Rhode Island Idol, 2009
The Second Rhode Island Idol Concert was held on Sunday, May 3, 2009 at Stone Soup Coffeehouse (St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 50 Park Place, Pawtucket, RI). Singer-songwriters had been selected from various Open Mike Sessions held throughout the state during the month of April.
The Judges’ Choice for Rhode Island Idol 2009 was Garry Foisy.
The Audience selected L. Joe Benton.
The Performers chose L. Joe Benton.
The RI Idol Open Mikes and the Stone Soup Concert are in a contest format but all are also designed as workshops where artists receive constructive criticism from guest judges. The RI Idol is a music series that focuses on original music and builds ties among open mike venues and the more formal listening room stage. The focus is on the relationship between artist and audience, highlighting original composition and musical ability with voice and instrument. The RI Idol celebrates acoustic music, encompassing the evolution of the folk genre as it is interpreted by all generations of singer-songwriters. The RI Idol is designed to encourage and support the many talented and inventive artists in Rhode Island.
The guest judges on May 3, 2009 were Brenda Bennett, Jon Campbell, Marilyn Edge, John Fuzek, and Heather Rose. Their comments provided feedback on the strength of the writing, including the imagery in, and flow of, the song lyrics and the strength and tightness of the story line; comments on instrumentation included the predictability and the experimentation of the music, and overall musicianship. They discussed the interplay of voice and music. They provided feedback on stage presence, including the artists’ awareness and connection to the audience.
The performers were Steve Allain, Gary Foisy, Liz Boehmke, Bill Lewis, Blaze Vestibule, Frank Martyn, L. Joe Benton, Adrian Baillargeon, Tom Shields, and Danielle Mossman.
The concert began with 2008 Rhode Island Idol, Hannah Devine.
Hannah Devine 
Garry Foisy 
L. Joe Benton 
Judges 
Steve Allain 
Liz Boehmke 
Bill Lewis 
Blaze Vestibule 
Frank Martyn 
Adrian Baillargeon 
Tom Shields 
Danielle Mossman 