The gig last Friday was pretty fun - and I felt I performed well.  Truth is, I ended up with $57 in tips, which beats getting poked in the eye with a hot-stick.  It covered gas and bought a little breakfast with Laura and the kids on Sunday.

However, I have been a little dismayed about the lack of organized venues in Phoenix - specifically for Singer/Songwriters.  If you have a rock n’ roll or country cover band - there are bars and such.  But for the individual or even group that focuses on original music, it is a tougher scene.

There are some songwriter’s groups out here but my contact with them has proven to be frustrating - sometimes weeks between responses to emails - or no response at all.  Their websites are dated, with information on the home page announcing events back to 2006.

So I have started a discussion with a few other songwriters about what a songwriting group would provide…

While sitting around in self-congratulatory style to talk or showcase your latest song sounds interesting, I am more interested in finding collaboration ideas, joint-marketing ideas, promoting live music and helping venues find a reason to have song-writers present, etc.  Finally, for those who are serious about pitching their songs, trading and helping promote within and then extend our networks.

Oh, and by the way, serious songwriting does not mean you have a pinched face, snub your nose at someone who wants commercial/pop success, or are an unhappy and discontented social miscreant.  Nope, you can actually smile, be engaging, and be as comfortable in a suit as you are in jeans.  Of course, the miscreant - if they are serious about the craft - would be welcome too.

Note: I have not formed such an organization - I am just musing it.  What would it look like?