Wednesday, June 1 brings a special Songwriters in the Round night to the Rooted Café. Our artists will be Stephanie James, Audrey Bussanich, Emily Sangder and David Thorne Scott. Then stick around for the afterglow! Some songwriter friends visiting from Ireland will be hanging out and sharing songs.

Wednesday, June 1, 7pm, $10.

David Thorne Scott is a singer and songwriter in jazz and Americana styles. A 20-year resident of Somerville, he organized Songwriters in the Round to foster a creative, dynamic music scene for his adopted home city. “At a time of great conflict in our country – when words often fail us – music has the power to bridge divides… David Thorne Scott explores the intersection of Jazz and Americana, city and country, instrumentation and lyrics to create lush compositions and covers that are unifying, and healing, in their beauty.” – Laurie Fanell, Eponymous Review

Emily Sangder is a 23 year old singer/songwriter from Eugene, Oregon, and a recent graduate of Berklee College of Music. She grew up performing in and around her hometown as both a solo artist and with multiple bands and duos. Her genre ranges anywhere from jazz to indie folk, and she has released multiple singles that you can listen to on all platforms, including her latest single “Enough” released on September 10th, 2021. To see more information on new releases and upcoming shows, please check out her website at www.emilysangder.com.

Audrey Bussanich creates music expressing things you’ve always felt but never said out loud. They are songs that make you see your own life in a new light: it’s the same room, but this time you notice the sound of the clock ticking, the smell of the wood floors, the way the light illuminates the plant on the windowsill. Authentic and intimate storytelling is at the heart of every song. This 24-year-old songstress didn’t arrive on the Americana scene overnight. Audrey’s knack for melody became evident at age 3, when her parents noticed her transcribing motives from Prokofiev’s Symphonies on her toy piano. What began as a natural, musical instinct developed into a deep love for performance and composition. “I loved studying classical music, but I was always more captivated with the music in my head than I was with the notes on the page” she explains. So, at age 17, Audrey swapped the concert halls for dive bars, where she played her original songs on the electric guitar she inherited from her Great Grandfather. Audrey’s songs introduce a fresh blend of Americana Storytelling. Her 2018 EP release “What I’m Looking For”, recorded live in her childhood home, garnered 186k streams on Spotify. In 2019, she opened for Bruno Major on his North American Tour. Audrey performed as an endorsee of Kurzweil Music Systems at NAMM Show 2017 and 2019 and is also sponsored by ElectroVoice Microphones. “Take Time”, her most recent single, premiered in several episodes of CBS’ Emmy Award Winning Series “The Young and the Restless” and is available on all streaming platforms.

Recording artist Stephanie James breathes new life to pop music, blending the smoothness of jazz singers and classic country singers with her honey-coated voice. With songs ranging from heartstring-tugging ballads to uplifting songs that leave a lasting impression on audiences. Stephanie has established herself in the heart of the music industry performing at venues from coast to coast including Hotel Cafe in LA, Rockwood Music Hall in NYC, and Brighton Music Hall in Boston. A powerhouse of a performer, Stephanie has been likened to legends like Linda Ronstadt, as well as mega-talents of today such as Sara Bareilles and Kacey Musgraves. Whether in intimate rooms or packed venues, Stephanie connects deeply with her audience in ways that elicit both tears and celebration. Stephanie recorded her debut album Unbreakable in collaboration with GRAMMY-nominated producers Jorel Corpus and Simone Torres in Los Angeles. The album is home to her most authentic, unfiltered songs to date, including a tribute to Maya Angelou’s poem, “Caged Bird,” and anthem single “Throw Me a Rope” that encourages listeners to overcome obstacles in their life. In addition to ten years of classical and pop vocal coaching, Stephanie honed her skills as a singer, musician, and songwriter at the prestigious Berklee College of Music. Her 15 years of real-world performances have brought her talent to life, and confirms that she was born for the stage.

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!