Instead of relaxing with her family on vacation in Hawaii earlier this month, 19-year-old singer-songwriter Stasia Conger was winning awards at the Kauai Music Festival Aug. 1 to 4.
“We were just going on vacation the same week [as the festival],” Conger explained. “I entered the songwriting contest and figured, ‘What the heck.'”
Conger, who tied with Kauai local, singer-songwriter David Tamaoka for first place, said her winning song, “Our Story’s Got No End,” was inspired by an ex-boyfriend.
Out of 150 entries, judges ultimately decided on six semi-finalists who each performed their compositions live at the Kauai Community College Performing Arts Center.
Of the festival, Conger said it wasn’t like any other music event she’s ever attended.
“It’s more personal – almost everyone is friendly and all the staff is actually available to just sit and chat during down time,” she said.
A four-day music workshop and competition, the Kauai Music Festival was created to increase the quality of the one-on-one time spent between instructors and attendants, according to a press release.
Richard McSheehy, president of the festival, said what stood out in his mind about Conger was her enigmatic stage presence.
“There were two things: her songs were really good songs and also her personality,” he said. “I think she has a great potential.”
With three albums currently to her credit, Conger said she was just 16 when she first started recording her own music.
“I started playing at my church when I was 14 and slowly it evolved into me writing my own music,” she said.
The first place prize, an appearance at a Broadcast Music Inc. (BMI) showcase, was awarded to both Conger and Tamaoka. When given the choice to attend the event either in New York City, Los Angeles or Nashville, Conger said she chose a March 2007 event in L.A. because of its close proximity. She’s also planning a West Coast tour to coincide with the appearance.
Some of Conger’s local appearances include coffeehouse sets at Lestat’s Normal Heights, Cosmos in La Mesa and Twiggs in University Heights, where she performs regularly. Although she said she enjoys taking the stage wherever the opportunity presents itself, she does have her favorite venues.
“It’s definitely a tie between Twiggs and Lestat’s,” she said. “It’s like home there.”
Because of Conger’s young age – her Point Loma High School days are not too distant a memory – she has not found too many gigs in Ocean Beach, which has more bars than coffee shops.
“I wish there were more venues closer, but … I’ll take what I can get,” she said.
For more information on Stasia Conger and her music, visit www.myspace.com/stasiaconger.