Rock House Songwriters Night

After an arduous day of pushing tamps and pulling shots, the people of Rock House Coffee Company held another free event in support of the arts and culture in our community.

The second monthly Songwriters Circle in the event center went even more smoothly than the first. Cindy and Kenny Brown, along with their daughters, having much experience with the art of hosting and technical setup, had the place transformed yet again. Vibes were set with the coffee house tables and chairs transferred into the event space for the audience to slip in one by one. Eventually all the seats were taken and more were quickly wheeled in as the crowd began to expand.

People from all over the surrounding area were in attendance. The interesting thing about the event being on a workday is that everyone you could see had come from somewhere different. Maybe a hard day of work or an exhausting day of doctors appointments. Some may have come from school or maybe left the house for the first time in a few days. From all walks of the Monday life, an audience came together to relax, pull up a chair, sip on a hot drink and enjoy. And I do believe they left without disappointment.

Among the musical artists were some returning and many new faces.

First up was returning and featured performer: Chloe Belle and Company. "I usually write songs in my own point of view, but this one's written from the point of view of my stalker," said the singer as she continued into her four song set. Next was Isaac Massey, a Christian singer-songwriter and guitar player. Isaac performed two of his songs for the first time.

Kindred Voice, a country style family band, followed. "Something about family makes you want to stick around," sang the mother and sons trio.

Tyler Crawford took the mic with two of his songs. "I've been writing songs for about nine months and this is the first song I wrote," said Tyler as he continued into "one of them 'done me wrong' songs." His classic country style captivated the audience.

"Everybody in my family has served for two or three generations. This song is about PTSD," said another traditional country artist, Doc Edwards. He continued into his song titled, "Nevermore". Doc's voice was deep and reminiscent of an old country singer called Johnny Cash. Heard of him? I, for one, was wowed.

Returning to the stage, Mark Ashley serenaded the on-listeners with his cleverly comedic melodies that never fail to cause some involuntary laughter from his fans. Me being on of them. His memory, however, did fail him as he progressed through his set list.

"I've forgotten the last song," said Ashley. Not long after, "It's Over!!!" was hollered by his wife from the front row. Lucky for Mark, that was the name of the song he couldn't place. Laughter ensued.

Second to last, Alyssa Brown's dreamy voiced lulled the crowd with her romantic style. "Finding someone like you is like finding a four leaf clover," she crooned. All of her original songs were accompanied by ukulele, also played by Alyssa.

Finally, featured artist, Luke Newbold returned to the Rock House stage. Hit after hit, Luke sang four songs, each one uniquely written with creatively organized lyrics. "Anyone ever been whipped?" Luke said as a header into the final song of the night. "She was raised in the good Lord's name, but she ain't gonna wish you well."

And the second Songwriters circle was wrapped. Maybe It was the break from sitting on the couch and looking back and forth between the TV and my phone, or maybe it was the two cups of Chamomile and Lavender tea, perhaps it was both - either way, I had the best night of sleep afterwards.