So what is this “in the round” thing about? A group of songwriters take turns playing one song each, then passing to the next person across the stage. Interesting things happen. Themes develop. Performers choose songs they might not have otherwise selected, but fit with what’s just been played. It’s a fun, interactive performance by talented songwriters who don’t usually get to appear together. This month, we’ll have Tom Smith, Paul Pasch and Bethel Steele joining hosts Dan & Faith.

There’s also a challenge. Each month, the audience helps select a topic to challenge the next month’s songwriters. Last month the audience chose, “Comfort Food.” So tonight, there will be five new songs written from that prompt. And you’ll get to help choose what gets written next month.

The Harvest Cafe Songwriter Showcase is a monthly event, on the 2nd Wednesday of the month. This month that’s tonight, April 10th. Music starts at 7:30PM. The event is hosted by us, Dan & Faith Senie. We play a song in each round (two, this month, in the challenge round, because we each wrote a new song).

Come out and enjoy dinner at the Harvest Cafe. The food is great, the people friendly, and there’s plenty of live, local music to keep you entertained.

My family returned to live in New York in 1973 after some years away. The politicians were among the looming figures. Abe Beame. Bella Abzug. Mario Cuomo. Ed Koch. Some years later, Ed Koch was elected mayor of New York. I was in my first year as a member of the All City Chorus. On a freezing cold January day, our large group was arrayed on the steps of City Hall, with our maestro, John Motley and Ed Koch in front of us.

There were other times singing for the Mayor. On one hot summer day, a call went out to get to City Hall where Jimmy Carter was going to sign legislation to help the South Bronx. Ed Koch was there to greet the President, and we provided the music. There were nights in midtown hotel ballrooms where we were brought in as musical ambassadors for every visiting dignitary.

Above all others, the night that I’ll always remember was a particular evening at Gracie Mansion. The Concert Choir, a group of about 50 of us, were asked to perform on an evening when the U.N. diplomats were gathered on the lawn. Andrew Jackson was the U.S. Ambassador and the choir members were eager to meet him. Ed Koch gave us a tour of the mansion, and talked about every piece of art, where it came from and its significance, spending time with a bunch of high school kids instead of his guests. He was most gracious.

New York in the Koch years had its share of challenges and problems. Education did not get short-changed. The quality of the education was first rate and the investment in the arts opened doors and hearts. Singing with the All City Chorus and Concert Choir has had a life-long impact on me. I’ll forever be grateful to our director, John Motley, and to Ed Koch who promoted us, a bunch of high school kids from the city, as his musical ambassadors.

- Daniel Senie

- Dan & Faith

Our first Bolton Public Library open mike of the new year is this coming Tuesday, January 15th here in Bolton, MA. Stop by to listen or to play! Music starts at 7pm with a 2-song first round. Then we pull the chairs in a circle and jam until we run out of songs, our fingers wear out, or the cleaning crew tosses us out, generally by 9:30pm. We welcome all genres of music, poetry and spoken word. Want to show off that new ukulele you got for Christmas? Got a poem about New Years resolutions? Or just looking for an opportunity to hear wonderful local artists in a laid-back setting? Come on by!

Our first trip of the new year to Acoustic Java, a funky little coffeehouse right near Clark University in Worcester MA, is coming up on Friday, January 18th. And this truly is a coffee house — they bring in huge bags of coffee beans and do their own roasting. Lots of different varieties of coffee, lots of great teas, good sandwiches, and yummy baked goods (including vegan scones!). We play noon-1pm. Stop by for lunch!

It’s definitely coffeehouse month for us! We’ll be at the Coffee Loft in Marlboro, MA on Friday, January 25th, playing from 7-9pm. It’s located in an old converted mill building with lots of character! More great coffee and tea, plus soups and stews and such, plus tunes from us, and a wonderful art gallery. We’re pleased to be back here!

We’ll be taking part in the Folk Song Society of Greater Boston‘s annual member concert on Saturday, January 26th, starting at 7:30pm in Watertown MA. The FSSGB is an organization of people interested in folk music: its traditional origins and sources and its current expressions. It is dedicated to providing opportunities for everyone to make, enjoy, and support this music. The annual member concert is a fundraising opportunity for the organization, and we’re pleased to be part of the festivities. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for members/students, and children 17 and under are free.

All the best, Dan & Faith