Fredericksburg Songwriters' Showcase
Twenty years of original, acoustic music in Fredericksburg.
History
From Stephen Hu's recent feature in the Free-Lance Star:
In 1993, Peter Mealy and Bob Gramann presented the first Fredericksburg Songwriters’ Showcase. In the 20 years since, singer–songwriters from around the corner and around the world have performed on an intimate stage to appreciative audiences.
The format of the show has remained consistent: four performers sit side by side and take turns at the mic telling original stories and singing songs. It often feels like a relaxed front-porch picking session, more convivial than competitive. The performers seem to enjoy each other’s songs as much as the crowd does.
At the October 2013 showcase, Gramann and Mealy celebrated the 20th anniversary of the showcase at Picker’s Supply on Caroline Street in Fredericksburg.
It is very exciting to be working at carrying on such a fine tradition in the Fredericksburg music scene.
Showcase Format
Most shows in the series follow a round-robin format: each songwriter performs a song in turn, with three rounds before the intermission and three after. This format allows the performers to play off one another's choices, often resulting in a very different playlist than any of the performers might have anticipated. Infrequently (typically at the November show), two different groups will be booked for a set each.
