In August of 2005, I discovered an amazing place, where 120 songwriters gather each summer to learn, create, and share music in the mountains of Lyons, Colorado. Song School is dedicated to the craft of songwriting, and it’s truly like no other place. The love, encouragement, and unconditional support of the teachers and students make this a highlight of my year.
“All I need now is intellectual intercourse
A soul to dig the hole much deeper” - Alanis Morissette
A soul to dig the hole much deeper” - Alanis Morissette
For me, music is closely tied to community. Yes, we may be solo when we listen to our iPods, sing in our showers, or belt the latest single in the car. But we also come together for concerts, music festivals, song circles, and rock musicals. For thousands of years, people have gathered to create music, to hear music, and to enjoy music. In my 30 years, I’ve connected with co-singers in choirs, fellow fans at concerts, and songwriter colleagues at workshops and performances. This is a page to share some of my favourite music communities.
Song School
Songwriters
I’d like to tip my hat to my fellow songwriters, the amazing and fearless creative souls who pour their hearts into song. These are people who have supported me, inspired me, entertained me, taught me, and befriended me. The more I delve into this music world, the more talented people I meet, and I’m really excited to be a part of this creative community.
Song School Students
- Anna Maria Tocci
- Cheryl Branz
- Teresa Storch
- Andrea Dalberth
- Christine Costanzo
- Kelly Brightwell
- Kathy Briggs
- Timothy Riordan
- Rob Mattson
- Sam Duglach
- Colleen Buckman
- Kamile Kapel
- Scott Von
- Megan Burtt
Song School Teachers
- Lisa Loeb
- Joe Craven
- Peter Mayer
- Annie Wenz
- Steve Seskin
- Beth Nielsen Chapman
- Willy Porter
- Brian Joseph
- Maggie Simpson
- Ellis
- Moira Smiley
- Billy Jonas
- Mike Beck
- Rebecca Folsom
Colorado
- Stephanie Eden (a musician I met at my first open mic!)
Chicago
Massachussetts
Maine
Michigan
California
MySpace
- Will Thompson (the first unknown person who befriended me on MySpace!)
Venues
Seeing live music is one of the most thrilling experiences for me. The best shows I’ve seen have given me the highest highs of my life. The giddiness of seeing an adored musician up close, the energy a live performance, the excitement of dancing like crazy, and the magical moment when the whole room is singing along to the same beautiful song. Here are some GREAT places I’ve seen, and will continue to see live music…
Boulder/Denver
- Fox Theatre – An awesome, happening venue in Boulder that brings in top-notch acts, including Indigo Girls, Melissa Ferrick, and Matt Nathanson
- Boulder Theater – A larger theater where I’ve seen Catie Curtis and several e-town recordings (a live radio show), including the Indigo Girls and Lisa Loeb
- Planet Bluegrass – This organization hosts the Telluride Bluegrass Festival, RockyGrass Festival, and the Folks Festival each summer, drawing in some incredible acts (and they put on my beloved Song School too!)
- Red Rocks – This breathtaking outdoor venue is tucked into the mountains outside of Denver. I recall amazing Ani DiFranco and Nina Storey shows under the stars with friends
- Paramount Theatre – A popular intimate venue in Denver for indy acts like Jonatha Brooke, Regina Spektor, and Damien Rice
- Fillmore Auditorium – A more mainstream auditorium in Denver with a large general admission area. I saw rockin’ Savage Garden and Evanescence shows here
- Swallow Hill – I haven’t been here, but it’s a folk venue in Denver (3rd largest in the country) that hosts folk acts of all sizes, and has classes and workshops too
- Penny Lane (rest in peace) – The café where I performed my first open mic! It’s no longer in existence, but I couldn’t resist mentioning it
- Karma Coffeehouse – My fave café in LA also happens to be a great place for ultra-indie music. Most nights have open mics, concerts, comedy, or songwriter showcases. You won’t have heard of the performers, but you’re likely to see some amazing talent, encounter a freindly hipster staff, meet nice like-minded people, and enjoy yummy organic teas and coffees and vegan treats!
- Knitting Factory – A popular venue in the center of Hollywood where established indies come through. I’ve seen Jonatha Brooke, Melissa Ferrick, and Beth Hart here
- Hotel Café – Also in Hollywood, this treandy listening room features up-and-comers, and packs in several acts a night, usually with 1-hour sets each
- Greek Theatre – This gorgeous outdoor venue is nestled into the dense trees of beautiful Griffith Park. I’ve sung and danced my heart out to Guster and Alanis Morissette here
- Troubadour – An established venue in West Hollywood for indies. I saw an amazing Matt Nathanson show here, as well as Patty Griffin
- Largo – This intimate restaurant provides a great vibe for checking out favourite acts up-close and personal, and the shows are usually off the radar. Aimee Mann frequents this place, and I saw a great Jill Sobule show here too
- House of Blues – While I don’t like the setup of this place, I’ve seen some great Aimee Mann shows at the Anaheim location
- Palace Theater (now the Avalon) – I have to mention this place in Hollywood, because it’s where the Indigo Girls signed my guitar after a show!
Metro Detroit
- A.J.’s Café – This place (formerly Xhedos) is a quirky creative community space where you can find live music every night… open mics during the week and local acts booked on the weekends. It has a great vibe, awesome teas, vegan treats, nice people to talk to, and a friendly hippy staff
- St. Andrews – One of the few reasons to go to downtown Detroit, this former church has great indy acts. I’ve seen Jonatha Brooke and Matt Nathanson here
- State Theatre – Another reason to hit to downtown Detroit, I saw a rare Alanis Morissette club show here, and was introduced to Matt Nathanson when he opened for Guster!
- The Ark – An excellent venue in Ann Arbor for independent acoustic music, this place brings through lots of great acts
- The Blind Pig – A smaller, grungier club in Ann Arbor that features up-and-comers and college acts. I remember seeing Guster here back in my college days (before they were all major label)
- Royal Oak Music Theatre – A nice venue in lively Royal Oak that brings in good medium-sized acts. I’ve seen Chantal Kreviazuk and Jason Mraz here
Portland, ME
- The Northstar Café – My dear friend Anna Maria has just opened a dreamy café and performance space in lovely Portland, Maine. They are featuring local and touring acoustic acts, in a community-based gathering space with great food and drink. Though I haven’t visited, I hope to visit, drink, write, and sing there soon!
Chicago
- Park West – A hot place for indie acts, I saw an amazing Aimee Mann show here where I met some great like-minded music fans
- Riviera Theatre – This seems to be another hot spot in Chicago, where I saw Imogen Heap, and soon to be Regina Spektor
- Uncommon Ground – I’m eager to check out this venue, an odd mix of restaurant, café, performance space, and art gallery. Their listening room in the back brings in local and touring up-and-comers for short sets. Their calendar is always jam-packed
- Heartland Café – This small and quirky café in the northern reaches of the city features open mics, small acts, comedy, and performance art in a low-key diner setting with a stage. The Red Line Tap next door has more of a bar vibe, and also attracts local and touring acts
