MUSIC SCENE: The Writers Room Showcase @ Palladium August 9
Season 2, Episode 933, Jul 16, 08:47 PM
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In this episode of MUSIC SCENE, host Nanette Wiser talks with two talented songwriters and musicians in advance of a first-ever collaborative performance at The Palladium August 9. Dean Johanesen and Scott Hunt talk about songwriting, the song prompt challenge, musical online collaboraton and the upcoming show.
What happens when local songwriters challenge themselves to write new music—every two weeks, based on a random prompt pulled from a hat? You get the Wednesday Writers Room: a dynamic collective that’s been trading ideas, deadlines, and inspiration since January 2025. In this special In the Round showcase – set in the Palladium’s intimate Side Door Cabaret, the perfect listening room – the group’s eight founding members take the stage for an evening of brand-new songs and behind-the-scenes stories about the creative sparks (and struggles) that brought them to life.
Set 1: Rebekah Pulley, Josh Plummer, Jay Taylor, and Dean Johanesen
Set 2: Cassie Jean, Rich Odato, Scott Hunt, and Doug Burns
DATE: Saturday, August 9, 2025 TIME: Doors at 7pm - Show starts at 8pm.
TICKETS: Reserved Seating: $50, $40 - General Admission: $25 (adv. rate $20 until 6/21) BUY TICKETS HERE.
MEET THE MUSICIANS AND SONGWRITERS
For more information: Dean Johanesen -djohanesen@gmail.com
Dean Johanesen - (Singer-Songwriter / Guitarist) - Ellenton, FL
https://deanjohanesen.com/home
Dean is a songwriter and guitarist inspired by historical fiction, speakeasy era Americana and the sounds of Hot Club Jazz, Western Swing and American Roots Music. Johanesen released a new EP titled Semi Tennessee in 2025 that was recorded in Nashville. Johanesen tracked at The Owl Studio with Producer and bassist Shawn Byrne of Great Hill Productions. The session band included Nashville's - Joe Spivey - Violin (Time Jumpers,) Pete Finney - Steel Guitar (Mike Nesmith of the Monkees and Patty Loveless,) & John McTigue III - Drums - (Emmylou Harris, Raul Malo of the Mavericks etc.) The Semi Tennessee EP is currently available at community and independent radio stations across the US. The title track and single was in the top 20 (at 19 in January) on the Americana Charts for APD Radio and the title track, Semi Tennessee, was picked as one of the top 5 best songs on Songwriter Universe in January as well.
Rebekah Pulley - (Singer-songwriter / Guitarist) St. Petersburg
https://rebekahpulley.com/
Rebekah Pulley is a St. Petersburg based singer-songwriter whose music has been described as jaw dropping, with a tendency to break your heart and shake your soul. She's etched out a fruitful living in a diverse setting of house concerts, bars, and festivals earning herself eight 'Best Of The Bay’ awards from Tampa’s own Creative Loafing. Rebekah’s musical style has wryly evolved tapping roots-rock, blues, old-school country & western, jazz, and even gospel to become a must have for the most discerning Americana and Folk music fans.
Josh Plumer - (SInger-Songwriter / Guitarist) -
https://www.joshplummermusic.com/
Josh is a singer/songwriter based out of Tampa/St.Pete, FL. He writes from personal experience and shares stories of love, loss, introspection, and heartbreak. His songwriting and lyrical influences include Ray LaMontagne, Dave Matthews, Nathaniel Rateliff, Noah Gundersen, Matthew Mayfield, Ruston Kelly, Ryan Adams, and Gregory Alan Isakov. Josh now has 3 EPs available on all streaming platforms, "Before You Dig" (2020), "The Stake" (2021), and "Wrong Side of Sunrise" (2022).
Jay Taylor - (Singer-Songwriter / guitarist) - Duette, FL
https://www.jaytaylormusic.com/
Born in Duette, FL, on a 2,500 acre farm and ranch, Jay learned early the meaning of hard work and discipline from a supportive family and God that has come in very handy since moving to Nashville, TN in January of 2008. Since moving to “Music City” Jay has played in over 40 states and several of Nashville’s famous venues including Tootsies Orchid Lounge, 3rd and Lindsley, and live on famous WSM 650 A.M. His original music has many elements of his own musical influences such as George Strait, Elvis Presley, The Beatles, even subtle hints of Motown and Southern Gospel can be heard. “I grew up singing in an old Southern Baptist church where my mom played piano and there was just something about her playing and singing that captured me, it still does to this day. Moving back to Florida in the wake of Covid-19 he still plays live 2-3 times a week, works the family ranch selling and raising beef cattle, and built a Tallow Skincare Company called Circle 6 Tallow.
Cassie Jean Barbaresi & Rich Odato - (Singer-Songwriters / Guitar & Vocals Casssie Jean and The Fireflies) - Tampa Bay, FL
https://cassiejeanandthefireflies.com/home
Tampa Bay songwriters who found their creative spark during the 2020 pandemic and are the driving force of Cassie Jean and the Fireflies. Cassie brings fearless honesty to her prolific lyric writing, channeling her experiences as a mother, former All-American soccer player, and survivor of life's beautiful chaos. Rich weaves in melodic dimension and guitar textures honed through years of stage performing. Together and individually, they write captivating songs across genres—from indie Americana to retro country to blues rock—always guided by their philosophy of letting each song go where it wants to go. Their debut album "Heart over Head," produced a #1 folk radio single, earned a Songwriter Universe "Song of the Month," and reached #125 on the Americana Albums Chart. For this special performance, you'll experience Cassie and Rich in a unique setting: just the songs, the stories, and the raw craft behind them.
Scott Hunt - (Singer-Songwriter - fiddle/mando/banjo/guitar) Tampa, FL
Hunt is a singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist based in Tampa, FL. He has played extensively across the country and has opened or shared the stage with a wide variety of well known artists, but also some extremely talented, lesser known artists. Hunt currently performs both solo and with several artists and bands, including Cassie Jean and the Fireflies (original Americana), Joel Hosler (original artist), Whiskey County (90’s Country tribute band), and TrueGritzz (bluegrass).
Doug Burns - (Singer-Songwriter / Guitarist) - Venice, FL
https://www.reverbnation.com/dougburns
Doug Burns is a singer/songwriter from Venice, FL. He started his journey playing in punk rock bands, but for the last 15 years has been writing Americana and Alt-Country songs. He has released a full-length CD, an EP, and multiple singles. Doug has played shows with artists including John Anderson, Wynonna Judd, Joe Buck, and even Night Ranger! For the last six months, he has been supporting his most recent release, "Shiny Things".
PALLADIUM SIDE DOOR: 253 5th Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 https://mypalladium.org/ (727) 822-3590 BOX OFFICE EMAIL - pal.tix@spcollege.edu
#palladium #stpete #songwritershow #listeningroom #musicscene #nanettewiser
#august2025 #cassiejeanandthefireflies #stpete #stpetefl #tampabay #radio #radiostpete
What happens when local songwriters challenge themselves to write new music—every two weeks, based on a random prompt pulled from a hat? You get the Wednesday Writers Room: a dynamic collective that’s been trading ideas, deadlines, and inspiration since January 2025. In this special In the Round showcase – set in the Palladium’s intimate Side Door Cabaret, the perfect listening room – the group’s eight founding members take the stage for an evening of brand-new songs and behind-the-scenes stories about the creative sparks (and struggles) that brought them to life.
Set 1: Rebekah Pulley, Josh Plummer, Jay Taylor, and Dean Johanesen
Set 2: Cassie Jean, Rich Odato, Scott Hunt, and Doug Burns
DATE: Saturday, August 9, 2025 TIME: Doors at 7pm - Show starts at 8pm.
TICKETS: Reserved Seating: $50, $40 - General Admission: $25 (adv. rate $20 until 6/21) BUY TICKETS HERE.
MEET THE MUSICIANS AND SONGWRITERS
For more information: Dean Johanesen -djohanesen@gmail.com
Dean Johanesen - (Singer-Songwriter / Guitarist) - Ellenton, FL
https://deanjohanesen.com/home
Dean is a songwriter and guitarist inspired by historical fiction, speakeasy era Americana and the sounds of Hot Club Jazz, Western Swing and American Roots Music. Johanesen released a new EP titled Semi Tennessee in 2025 that was recorded in Nashville. Johanesen tracked at The Owl Studio with Producer and bassist Shawn Byrne of Great Hill Productions. The session band included Nashville's - Joe Spivey - Violin (Time Jumpers,) Pete Finney - Steel Guitar (Mike Nesmith of the Monkees and Patty Loveless,) & John McTigue III - Drums - (Emmylou Harris, Raul Malo of the Mavericks etc.) The Semi Tennessee EP is currently available at community and independent radio stations across the US. The title track and single was in the top 20 (at 19 in January) on the Americana Charts for APD Radio and the title track, Semi Tennessee, was picked as one of the top 5 best songs on Songwriter Universe in January as well.
Rebekah Pulley - (Singer-songwriter / Guitarist) St. Petersburg
https://rebekahpulley.com/
Rebekah Pulley is a St. Petersburg based singer-songwriter whose music has been described as jaw dropping, with a tendency to break your heart and shake your soul. She's etched out a fruitful living in a diverse setting of house concerts, bars, and festivals earning herself eight 'Best Of The Bay’ awards from Tampa’s own Creative Loafing. Rebekah’s musical style has wryly evolved tapping roots-rock, blues, old-school country & western, jazz, and even gospel to become a must have for the most discerning Americana and Folk music fans.
Josh Plumer - (SInger-Songwriter / Guitarist) -
https://www.joshplummermusic.com/
Josh is a singer/songwriter based out of Tampa/St.Pete, FL. He writes from personal experience and shares stories of love, loss, introspection, and heartbreak. His songwriting and lyrical influences include Ray LaMontagne, Dave Matthews, Nathaniel Rateliff, Noah Gundersen, Matthew Mayfield, Ruston Kelly, Ryan Adams, and Gregory Alan Isakov. Josh now has 3 EPs available on all streaming platforms, "Before You Dig" (2020), "The Stake" (2021), and "Wrong Side of Sunrise" (2022).
Jay Taylor - (Singer-Songwriter / guitarist) - Duette, FL
https://www.jaytaylormusic.com/
Born in Duette, FL, on a 2,500 acre farm and ranch, Jay learned early the meaning of hard work and discipline from a supportive family and God that has come in very handy since moving to Nashville, TN in January of 2008. Since moving to “Music City” Jay has played in over 40 states and several of Nashville’s famous venues including Tootsies Orchid Lounge, 3rd and Lindsley, and live on famous WSM 650 A.M. His original music has many elements of his own musical influences such as George Strait, Elvis Presley, The Beatles, even subtle hints of Motown and Southern Gospel can be heard. “I grew up singing in an old Southern Baptist church where my mom played piano and there was just something about her playing and singing that captured me, it still does to this day. Moving back to Florida in the wake of Covid-19 he still plays live 2-3 times a week, works the family ranch selling and raising beef cattle, and built a Tallow Skincare Company called Circle 6 Tallow.
Cassie Jean Barbaresi & Rich Odato - (Singer-Songwriters / Guitar & Vocals Casssie Jean and The Fireflies) - Tampa Bay, FL
https://cassiejeanandthefireflies.com/home
Tampa Bay songwriters who found their creative spark during the 2020 pandemic and are the driving force of Cassie Jean and the Fireflies. Cassie brings fearless honesty to her prolific lyric writing, channeling her experiences as a mother, former All-American soccer player, and survivor of life's beautiful chaos. Rich weaves in melodic dimension and guitar textures honed through years of stage performing. Together and individually, they write captivating songs across genres—from indie Americana to retro country to blues rock—always guided by their philosophy of letting each song go where it wants to go. Their debut album "Heart over Head," produced a #1 folk radio single, earned a Songwriter Universe "Song of the Month," and reached #125 on the Americana Albums Chart. For this special performance, you'll experience Cassie and Rich in a unique setting: just the songs, the stories, and the raw craft behind them.
Scott Hunt - (Singer-Songwriter - fiddle/mando/banjo/guitar) Tampa, FL
Hunt is a singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist based in Tampa, FL. He has played extensively across the country and has opened or shared the stage with a wide variety of well known artists, but also some extremely talented, lesser known artists. Hunt currently performs both solo and with several artists and bands, including Cassie Jean and the Fireflies (original Americana), Joel Hosler (original artist), Whiskey County (90’s Country tribute band), and TrueGritzz (bluegrass).
Doug Burns - (Singer-Songwriter / Guitarist) - Venice, FL
https://www.reverbnation.com/dougburns
Doug Burns is a singer/songwriter from Venice, FL. He started his journey playing in punk rock bands, but for the last 15 years has been writing Americana and Alt-Country songs. He has released a full-length CD, an EP, and multiple singles. Doug has played shows with artists including John Anderson, Wynonna Judd, Joe Buck, and even Night Ranger! For the last six months, he has been supporting his most recent release, "Shiny Things".
PALLADIUM SIDE DOOR: 253 5th Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 https://mypalladium.org/ (727) 822-3590 BOX OFFICE EMAIL - pal.tix@spcollege.edu
#palladium #stpete #songwritershow #listeningroom #musicscene #nanettewiser
#august2025 #cassiejeanandthefireflies #stpete #stpetefl #tampabay #radio #radiostpete