Songwriters Night at Anju goes out jammin'

When I started up Songwriters Night a few years ago, I wanted it to be more than just another open mike. I wanted to have some really cool songwriters and musicians as guests, and so it has proven.

Songwriters Night lasted for two years at the MNM BBQ, then later for another year at Anju (same location, different restaurant). My guests included some of the best artists on the Tampa Bay Scene, including harmonica ace TC Carr, Fiddlin' John Richard, bluesman Sarasota Slim, piano wiseguy Rev. Billy C Wirtz, sizzling songstress Betty Fox, the eclectic Gypsy Wind, leftneck gadfly Grant Peeples, Damon Fowler, Jimmy Griswold, John Kelly, Tom Scudiero, and many, many more songwriters and musicians in every musical genre.

All good things come to an end, and the final Songwriters Night (for now) took place Thursday, May 19. John Kelly was the special guest - he and his two sons gave us a set of John's great originals. Then we heard the duo of Mary and Roger, Dennis Mayer, banjo whiz Pamela Jo Hatley, Florida Folk Boy Pat Barmore, Florida's Bravest Cowgirl Maybelle, and rockin' Steve Isaac. We wound up the evening with a set of rootsy hubcap blues from Sarasota Slim. I joined several of these folks on Dobro and guitar, and had a blast.

A big Thank You to all the folks at Anju for supporting this great live music showcase, and thanks to all the wonderful musicians who came and played.

I hope to resurrect Songwriters Night at some other establishment in the fall, so stay tuned.