ACMA Songwriters at the Plaza. Alan Bradford, Bill Saltzman, Karen Cohen 

The Lee County Library has joined with The ACMA (Americana Community Music Association), to offer FREE concerts of all original music by local Artists. Concerts will take place in the Amphitheater, which is located on South Cornog Plaza. Bring a chair or a blanket, shows will be moved to the meeting rooms located next to the amphitheater if needed depending on weather.

The ACMA is a Fort Myers based not for profit promoting local artists who perform original songs. What to expect, you will hear singer-songwriters sharing a lifetime of experiences in song and the inspiration behind the songs. Be prepared to enjoy an evening of professional quality acoustic Americana music. Americana music is a coming together of blues, roots, folk , bluegrass, and country. Lots of room to spread out so bring a friend.

Alan Bradford, started playing music while growing up in New Jersey. In college in the early 70’s, Alan had the opportunity to play with many touring professionals, one of whom became a great influence in his songwriting style was Harry Chapin. He became not only a mentor but a trusted source of advice. Alan has played many types of venues in Southwest Florida and throughout the east coast of the United States. Recently he played the Island Hopper and had the opportunity to play with many professional songwriters such as Kat Higgins, and Grammy winner Frank Myers.

Alan’s love of music led him to write and record his own songs. His CD of original music, “From the Heart”, is having great success.“Johnson’s Farm” and “Cowboy Heaven”, which are getting worldwide airtime. BMI (the international music licensing agency which represents Alan) has just informed him that his original songs are now being used in films, and television shows. He is currently recording more of his original music.

Bill Saltzman’s earliest memories involve music. He vividly recalls sitting in front of an RCA record player listening to Mary Martin’s Broadway performance of Peter Pan, Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite and Tubby the Tuba in Orchestraville, which introduces a range of orchestral instruments from piccolo to tuba, teaches musical appreciation and also conveys some important lessons about life. 

So much has already been written about that evening in February, 1964 when the Fab Four was seen by a record television audience of 73 million, and launched American Beatlemania and the wider British Invasion of American pop music. Like so many viewers of his generation, that moment inspired Bill to become a musician.

Beginning his journey as a drummer, Bill expanded his musical scope to include percussion, vocals, piano and most recently, baritone ukulele. He has performed with bands throughout his life, featuring a wide range of genres including Rock, Folk/Rock, Americana and even an Elvis tribute band. 

Bill recently discovered his passion for songwriting and two of his earliest songs are featured on The Original Waysiders Album. He regularly attends the Swannanoa Gathering, an annual songwriting workshop near Asheville, North Carolina where he works alongside several Grammy award-winning songwriters. 

Karen Cohen, a lifelong guitar player and visual artist, Karen has creative focus. She is known for having a Signature finger picking style. Karen has been singing and sharing covers of her favorite 70’s folk musicians, old Delta Blues arrangements, and her New favorite Artist of the month for almost 20 years. She has fans at guitar circles, open mics and stages from Ft. Myers to Brookville FL. More recently Karen has put her focus on Songwriting. A new outlet of creativity for her, but as she put’s it; “It all comes from the same source. Karen likes to start with the lyrics, then tunes into the emotion of the lyric to find a Melody. She says, “the melody just seems to start playing along with the words”. Her songs convey strong emotion and authenticity, while telling you a story.