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Songwriters in the Round — A folk music free-for-all |
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Written by Aaron Rognstad
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Thursday, 06 March 2008 |
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Improvisation is usually the forte of comedians. The good ones play off the audience with their quick wits and funny bits.
Such spontaneity can also be found in music—and not just at a jazz club.
Folk musicians, believe it or not, also embrace the give and take with the audience and with each other. That kind of collaboration is what you’ll find at Avogadro’s Number when the Songwriters in the Round series is revived.
Jennifer Friedman, a Fort Collins singer/songwriter, previously hosted the series beginning in the summer of 2005. But because of her own success, she took some time to tour the country promoting her debut album, “You Are Creation.”
The series was put on hold for a couple years, but now Friedman is back after completing her successful Midwest winter tour.
“Each artist is different, each audience is different and the night has a flow all of it’s own,” Friedman said. “It’s ever-changing.”
Songwriters in the Round allows musicians an intimate setting where they perform on a single stage simultaneously, exchanging songs and stories round-robin style. Unlike a traditional concert, the performers do not play a pre-rehearsed set. This provides the audience with a rare peek at an artist’s inspiration and songwriting process as they share stories and thoughts throughout the night.
“Sometimes there is actual collaboration and improvisation happening on stage if they feel comfortable with each others’ songs,” Friedman said. “It’s just a different kind of show and the audience generally gets a good value out of it.”
March’s performance will feature two of the folk scene’s most talented rising stars. Boulder folk artist Sarah Kelton and Northern Minnesota’s Aaron Espe will showcase their blend of acoustic melodies and pleasing vocals. Both are accomplished artists. Kelton has had songs from her debut album, “Direction,” air on the prime-time TV show “Starting Over.” Espe was the featured artist for the 2007 Folk Alliance Music Industry Conference held in Memphis.
Kelton has performed folk music for five years in and around the United States, Canada and Europe. She is looking forward to performing here in Fort Collins.
“I am really excited to branch out up there,” said Kelton, who has been playing the Boulder circuit for some time and is looking for management and or a booking agency. “Playing in an ‘in the round’ format is really exciting and inspiring just by listening to other musicians going back and forth. I’m also looking forward to playing with Aaron (Espe).”
Espe is on a Midwest tour and has two albums under his belt.
To Go:
• Songwriters in the Round
• Hosted by Jennifer Friedman, featuring Sarah Kelton and Aaron Espe
• 6-8 p.m. Sunday, March 9
• Avogadro’s Number, 605 S. Mason St. in Fort Collins
• $5 at the door
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