April Meeting Recap
Hey Songwriters,
Saying the lyrics instead of singing them while playing an instrument isn’t easy. Still, several good spoken-word songs were performed at the April meeting of Pittsburgh Songwriters Circle.
Mike Hickman (studio@fallguys.net), producer of the group’s annual compilation album, offered studio tips and met with newcomers to the project. In the featured slot, Howard Davidson (bachblue@aol.com) and friends performed a rousing set of bluegrass/country-inspired originals and covers.
The May 2 meeting will mark the return of prodigal daughter Jenny Morgan (jennymorganmusic@gmail.com) as the invited featured performer. The songwriting assignment is to reinvent a familiar song as a distinctive cover. Get details by accessing the Monthly Assignments page on this website.
Album project
The first deadline of the Songwriters Circle’s 2018 album project is May 5, when members must confirm their intention to participate by submitting the $100 duping and participation fee. The money pays for the pressing and printing of the CDs, shipping and miscellaneous group expenses. Make checks payable to John Hayes at 101 Daggette Dr., Buena Vista, PA 15018.
Not sure about it? The duping-participation fee is fully refunded to members who back out before their first recording session. Studio fees are paid to Mike at the reduced group rate. Read album details on the website’s 2018 CD Project page.
Art All Night
One of Pittsburgh’s coolest events, Art All Night combines visual art by hundreds of artists, exhibit space in a sprawling warehouse, local music on five stages, wandering crowds and mysteries of the night. Circle member Brian Junker (junkerb@gmail.com), master of the AAN Coffeehouse Stage, invites songwriters to get on the performance list by contacting him at his email address. In its 20th year, Art All Night runs 4 p.m. Sat., April 29 to 2 p.m. April 30 at the Wilson McGinley building, 85 36th St., Lawrenceville. Visit the event’s website for details.
Pittsburgh Marathon May 7
You perform while tens of thousands of people run past the Songwriters Circle kiosk. We all bring food — bagels, donuts, cookies, etc. — and make it a group breakfast party. I’ll have details later, but the marathon starts at 7 a.m. and I think the runners start passing us at about 8:30 a.m. Be there by then. Our corner is midway through the race at North Braddock and Kelly Street. It’s a lot of fun. If you’re interested please get back to me at this address.
See you soon,
— John
