Hey songwriters,

Not many takers on “write a song inspired by a photo.” But several interesting songs were workshopped at the Nov. 4 meeting of Pittsburgh Songwriters Circle, and 14 members in attendance shared lively discussion. It was a treat to hear the first featured set by veteran Circle member Dennis McCurdy (hith@zoominternet.net ) in at least a couple of years.

At the Dec. 2 meeting (7 p.m., Bloomfield Bridge Tavern, 4412 Liberty Ave., 412-682-8611), the theme for the optional songwriting assignment is “winter.” David Michael King (kingsomma@igc.org) will be the featured performer.

CDs are in from both of this year’s album projects. Pick up yours at the next Calliope Songwriters Open Stage 9 p.m. Tue., Nov. 11, or at the CD release event.

Duh! Before this week’s meeting I forgot to ask for donations of members’ independent CDs for our annual raffle at the release event. Sorry about that. CDs by group members, particularly those who are performing, are very popular among our audience. If you have CDs, EPs, etc., that you’d like to donate, please drop them off at the Nov. 11 open stage or shoot me a message (jhayes@post-gazette.com) to make other arrangements.

If you plan to play at the show but have yet to get back to me to confirm, well, get back to me to confirm. Day of event, songwriters and accompanists should be at Pittsburgh Center for the Arts as near to 6:30 p.m. as possible, and find me to get on the roster.

Here are the details:

Fri., Nov. 14, 7-11 p.m., Pittsburgh Center for the Arts, 6300 Fifth Ave., Shadyside, 412-361-0873.

– Admission $7, kids 10 and under free.

– Parking free at Pittsburgh Center for the Arts lots; additional street parking available on Shady Avenue.

– Sandwiches, beer, wine and other beverages available for purchase.

If you’re not on the CD, please come to the show. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Pittsburgh Songwriters Circle will hold its Christmas party 7-10 p.m., Sat., Dec. 13 at Bloomfield Bridge Tavern. Free with a canned donation for the Pittsburgh Food Bank, or $5 at the door. Bob Cook (Rob.L.Cook@icloud.com) will debut songs from his new Christmas album, and Sue Gartland (suegartland@juno.com) and Cathasaigh (cnmusic@cathasaigh.com) will play sets from their Christmas albums. Other members who have original holiday songs will play them, too, and we’ll all join in traditional Christmas songs.

Sue is recruiting members to play their original holiday songs and traditional tunes at the City Mission (Dec. 14, Washington, Pa.) and Light of Life Mission (Dec. 18, at New Hope Church on North Ave., North Side). Interested? Please contact Sue at the above address.

See you soon,