Board Meetings:
The board plans to meet quarterly on the 2nd Sunday in March, June, September and December. However, sometimes this date has been changed. Consult the calendar for more details.
Current Board Members:
President/Meetup/Facebook – Steve Berman
Term expires February 2027
I picked up the harmonica while hitching back to Detroit from Woodstock. After being ejected from many classy joints over the next 38 years, I met the wonderful Sandy Lessner, who actually liked it. We volunteered at the 2007 Solstice Festival, and were invited to join the Santa Monica Traditional Folk Music Club, and then Songmakers. I’m a retired UCLA neuroscientist with two grown daughters, and plan to spend the rest of the time I’m given making music whenever possible. I sing in synagogue choirs, and with the greater confidence derived from regular “Songmaking” have played harmonica at religious services for a few years. I never took a lesson and can’t read music, but I practice to the radio while commuting, and always find it magical when the right notes come out. Sandy and I began hosting the Agoura Hills song circle after our marriage in 2010. I’m honored to join the 2011 board because my grandfather taught me the value of giving back. As a Peace Corps volunteer in the 70s, I learned the African Thumb Piano. I sometimes teach for Hollywood Seido Karate, and am VP of our non-profit dojo. Besides Sandy, I also love dark chocolate, science-fiction, and camping at Rainbow Gatherings and Kenney Grove!
1st Vice President – Paul Jenkins
Term expires February 2027
Music has always been a part of my life. I started singing in church choirs when I was five, and continued through high school. When I was eight, I began playing cello, and when I was twelve by mother gave me a guitar (hoping I would learn Flamenco, which didn’t happen!) I loved The Kingston Trio, and idolized John Stewart, their banjo player. Soon I was playing banjo, and a year later mandolin. I joined the folksingers club in high school and formed my own folk trio.
My parents would not allow me to take my instruments with me to college since they felt they would distract me from my studies. Well, I attended California Western College in San Diego, and my first college weekend included a trip to Tijuana to purchase a $25 guitar. It lasted until I earned permission to bring my instruments to college, and soon I formed a psychedelic bluegrass band (hey, it was the ‘60’s), The Sot Weed Factor. We were on The Mr. Benjamin Show twice (KOGO-TV using another name we made up), played various schools, shopping centers, and other locations in San Diego, and were hired as the house band at a hippie bar in Chula Vista called The Western Front. Life was good!
I left college with degrees in Mathematics and Music. I started teaching elementary school but soon bought another guitar to keep in my classroom. Over my 38 years in education (all elementary and middle school grades, assistant principal, principal, and district race and human relations specialist) I always had guitar in my classroom or office. My current band, The Best of Friends, has been together 45 years. The title speaks for itself. When we began in the 70’s we were “kids,” then parents, and now grandparents. My family includes my wife, Andrea, our four kids, and our four grandchildren.
SongMakers is a great place to make friends, learn new songs, sing old songs, and kick back to enjoy life. By the way, I did get to meet my hero, John Stewart, and became a casual friend. I even sang Daydream Believer with him on a stage iPhoenix.
2nd Vice President/Membership Chair – Doug Kerr
Term expires February 2027
Doug Kerr would like to write about himself in the third person, but he thinks it just feels too darn weird. I think first person feels a little egocentric. And you just can’t make second person work any-which-way. What’s left? List format!
- Childhood piano lessons
- Elementary school orchestra – bass viol
- First guitar at 15, garage band with a repertoire of 5 songs and no gigs
- Marching band – sousaphone, bass viol in the UCLA third string student orchestra
- Beginning guitar teacher for L.A. Recreation and Parks at Silverlake Park
- MARRIED LINDA!!!
- Used guitar off and on throughout teaching career
- At age 19 promised Linda to write her a song, at age 61 actually wrote it
- First encountered Songmakers in approximately 2001 at Leo Carrillo
- Built our house
- Joined Songmakers upon retirement 3 years ago
- Hosts a monthly jam through Meetup.com
- Accepted Songmakers Board’s invitation to join the Board before they had a chance to re-consider
Treasurer – “Weezie” Dobbs
Term expires February 2027
Louise Dobbs was born in east L.A. (Boyle Heights) and has lived in Venice/Santa Monica for the last 30 years. Louise loves singing and many kinds of music including Folk, Old Country, Old-Timey, Cowboy, Bluegrass, Classic Rock and Roll, and last, but definitely not least, African pop. She loves a cappella singing too and is a member of The Harmonistas, a 4-woman a cappella group.
She loves Songmakers and has been a devoted member since 1992. Since 1996 she has served as Songmakers’ Treasurer and she regularly leads the West LA Hoot. Her hobbies include walking and fitness, spirituality, reading and movies.
Recording Secretary – Janice Gelencser
Term expires February 2026
I grew up singing alto in school and church choirs which I believe gave me the ability to hear and sing harmonies so easily. I loved the sounds of the 60’s folk groups and got my first guitar when I was 14. Using the Mel Bay instruction books, I taught myself chords and began singing and playing with friends who had the same musical interests. Playing music with others has been one of my greatest joys in life and led me to play in various acoustic bands.
In 2007, my husband, Andy and I began the Gelencser House Concert series, gelencserhouseconcerts.com. We host talented singer/songwriters and acoustic bands from near and far.
Andy and I joined Songmakers in 1986. We love the music activities and the lasting friendships we made through the years.
Corresponding Secretary/Social Media/Sunshine and Showers – Sally Charette
Term expires February 2026
Sally first sang harmony as a little kid while her dad drove the family through Indiana farmland in search of cool air and ice cream. Though she was in plays and musicals in high school and college, she switched from Theater major to English/Creative Writing when she moved to L.A. She’s been a member of one writing group or another for almost twenty years, and was a PEN Emerging Voices Fellow. She’s had stories, poetry, articles and photography published along the way and has kept a blog at www.anygivensundry.com since 2005. She also loves hiking, reading, gardening, cooking, yoga, Zumba, most of her job as a TV/film script researcher, and hanging out at coffee houses and all-night diners.
She and her favorite (and only) husband, Dana, joined the organization in 1998. They both know that the support and experience gained through Songmakers has helped them become more confident singers (and player in Dana’s case). Sally is also the campout coordinator for Kenney Grove.
After years of singing around Songmakers’ campfires and hoots, Sally became part of an impromptu wall of harmonic sound at Roundup 2011. Was it the first time she, Louise Dobbs, Janice Gelencser and Launice Walker had all been in the same room at the same time? Maybe, since none of them live closer than an hour to any of the rest. They decided they needed to explore their mutual affinity for harmony, and The Harmonistas were born. In just under two years, they gave their first concert, they continue to have a blast at their rehearsal/pajama parties and typically will perform at the drop of a hat.
Hoot Co-ordinator/Sunshine and Showers – Sandy Lessner
Term expires February 2026
Sandy Lessner is a newly semi-retired social worker and special education teacher who loves music and has played violin since the 4th grade. She played in the Beverly Hills HS orchestra and later at UCLA, where she studied with Mehli Mehta and Andre Oskay (one time first chair of the London Philharmonic). Sandy has played in the Palisades Symphony and other community orchestras
Since joining Songmakers, her challenge has been learning to play by ear, an enjoyable work-in-progress. Sandy also sings in her synagogue choir, and has been honored to play Kol Nidre on the violin for several years at High Holiday services. She loves Songmakers campouts, and is glad to join the 2014 board to give something back to this enriching organization (and to keep a retirement promise to her husband : ).
Archivist/Historian – Linnea Richards
Term expires February 2026
I heard Irene Goodnight, loved it, and have been singing ever since. I played with a duo and bluegrass group while living in San Diego. In Ojai I taught music in several private schools. During those early years I always enjoyed teaching guitar as well.
I was active in Song Makers in the ‘90s and like the prodigal child returned. Children’s music has always been a strong strand in my offering. I share a parent/toddler pre-literacy program, Music in Motion, at the Agoura Hills Library on Friday mornings, 9:30 am, singing children’s folk songs in support of young families. I also help with music for a Sufi inspired Universal Worship Service in Malibu Canyon using Songs for Earthlings, (a song book for the folks of our planet).
Folk music (all music and art) helps us ‘remember who we are, and why we are here’. The songs, the tunes, express our human experience in all its wonder and mystery, share our roots and values guiding our journey. Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger, Bob Dylan, and so many more, are our heroes because they do such a fine job capturing our stories.
I am happy to be helping Song Makers spread the joy that music brings to our community.
PR Chair – Louis Richter
Term expires February 2027
Director – Alan Stillson
Term expires February 2027
NEW WORKS:
Democratic Values Concert, 2021
Steven Hardy’s Life Matters, 2020
PUBLISHED WORKS:
11word puzzle books
3 musical productions
OTHER PUBLISHED ITEMS:
Mensa puzzle columns
American Way – American Airlines in-flight magazine – puzzles
California Educator Magazine – puzzles
REVIEWS AND INTERVIEWS:
People Magazine
Television interview – Time Warner Cable, “Good Morning Colorado”
Radio interviews – WCCO, KOW, KKTL, KGNU, Dudley
PROFESSIONAL AND MEMBERSHIPS:
College mathematics professor – 2002 – 2017
Writer workshops – Greater LA Mensa, Santa Barbara, Lehman Engel
Memberships – Songmakers, Dramatists Guild, Association of Los Angeles Playwrights, National Puzzlers League, Mensa
INSTRUMENTS PLAYED AND MUSICAL GENRE PREFERENCES:
Keyboards and guitar – folk, musical theater, standards, and oldies from the 50s, 60s, and 70s
Webmaster/Calendar/E-Chord – Mary Zangerle
Term expires February 2026
I was born in South Bend, Indiana and lived in Ohio and Colorado before moving to Moorpark with my husband Mike in 2008. We had played together in college, but as our family and careers took up more time, playing was put on hold. After moving to California, Mike and I found Songmakers, dusted off the guitars and joined the group around 2015. We still play some of the songs we played together in the early days (I think we finally know them). I also discovered that bluegrass music and jams were common in the Los Angeles area and it renewed my passion for bluegrass. I took up the mandolin in 2015 and won first place in Mandolin in 2016 at the Old-Time Fiddler’s Convention in Santa Barbara. I have also placed at Topanga over the years and I played in several bluegrass bands before the pandemic.
I have a degree in Computer Science from Ohio State (go Bucks!) and jumped in to take over the Songmaker website when Carl Gage passed away unexpectedly in 2017.
Mike and I have enjoyed the campouts at Kenney Grove and all the songcircles and have made many friends along the way. I am looking forward to contributing what I can to our organization.
Director – Chuck Behrman
Term expires February 2026
Director – Warren Hasselberger
Term expires February 2027
I’ve got 2 older brothers by 6 and 7 years and they were into playing 45 rpm records. So I got to hear the pop hits when I was 6 or 7 and I loved it. We had my grandma’s old upright piano at our new house and I remember banging on all those keys for hours. Then one day my parents decided to get rid of it without asking me! My therapist says I’ll get over it someday.
I loved the Beatles and to play along I got a box, drumsticks and used Erector set parts for cymbals.
Soon after had my best Xmas when I got a full 3 piece drum set at age 11. Played with guitar buddies for a while and then got a portable Thomas organ, double keyboard and bass foot pedals! Next got a bass guitar and sang with a band that actually got a few paid jobs… a professional musician at age 13! Moved on to get a guitar and played in a few garage bands and came to California after getting married in the mid 1970’s.
Skip forward to the late 1990’s where I was seduced into joining Songmakers by Launice Walker…we were work colleagues. I was the Educational Audiologist for Ventura County Schools for 22 years working with hearing impaired students and performing hearing evaluations on 6 month to 21 year old kids.
I can play a number of instruments but not all very well. Guitar, dobro or lap steel guitar, pedal steel guitar, bass, mandolin, cello, ukulele, drums, harmonica and least clarinet.
I was on the board a long time ago and I look forward to helping on the board of Songmakers again.
Director – Michael Singletary
Term expires February 2027
Grew up singing to the Kingston Trio doing the dishes with dad. That man could play any song with the five chords he taught me on the guitar. When Brother Doug shipped out with the Navy, his albums fell to me; PP&M, Dylan, Phil Ochs… my radicalisation began.
I bought my first steel strung, the day after seeing Cat Stevens on PBS. My psychedelic 60’s kicked in with the Dead & Donovan led me to British folk rock & ballads, the Incredible String Band, Steeleye, Fairport…
Formed a folk group, Eliza Swan (named for a whaling ship), but broke up shortly after opening for Peter Yarrow (himself opening for Pete Seeger) at a KPFK International Folk Festival. A bit deflated & sensing that folk music wasn’t paying much room & board, I got a machinist’s toolbox and a blue collar career. I still played lots of music… real Working Class Hero stuff.
Anyway, now a full time musician – writing a bit; bar gigs covering Dylan, Dead &etc with pal Bruce as the Men of Distinction; enjoying a weekly jam with Brother Tim & friends; singing with the Santa Clarita Master Chorale & with a UU choir; teaching Guitars For Vets; and now enjoying other musical offerings with Songmakers.
Volunteers holding board affiliated positions:
Election Chair – Linda Szitkar
My name is Linda Szitkar and I am not a musician. But I have always loved music. I grew up with Gregorian chants, show tunes, christmas carols, American classics, crooners, and cowboy tunes. As a teenager I loved the Beach Boys, Jan and Dean and Gene Pitney. Later I became enamored of folk music and the bands of the British Invasion. My husband, Doug Kerr, introduced me to Classical music, jigs and reels, and Mexican canciones. I sang with records or with my preschool students, but not with adults. After many years of saying no, I finally started singing with my husband a few years back. We now host a monthly meetup for accoustic music at our house. After retirement, we joined Songmakers and started camping at Kenney Grove. When Doug volunteered to join the Music in the Mountains committee, I joined as well. With us, you generally get two for the price of one. I am proud to have been asked to assist the board of Songmakers and to be able to give back to a group that has welcomed us with open arms.
We would like to honor our past Songmaker presidents:
Former Presidents left to right: Richard Conroy, Willard Smith, Ken Graydon, Phee Sherline Graydon, Jackie Smith, Dean Donin, Kay Conroy and Bruce Farwell.
| 1964 | Hana Moss | 1994 | Bruce Farwell | |
| 1965 | Marjorie Morris | 1995 | Kay Conroy | |
| 1966 | Frank Drucker | 1996 | Kay Conroy | |
| 1967 | Frank Drucker | 1997 | Kay Conroy | |
| 1968 | Bob Wimmer | 1998 | Kay Conroy | |
| 1969 | Hadley Hendrick | 1999 | Kay Conroy | |
| 1970 | Peggy Tobin | 2000 | Kay Conroy | |
| 1971 | Mary Droege | 2001 | Kay Conroy | |
| 1972 | Mary Droege | 2002 | Gary Lynch | |
| 1973 | Phee Sherline | 2003 | Gary Lynch | |
| 1974 | Phee Sherline | 2004 | Cliff Nichols | |
| 1975 | Phee Sherline | 2005 | Tom Scott | |
| 1976 | Phee Sherline | 2006 | Tom Scott | |
| 1977 | Peggy Tobin | 2007 | Tom Scott | |
| 1978 | Peggy Tobin | 2008 | Tom Scott | |
| 1979 | Clark Weissman | 2009 | Kathy Lynch | |
| 1980 | Ken Graydon | 2010 | Kathy Lynch | |
| 1981 | Ken Graydon | 2011 | Kathy Lynch | |
| 1982 | Ken Graydon | 2012 | Steve Berman | |
| 1983 | Ken Graydon | 2013 | Steve Berman | |
| 1984 | John McFadyen | 2014 | Steve Berman | |
| 1985 | Willard Smith | 2015 | Steve Berman | |
| 1986 | Willard Smith | 2016 | Steve Berman | |
| 1987 | Dean Kenney | 2017 | Steve Berman | |
| 1988 | Dean Kenney | 2018 | Steve Berman | |
| 1989 | Dean Kenney | 2019 | Steve Berman | |
| 1990 | Jackie Smith | 2020 | ||
| 1991 | Jackie Smith | 2021 | ||
| 1992 | Dean Donin | 2022 | ||
| 1993 | Dick Conroy | 2023 |