Local singer-songwriter relocating to Nashville
By Charles Cassady
Insights
Published March 5, 2008

Anne E. DeChant

There is a movie theater in Lorain County (which shall remain nameless) where all former employees sign their names on the concessions-stand door. They should perhaps put extra security on guarding that door (or donate it to the Rock Hall or something) because of one especially prominent signature: Anne E. DeChant.

DeChant, an Avon Lake native, most recently a resident of Lakewood, went from a youthful gig working the popcorn stand to a career headlining as one of the North Coast’s most prominent and visible singer-songwriters. Both solo and as a member of the group Odd Girl Out, she’s appeared at countless street fairs, clubs and coffeehouses, as well as major stages and local radio and TV.

But lately her appearances have taken on the vibe of a farewell tour. That’s because Anne E. DeChant is relocating to Nashville, to take her career to the next level.

Why Nashville, instead of NY or LA? “I’ve been to all three of those cities,” she said, “and the one that is the most about these things is Nashville. To me it is Music City...As a writer, it’s the place where I need to put myself.”

In her official statement on the move, DeChant wrote, “In Nashville I’ll be able to attend workshops on songwriting every week, do an open mic any night of the week and have access to the music industry in a way that I cannot here at home. I’ve never felt ready until now to make any sort of move. But now I feel I’m ready and I’m heading out to chase some more fun and adventure. I’ve had 19 years to prepare.”

It was in 1989 that DeChant began performing professionally, as a backup vocalist for singer-songwriter Craig Robertson. She logs her first professional performance at the Barking Spider in University Circle. Since then she released six independent CDs (the latest entitled “Girls and Airplanes”), and - in imitation of the Nashville scene - founded a “Songwriters Circle” that convened regularly at the Winchester Tavern and Concert Hall in Lakewood, hosting other acoustic-minded solo artists for nights of performance and conversation.

“They’ve been very successful,” DeChant said of the Songwriters Circle, though she said there are no plans to continue it under a successor.

“When I do come here - and when I come back because my family lives here - I’ll try to do one of those shows,” she said.

But the next time the Winchester hosts DeChant it will be her official farewell performance. She takes the stage at the Winchester on Friday, March 21, at 9 p.m., in a full-band show with an all-star lineup of guests that include her Odd Girl Out bandmate Alexis Antes, Chris Allen (formerly of the band Roosevelt and a frequent Songwriters Circle guest), Brian Bretton, Chris Hanna, and others, for an evening of music, reminiscing and looking ahead.

The $10 tickets to this show should be purchased in advance. Call the Winchester at (216) 226-5681. The club is located at 12112 Madison Ave. in Lakewood.

DeChant said that many have expressed fears that she will forget all about northeast Ohio, but she vows that will not be the case. You can follow her adventures (and also purchase tickets online to the Winchester show) via her Web site journals at www.anneedechant.com.

IN OTHER local news, Michael Stanley has announced he’s departing town too, to share live appearance and TV-hosting chores in Hollywood with Drew Carey. The Cleveland Orchestra is moving to San Jose. Dick Goddard is relocating his Woolly Bear Festival to Florida, to be shared between Disney World, Universal Studios and Six Flags Orlando in alternating Novembers. And team mascot “Slider” is signing on with the New England Patriots.

No, just kidding about all those. Early April Fools. We think. Somebody hide the SUV keys and the roadmaps from LeBron James, quick!