August Meeting Recap

Hey songwriters,

The chorus is more than just a recurring part of a song. Members of Pittsburgh Songwriters Circle showed why at the group’s Aug. 1 meeting, where the monthly focus was on “the chorus.” Playing original songs and describing their goals for the chorus, members explained that a well-written chorus can provide perspective when a story is conveyed in the verse, advance the storyline or create a musical touchstone that returns at intervals to hold the listener’s attention. Changing a key word each time it comes around on the chorus, members said, often can keep listeners listening.

Gerard Rohlf (Gerard.Rohlf@gmail.com) showcased his tasty choruses in a well-performed 30-minute featured set preceding the open stage. The next meeting, Tue., Sept. 5, will serve to introduce new memberKev Gray. The suggested songwriting assignment: Write a children’s song. Learn more at pittsburghsongwriterscircle.org/assignments

We’re moving

In case you haven’t heard, Bloomfield Bridge Tavern will close Oct. 21. With the Nov. 5 meeting,  Pittsburgh Songwriters Circle will move to Club Cafe (56 South 12th St, Pittsburgh, 15203 [East Carson and 12th streets, South Side]. 412-431-4950, clubcafelive.com.

Deadlines, deadlines

For the 31 group members with songs on this year’s album project, there are just two deadlines left.

– Aug. 18 CREDITS TEXT DEADLINE  To insure the accuracy and timeliness of printed credits, please send all credits to jhayes@post-gazette.com. Include song title, songwriter(s) name, professional affiliations if any, and all studio performers’ names (check spellings) and instruments. Graphic space will be tight, no room for “soprano backing vocals,” “Gibson 2017 Les Paul Faded T Electric Guitar,” “spiritual advisor Jerry Garcia,” etc.Send your credits text structured like this: “Song Title” by Bob Brown (BMI)  Vocal, guitar: Bob Brown  Guitar: Steve Smith  Bass: Mike Hickman  Drums: Tom Evans. Text will be formatted and emailed back to you for confirmation.

– Sept. 1 RECORDING DEADLINE: All recording must be finished. The recording deadline

advances the project and accommodates the mastering deadline.

Misc.

– Organizers of Walk and Roll Pittsburgh for GBS (Guillain-Barre Syndrome), a benefit for the neurological disease, are looking for performers for their Sat., Sept. 16 event at a South Park pavilion. For details and to get on the list contact Circle member Joan Eisert (eisert.joan@comcast.net).

– Pittsburgh Songwriters Circle has been invited back to play at Venture Outdoors’ annual TriAnglers end-of-season celebration 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Wed. Sept. 27. Members perform with amplification on the North Shore wharf near the Clemente Bridge. To get on the list email jhayes@post-gazette.com.

See you soon,

• John