Uniting Songwriters Throughout Northeast Ohio

Summit County Songwriters Launch New Newsletter

Welcome to the inaugural issue of The Bridge, our new monthly newsletter. While we hope to be many things to many people, our main reason for publication is to connect with - and stay connected to - our members and anyone interested in the work we do to promote and foster musical creativity in Northeast Ohio and in Summit County in particular. As a 501(c)3 non-profit we work in the community to provide an outlet for creative expression in the form of song by encouraging and supporting our members in all their endeavours.

From our monthly meetings that feature an opportunity to share original songs in a safe, supportive environment to various appearances SCSC members make throughout the area, it is our goal to show that music is alive and well right here in our little corner of the world. To that end we

invite you to share this publication with anyone you feel might be interested in our organization, in writing music, in performance and all things related to the near magicial experience of responding to the muse that drives us to sing.

As we launch this new venture we also encourage you to drop us a line to let us know what you’d like to see here each month. Do you need to know where the open mics are? Do you want tips on editing your songs? Would it be helpful to have us dissect a classic song to illustrate the elements that make it great? Tell us what you’d like to see in this newsletter and we’ll see how we can shape it to your needs.

We look forward to hearing from you when you have a moment or two. Drop us a note .

Don Henson

A Note From The Top

Don Henson, President

In 2003, four songwriters gathered together to talk about the craft of songwriting and share some insight into the process. What has happened since then has been pretty amazing! Over the years, the Summit County Songwriter’s Circle has outgrown meeting places, welcomed new members and had to say good-bye to others. Fourteen years is a long time and I am so proud of the past and present members who have continually worked to keep our group relevant and motivated.

I humbly welcome you to our corner of the world.

I have been known to say “that song needs a bridge.” Well now, it looks like we have one.

Our First Four Members

Don Henson

Bob Wood

Steve Radcliff

Ed Amann

Thank You, Elaine!

Bev Hutchens

Summit County Songwriters Circle has been my second family since 2004. I have met and appreciated countless talented and giving souls that care about the impact that music and art have on the human spirit. One such wonderful person is Elaine Ohm. She started coming to meetings and sharing her songs when we moved to the Quirk Cultural Center and she quickly evolved into a very valuable member of our group.

Elaine was involved in helping expand our mission and was always offering new ideas while researching each prospect. When she officially joined our slow growing team of board members we knew she was the one that would make us a professional entity. That she did! Elaine brought us through all the complicated steps of becoming a full-fledged non-profit organization, legally and with all the abilities to be a true asset to our community.

Personally - and as spokesperson for all of our board members - I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Elaine for all the wonderful things she has done for SCSC. She is a special person and gave her all to further our cause. Thank you from all of us at SCSC!

I am also sad that she hasn't been able to join our meetings due to quite a complicated life lately. We Miss You Elaine!

Attend A Virtual Meeting Right Now

On the first Monday of every month we meet to share stories, songs and information designed to promote our craft and support our members. The meetings are held at the B.P.O.E (Elks) at 2555 State Road in Cuyahoga Falls. This location features refreshments and a limited menu as well as a private room for our meetings.

But here’s a secret. You don’t have to be a member to attend. If you’re interested in what we do and how we do it you are more than welcome to drop in, meet the members and the Board, have a drink

and listen to the works in progress that are presented each month.

Once you decide if you want to join, membership is only $25 a year and you can pay that anytime you decide to be part of our diverse group. In the meantime here’s a video clip reel of a recent meeting to give you a little taste of what we have to offer. If you’re already a member and haven’t been to a meeting in a while this is what you’re missing. If you’re just discovering SCSC this is just some of what we do on a regular basis and would love to have you join us.

SCSC Apparel Available Now!

SCSC has just started to offer a line of clothing sporting the Summit County Songwriter’s Circle logo. Ranging from Polo shirts to vests and denim shirts you’ll find the entire collection on our website. Depending on style and size, prices start as low as $20. Use the order form to make your selection today and submit it with your payment to (how will they submit the form?)

Worthy Of Your Attention

In each issue we will try to select one of the songs presented at our monthly meeting as an example of what our members are working on, the craft involved in creating music today or just something that should be brought to the attention of our members and the local community in general. This month we’re spotlighting “Sweet Betsy DeVos” by member Larry Davis. Clever rhymes, a topical theme and easy accessability made this one an easy choice. Enjoy!

Area Sightings

SCSC Members can be found all over the area performing, teaching and sharing their music. You could be listed here!

Add Your Information For Next Month

Each month we’ll be listing events that our members are part of, supporting or just think are interesting. Have something we should add to our monthly calendar? Send it in. Make it easy on us and follow this format:

Event Name/Type:

Member/Band Name:

Venue: Name, address, etc.

Date/Time:

Website:

Cover Charge:

Notes:

We’ll add items in the order they are received and as space and time allow. Send you information to the .

For Your Enjoyment

From time to time we stumble on a video that is particularly good, enjoyable, funny, entertaining or all of the above. Some you will have seen. Some are bound to be new. It is our hope that the ones we share can either serve as an inspiration or at least a moment or two of distraction. Take a moment, turn up the sound and sit back to enjoy this month’s pick.

It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

General Announcements

NEXT MEETING

We meet next on May 1st at the B.P.O.E (Eagles) at 2555 State Road in Cuyahoga Falls at 7PM. If you are presenting a song please bring 20 copies for distribution to the members. You do not need to be a member to attend a meeting.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE

While you’re browsing the web drop in on our site for member lists, open mic suggestions, and so much more. You can find it right here.

OFFICERS/BOARD

Summit County Songwriters Circle

Don Henson

President

Bobby Patetta

Vice President

Dave Waldeck

Recording Secretary

Sergeant-At-Arms

Marty Kubilus

Corresponding Secretary

Bev Hutchens

Treasurer

David Palomo

At-Large Board Member

Bob Sammon

At-Large Board Member

Ken Moody-Arndt

Alternate Board Member

DROP US A NOTE

What would you like to see us cover in The Bridge? Would you be interested in writing for us once in a while? Do you have an event you’d like to have published to share with our membership and the others who read our publication each month? If so just drop us a note. Like what you see? Catch a mistake? Let us know. We’ve set up a special email address that goes directly to those responsible for compiling this newsletter each month. It’s the best way to .

We look forward to your input, comments and suggestions.