WTMD is excited to host the release show for “Gut It To the Studs” from Baltimore’s Americana songstress Letitia VanSant (leh-tih-sha).
Her first nationally distributed studio album, “Gut It to the Studs” is a poignant collection of originals and one cover. On it, VanSant sings of emotional empowerment, taking control of one’s destiny and leading with truth in her singular compositions, while offering a standout indie-folk rendition of Buffalo Springfield’s “For What It’s Worth.”
Upon weighing the power of music to move people, VanSant ultimately left her nine-to-five job in DC to become a musician. She hasn’t looked back, and for good reason. She’s won a slew of awards with Kerrville (New Folk Winner), the Mid-Atlantic Songwriting Contest (Gold; Folk Category), Falcon Ridge (Emerging Artist), and Rocky Mountain Folks Fest Songwriting Contest (1st Alternate). She’s graced the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage, and placed among the Top 10 listener-voted “Songs of the Year” by WTMD.
“Gut It To The Studs” opens in tandem with VanSant’s life as a full-time artist. To get off of the beaten path, though, one must contend with the uncertainties of uncharted territory. “Where I’m Bound” shows VanSant persevering through a “land of broken promises and streets of fool’s gold” with a “map in the stars,” and by following her faith.
VanSant left behind a nonprofit career to move back to Baltimore. In an effort to feel comfortable in her new skin, she looked at her emerging life and had to “Gut It To The Studs.” She sings, “gotta get the wires a-running right ‘fore the dry wall goes back up.”
“A clever woman with a lot to say.” -Baltimore City Paper
“Songwriting has always been a strongpoint for VanSant, who tells backwoods tales through heartfelt, confessional lyrics.” -Baltimore Magazine
Opening acts:
Caleb Stine is an Americana singer-songwriter who has been hailed by The Baltimore Sun as the “lynchpin of the Baltimore folk scene.” He has released more than 10 albums, scored music for films and acted off-Broadway.
Mark Whitaker is a Baltimore-based musician and songwriter. A recent transplant to the Mid-Atlantic, he spent the past decade in Boston, MA writing and performing original music across New England. His music draws from a range of influences including folk, blues, pop, and bluegrass. With rich vocals and thoughtful lyrics, Mark’s songs offer a fresh and introspective take on everyday emotions, as well as heavier subjects like crisis, heartbreak, heartburn, and heart repair.
Doors open at 8 p.m. and the show starts at 8:30 p.m. with opening act Mark Whitaker. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door.
WTMD is listener supported public radio from Towson University, at 1 Olympic Place in Towson.
