October Meeting Recap
Hey songwriters,
Pittsburgh Songwriters Circle ended its long run at Bloomfield Bridge Tavern Tuesday with standing-room-only attendance, good songs and discussion about merging words and music, and the kind of sing-along camaraderie that makes this group special. Beyond the wall, a full house heard Brian Junker’s (junkerb@gmail.com) mostly introspective set, and the open stage continued until closing time.
Bloomfield Bridge Tavern’s final open stage nights will be Oct. 10 (featured, Phil Light, plight@gmail.com) and Oct. 17 (featured, former host James Hovan, j.hovan@verizon.net).
Bloomfield Bridge Tavern’s last night will be Sat., Oct. 21.
Nov. 7 meeting: Suggested assignment, write a song with the sharpest hook you’ve ever written, or retool the hook from one of your previous songs.
For more see pittsburghsongwriterscircle.
Featured performer, Heather Kropf (heatherkropf@gmail.com).
New location
Beginning Tue., Nov. 7, Pittsburgh Songwriters Circle and Calliope Songwriters Open Stage will meet first Tuesdays at Club Cafe (56 South 12th St., Pittsburgh [South Side], PA 15203. 412-431-4950). Street parking. Doors 6:30 p.m., Songwriters Circle meets upstairs at 7 p.m., Calliope Songwriters Open Stage at Club Cafe starts at 8 p.m.
CDs
Our shipment should arrive in the last week of October. 1,000 units minus cutouts for media, Calliope, Mike, etc. — we each get 36 copies. Pick up yours at the release event, the November group meeting or by special arrangement (call John, 412-263-1991).
Whether you have a song on the group’s 13th annual compilation album or not we hope you’ll support its release performance Fri., Nov. 3 at the Roots Cellar at Pittsburgh Center for the Arts (6300 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh [Shadyside], PA 15232. 412-361-0873). $7 admission. Doors 6:30 p.m., show 7 p.m. All ages invited. Free parking in lot. Beer, wine, beverages and possibly cookies and sandwiches available for a fee.
Sound: Dennis Malley (denmalley@gmail.com). Emcee: Steve Gallo (songman2@comcast.net). Stage manager: Marty Zundel (martyzundelmusic@comcast.net)
With 27 songwriters on the bill and limited time in the space (doors locked at 10:30 p.m.), we’ll each play one song and are restricted to no more than two accompanists (the stage will have two vocal mics, two direct boxes).
– Performers, on arrival find me and I’ll direct you to Marty, who will get you on the performance roster. Tuning space available down the hall. Be tuned and ready to play when the performer ahead of you gets on stage. On deck is at stage left.
– Bios. Steve Gallo (songman2@comcast.net) wants to give you a nice introduction. While you’re thinking about it — like, right now — email him a short description of your musical self (Bob Brown lives in Squirrel Hill and has been playing the guitar for 15 years. He fronted a Pittsburgh band, The Band Names, and started writing songs three years ago when he joined Pittsburgh Songwriters Circle).
– Raffle items. Please donate independent CDs, band T-shirts, etc., to be included in a basket raffle that helps the group to raise money for group events and next year’s album project. Bring stuff to the Center for the Arts.
— Questions, anything, contact John (jhayes@post-gazette.com).
Misc.
Oct. 8. Pittsburgh Songwriters Network (Nashville Songwriters Assoc. International) meets 6:30-9 p.m. Saint Paul’s United Methodist Church, Allison Park. Topic: Basics of Performing Rights Organizations. Details pghsongwriter@gmail.com.
See you soon,
– John
