Songwriter Sessions featuring JJ Slater, Nicole Burke, Patrick Patterson and Russell Turnquist

Songwriter Sessions at Rapscallion bring the spirit of Nashville’s Bluebird Cafe to Lawrence: an intimate, in-the-round evening where talented songwriters trade songs, share the stories behind them, and invite the audience inside the creative process. Rather than a typical concert, these sessions spotlight the writers themselves—original lyrics, unexpected collaborations, unfinished ideas, and the real-life moments that inspired each song. Artists take turns performing, listening, laughing, and responding to one another in a relaxed, close-up setting. Grab a beer, settle in, and experience songs the way they begin: honest, personal, and just a few feet away. About JJ Slater  There’s a warm analog feel throughout, and Slater has a fondness for choogling guitars and soft-spoken vocals — he often sings in a murmur, and even when he projects his voice, it’s smooth and unforced.  Usually when folks describe JJ Slater’s music, words relate back to nature, the outdoors, the warm sun and the cool breeze. Based in New England, he has toured much of the US, playing festivals, basements, and club gigs, at times opening for artists like Kat Wright, NRBQ, Johnny A, and David Wax Museum. In 2022, he completed a residency at the Helene Wurlitzer Foundation, where he wrote his new record “The Silver Key”. It was recorded with a Mass Cultural Council grant in 2023, released at the end of 2024, and you’ll find him touring and playing the full record in 2025. He’ll also be touring with his Americana-Blues road-dog project Signature Dish , co-fronting the band with partner Lexi Weege and lending his songs to a dynamic, soul-journey set. In between rock bands, funk jams, and jazz brunches, JJ’s guitar playing is always centered and relentlessly rhythmic, with lead work that quotes both gutsy blues and celestial jazz. His songwriting is playful, with an ability to write a catchy hook and chorus, but take you down a minute-long rabbit hole with a wink and a grin- all with a soft, smoky approach to singing that recalls a burn ride with an old friend. About Nicole Burke Nicole Burke is a soprano, songwriter, and voice educator based in Lowell, Massachusetts. She holds a Bachelor of Music from McGill University and a Master of Music from the Royal College of Music. While in England, she performed at the iconic Royal Albert Hall in 2019. Her operatic credits include Josephine in H.M.S. Pinafore , Dalinda in Ariodante , Edith in The Pirates of Penzance , and Despina in Così fan tutte . Equally at home in musical theatre, she has portrayed roles such as Matron “Mama” Morton in Chicago , Marge in The Bridges of Madison County , and Mrs. Fezziwig in A Christmas Carol . Beyond the stage, Nicole is an independent singer-songwriter whose original music is available on all streaming platforms. Known for her clear, expressive soprano and emotionally honest lyricism, she writes songs that explore moments of transition, including heartbreak, growth, and experiences that do not always resolve neatly. After years in the classical world, she stepped into her own artistry, crafting a sound that is raw, reflective, and deeply human. Nicole is currently on faculty at the University of Massachusetts Lowell and is the founder of Nicole Burke Voice Studio in Dunstable, MA. She works with university and private students throughout the Greater Boston area and beyond, many of whom have gone on to perform leading roles in productions including Into the Woods , Beetlejuice , Mean Girls , Les Misérables , The Wizard of Oz , Matilda , Seussical , and Legally Blonde. About Patrick Patterson Patrick Patterson is a versatile composer, performer, and producer renowned for his expertise in alternative rock, hard rock, and heavy metal music. Armed with a penchant for improvisation, he delivers captivating live performances that blend melodic metal with dynamic spontaneity. Beyond his prowess as a performer, Patrick is best known for his audio production work from the Western Colorado Rockies to the New England hardcore/metal scene. About Russell Turnquist Russell Turnquist is the founder of the Rusted Bucket Band, a rock n roll unit based out of Arlington, MA. Drawing upon folk, classic rock, and the “alt country/Americana rock” inspirations, they have crafted their own sound and performance style. Since 2013, they have played shows throughout New England and graced many stages of the preeminent music clubs in the greater Boston area. Their debut full length album is slotted for a release at Atwood’s Tavern on Thursday, May 2nd. The record is co-produced by Russell Turnquist and Dave Westner (Woolly Mammoth Sound) and is peppered with many special guest contributions from east coast all star musicians, and a couple from the west coast too. If you are a fan of Wilco, Tom Petty, The Band, or any of the iterations born from that type of creative space, you’ll be pleased by the tradition and evolution carried on by The Rusted Bucket Band.