Janis Carper

ENTERPRISE — The Wallowa Valley Music Alliance will start the 18th season of Tunesmith Night, a showcase of original music, on Saturday, Oct. 14.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the music starts at 7 p.m. at the Odd Fellows Hall, 105 NE First St. Admission is $10. Beverage service is available.

The musicians

Veteran songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist Mike Coykendall has been prolific over the last three decades or so. Currently most well-known for his duties as a sideman, producer, and recordist — via his work with M Ward, Blitzen Trapper, She & Him, Sallie Ford, Tommy Alexander, The Minders, & Tin Hat Trio, to name a few — Coykendall has been making his own unique outsider records since the mid-1980s. This will be his first appearance at Tunesmith Night.

Travis Ward is a “bare-knuckled folk singer, a broke down blues man, a DIY archivalist, producer, retired basketball player, fly fisher, poodle walker, but most importantly, a family man.” Ward has toured the U.S., UK and Europe. He’s played countless dive bars, festivals and theaters from near and far, and created film, soundtrack and live theater work. He’s part of the “junkerdash” band Hillfolk Noir, based out of Boise.

Janis Carper has an ability to craft lyrics and melodies that reach into the heart and mind. Her guitar playing supports songs that grip the listener — from the somber and reflective to the light and humorous. Carper’s singing style reflects influences like Bonnie Raitt, Rosanne Cash and Lucinda Williams. She has numerous recordings of original music to her credit and is also known locally for her work as executive director of the Wallowa Valley Music Alliance.