In the spirit of giving back to the community nurtured by the great
songwriter and past President of the Songwriters Guild of America, George
David Weiss, the Pro-Shop was formed by Ann Ruckert and National Projects
Director, George Wurzbach. A sanctuary for composers and lyricists,
each week excellent songwriters - new to the industry or with a history
of hits - share their latest works with a wide array of industry professionals.
Wednesday nights at the Guild, between the hours of 6 to 8 PM, is the
place for writers to feel protected, spotlighted, and adored. Each week
a record label president, an A&R executive, producer, recording
engineer, club owner, booking agent, music publisher, performing rights
organization executive, indie label owner, hit songwriter, or performer
comes to hear the latest creations of our talented professional songwriters.
There is no other workshop like this in New York or any other city.
The result has been that hundreds of participants have signed records
deals, publishing deals, and management deals. This consortium now includes
its own label, 13 Stories Records, and radio and internet broadcasts.
The songs in the albums we release represent what amounts to a great
night of music at the guild.
Our first CD, "13 Stories Over Times Square, Vol. 1," is
a varied collection of works by award-winning New York City songwriters.
"Home for the Hollidays, Vol. 2," is a multi-caltural tribute
to the holidays of Christmas, Kwanzaa, and Hanukkah. Vol. 3, "Each
Day is Valentine's Day - 13 Songs for Lovers," praises Eros in
a romantic collection of new and classic valentine songs. Our forth
CD, "Living In America - A Celebration," captures the sounds
and spirit of the Forth of July. Our fifth CD, "All Hallows' Eve
- Music for an Enchanted October Evening," celebrates the magic
and mystery of autumn. Our latest release, "I Remember You,"
is a collection of remembrance songs.
All albums co-produced by longtime Pro-Shop participants, Brian Muni
and James Rohlehr, and executive producer and workshop leader, Ann Ruckert.
