Rene Pfister is back from six months in the Philippines, creating new theatrical performances and writing a book, to share new stories and songs with us. Mirabelle Skipworth is from the modern generation of silver-voiced songwriters carving out a creative new direction that leaves A.I. in the dust. Elmore Magazine refers to Noam Weinstein alliteratively as a “perfect pop pundit”. This Cambridge native possesses both wit and craft in spades. And renaissance man Neale Eckstein has full careers as a performer, producer, recording engineer, visual artist, and even dentistry. But don’t worry, no extractions will occur during the show.

Songwriters in the Round
Wednesday September 18, 7pm-8:30pm
Arts at the Armory Café
free (suggested donation $10-$20)

The Armory Café is a warm, welcoming place where people can enjoy food and drink as well as chance meetings and conversation. But everyone becomes quiet when four songwriters take the stage to take turns playing songs, occasionally joining each other on harmony vocals or guitar licks. In between songs, the audience listens while the performers discuss music and life in general. “I was inspired by the ‘guitar pulls’ of the Bluebird Café in Nashville,” host David Thorne Scott says, “but with a wider variety. There is folk and country, but also rock, R&B, soul, jazz, and musical theater.”

Held on the first and third Wednesdays of each month from 7:00-8:30 p.m. This program is supported in part by the Somerville Arts Council, a local agency supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council. The event is free but you may want to donate $10-$20 for the performers.

Part of the ROOTED Armory Café Series. Food, snacks, coffee, tea, beer and wine available!

You might hear a young up-and-coming pro, an established mid-career performer and mentor, and a cherished elder of the scene — all sharing music. The growing relationships will warm your heart and enrich your soul. Come every week as the lineup shifts and new friends are made.

All ages welcome.

Sign up for the Songwriters in the Round email list at http://eepurl.com/c2gNWf

Our songwriters this week

Neale Eckstein is a songwriter, engineer and visual artist from Sudbury MA. He has been producing music and videos at his Fox Run Studio for more than 20 years. He has two CDs of his own music and has engineered and produced projects for dozens of artists including Matt Nakoa, Greg Greenway, Buskin & Batteau, Mya Byrne and Eric Schwartz. He has a new album called “It’s Never Too Late” that will be released this fall. He also is known by many as a landscape and wildlife photographer as well as documenting the folk music scene. In his former life, Neale practiced pediatric dentistry for over 40 years. www.nealeeckstein.com

Mirabelle Skipworth is an alt-folk singer-songwriter from Pittsburgh PA. Her folk-inspired melodies and lyrics combined with a tinge of alt-rock influence makes for a dynamic, emotionally-intense experience. She occasionally draws on her own experiences, books, concepts, and other people’s stories. Her new EP, The Morning’s Malaise released in March 2023. Her newest single, The Deer Song, released January 5th. mirabelleskipworth.com

Noam Weinstein has been called everything from “a thrilling songwriter” (The Nashville Rage) to “a young Elvis Costello mixed with Randy Newman” (PasteMusic) to “utterly unique” (Performing Songwriter). The editors at Time Out New York heard echoes of Harry Nilsson. “Perfect pop songs… reminiscent of Elvis Costello, Randy Newman, even John Lennon… highly recommended.” (Rolling Stone Germany) https://www.enoam.com/

1st & 3rd Wednesdays at ROOTED Cafe at 7 PM

Four songwriters take the stage, seated in a comfortable semi-circle. They take turns playing songs, occasionally joining in with each other on harmony vocals or guitar licks. The format encourages conversation between the writers, which gives the audience an opportunity to hear these creative people talk as if in their own living rooms. Inspired by the “guitar pulls” of the legendary Bluebird Café in Nashville.

You might hear a young up-and-coming pro, an established mid-career performer and mentor, and a cherished elder of the scene — all sharing music. The growing relationships will warm your heart and enrich your soul. Come every week as the lineup shifts and new friends are made.

Hosted by Somerville singer/songwriter David Thorne Scott. Held on the first and third Wednesdays of each month from 7:00-8:30 p.m. Donations welcome.

Part of the ROOTED Armory Café Series. Café menu is available here. Beer and wine also available!