew up in East Los Angeles surrounded by music. In the 1970s, he began making his own joyful noise, singing and playing guitar in church. Soon, he formed Inspirit, which toured throughout California, followed by the band Revelation. Armed with a good reputation, he was asked to fill in as the bass player for Everlasting, which led to a full-time gig through the '80s. The '90s brought Yamagishi to Selah Cafe, a multi-genre, guitar-based instrumental group and the opportunity to do some solo work on the side. But the sunshine was fading, as Yamagishi was working in the Asian-American Christian Community and the record labels didn't think his music was marketable. So he started his own label and joined SongNet, an organization for songwriters, musicians, artists and music industry professionals. The group sponsors events, seminars, showcases and collaboration. "SongNet is an organization which provides a connection between the music industry and community," Yamagishi said. SongNet was started in 1999 by Los Angeles songwriter Linda Geleris. She felt isolated early in her career and, realizing many creative types felt the same, Geleris decided to form a group to provide networking and support. Meetings began once a month at Beantown, a coffee shop in Sierra Madre. By 2001, SongNet had grown extensively, so Geleris asked Yamagishi to take over for her as its director. The group moved to Borders bookstore in Pasadena and later, with the support of Bob Stane, relocated to his venue, the Coffee Gallery Backstage in Altadena. SongNet has now spread worldwide and its membership continues to grow. . . . "SongNet is one avenue to bring your music to the next level. It is a place for all kinds of music." michelle.mills@sgvn.com (626) 962-8811 Ext. 2128 SONGNET Los Angeles Songwriter's Network 7:30 p.m. first and third Wednesdays of the month Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N. Lake Ave., Altadena Free www.thesongnet.org Read more: http://www.sgvtribune.com/rds_search/ci_14335322#ixzz0frLjN25r” - Michelle J. Mills
