Songwriter Invitational

The songwriter invitational in marietta was a very nice event- well organized and with a very positive spirit. It was a benefit for the colony theatre restoration, and held across the street at the mid ohio valley players theater. 16 songwriters each performed two songs; for a quick moving show of solid songwriting and performing. It was a solid group of musicians, with no lag in the talent up and down the "line up." Todd Burge, and Billy Matheny did the sound and kept it very smooth flowing and 'glitch-free." Moon Mullen was the MC and contributed to the nice atmosphere by citing little tidbits about the performers, and spreading the compliments around. The first seven performers were from the Athens Ohio area, and they were a solid group with some good mix of styles. The guy who came down with Andy, Jim Savarino and Andy finished up the first "set," before an intermission, with tours of the colony.
Andy played the one he dedicates to Captain beefheart (I don't know the name) and "down" (the little appalachian town song)- and had some good energy and fun with them.
I can't really comment on any of the others; there was a long full night of good songs and singers; about half I have seen before at other similar events; and many first timers. This was recorded for future use on the first sunday radio show on Z 106.
Afterwards, andy and Jim and I got to talk a bit; Jim has an interesting background in music - mostly out in california. Andy said the purple fiddle show was fun; he enjoyed the time with the owner, and said the town added a brewery down the street, and reinforced the intrigue and fun of the place up there for future adventures. He said the low key setting allowed him to show tony (playing bass) and Nathan some new things; which they readily can pick up on.
Five of the performers in last night's event will be finalists at the Mountain Stage new song regional event at the Blennerhassett on July 21st. The tickets are limited for that show, and will likely sell out, so get 'em while you can.
It was kinda weird stopping in at the Marietta Brewing Co. on a music night and it not being the Greens performing! That continues to be a solid place for local live music.