San Diego is fortunate to have many locations to hear singer-songwriters ply their trade, but nothing compares to the monthly, Songwriters Acoustic Nights showcase at Holy Trinity Anglican Church. The event is hosted by Mitch Feingold, with music fans given a deeper look at an artist’s music. A typical show features four performers playing round robin style and telling tales of their songs inspiration. Meanwhile the venue’s tall ceilings help create a wonderful sound, where each note resonates.
The next Songwriters Acoustic Nights showcase takes place on May 21 with an all-star bill set to include Lee Coulter, Bill Hartwell, Dave Howard and, in a return appearance, Nathan Welden. “I enjoy the Nashville-styled round robin format of the event,” said Welden. “It mixes up the styles and keeps the audience engaged throughout the whole show.” For him, one of the events attractions is the chance to meet and work with other performers on equal footing. “I have made great connections with performers and songwriters by spending time in the greenroom and getting a chance to listen to everyone’s original songs. I typically know some or most of the performers, but there is always someone new thrown in there from out of town or new to San Diego,” he said. Meanwhile one of the nights highlights promises to be a rare appearance from Howard, who has released numerous albums as a solo artist, as well as with bands such as The Shamey Jays. One of the area’s top music writers, Howard has co-written hook-filled songs with Welden, as well as working with the likes of Gregory Page, AJ Croce and Americana duo, Berkley Hart. Though the event is now in its ninth year, the Songwriters Acoustic Nights showcase was held at Swedenborg Hall in Hillcrest, before moving to its current location a year ago. Feingold is happy with the move. “It has worked out great,” he said. “The sound is incredible, the venue is easy to find, and has its own parking lot, plus there is plenty of street parking.” Feingold pointed out the church can comfortably seat 150 with refreshments being provided by members of the congregation selling homemade cookies.
Feingold is open to any genre of music for these shows, as long as there is an emphasis on song craft. “I find performers by attending music events and recommendations from people in the industry,” he said. “I look for talented people who are professional in their approach to their performance.” While the majority of the artists taking part in these shows are from San Diego, numerous nationally known artists have taken part as well. “It has been by word of mouth,” he said. “I have had many talented singer-songwriters come down from LA because they enjoy playing my show. It certainly is not for the money,” Feingold laughed. Amongst the touring acts to perform so far are Grammy winner Jeff Silbar, John Fogerty keyboard player Bob Malone, Nora Jones’ guitarist Adam Levy, and producer Fernando Perdomo. With more than 100 shows under his belt, Feingold declines to name his dream bill. “When you work with so many talented singer songwriters, why single out just four?” he joked.
Songwriters Acoustic Nights, Sunday, May 21 at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, 2051 Sunset Cliffs Blvd. 7:30 p.m. All ages. www.comedyuc.com.
While the events to date have been successful, Feingold would like to expand his audiences in his quest to promote songwriters. “There are so many great music shows to choose from in S.D,” Feingold noted. “It really depends on word of mouth for Songwriters Acoustic Nights. I think that we are one of the best kept secrets on the SD music scene. I do what I can to promote the show, but ultimately it depends on providing a great experience for our guests, which hopefully generates positive word of mouth.”
Songwriters Acoustic Nights, Sunday, May 21 at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, 2051 Sunset Cliffs Blvd. 7:30 p.m. All ages. www.comedyuc.com.