Morgan Mikenas, Keith Beatty, Lucy Holde, and Donn Smith
Four Songwriters, One Living Room
On September 30, I hosted a special Songwriter Round at Clear Vibes House Concerts, bringing together four talented singer-songwriters for an evening of original music, shared experiences, and a little birthday celebration.
Keith Beatty and Donn Smith, both local to Indianapolis, shared the living room stage with Morgan Mikenas from Valparaiso and Lucy Holden from Chicago. Each artist brought a completely different style, sound, and approach to songwriting, making for an interesting mix of music and personalities.
It was another one of those evenings that reminded me exactly why I love hosting these intimate concerts.
What Makes a Songwriter Round Special?
A songwriter round is a little different from a traditional concert. Rather than each artist performing a separate set, musicians take turns sharing songs, often explaining the stories, inspiration, or experiences behind them. They listen to one another, exchange ideas, and sometimes find unexpected connections through their music.
It's a format that's fairly common in the Indianapolis music scene, but it isn't something every artist has experienced. Morgan and Lucy had never participated in a songwriter round before, so it was especially fun to introduce them to the format.
One of the things I love most about these gatherings is hearing how differently people approach writing and performing music. Their styles and creative processes may be completely different, but they often have so much in common.
There's something meaningful about putting artists in a room together where they can not only share their own work but they can really listen to what others are creating. It's an opportunity to learn, appreciate different perspectives, and connect with fellow musicians. And for those of us lucky enough to be listening, we get a glimpse into the creative process that we might not otherwise experience.
It was such a treat to host Morgan and Lucy for their first round and watch everyone share the stage. Each artist brought something unique, and together they created an evening that none of them could have created quite the same way on their own.
A Birthday Surprise!
There was another reason this particular evening was special. My friend and longtime house concert guest Tim was celebrating his 68th birthday! Of course, we couldn't let that pass without a little celebration. I picked up a carrot cake, everyone sang Happy Birthday, and Tim got to blow out his candles surrounded by friends and live music.
Spending an evening with good people who appreciate being together and enjoying live music is the best use of time!
Dahlia: The Official House Concert Greeter
No house concert recap would be complete without mentioning Dahlia dog!
Dahlia takes her greeting duties very seriously. She makes her rounds as guests arrive, welcoming everyone with plenty of enthusiasm and making sure nobody leaves without a little dog love. Hugs, pets, and the occasional attempt to climb into someone's lap are all part of her routine.
Thankfully, my guests welcome her affection with open arms! She's become part of the experience, and I think some people look forward to seeing her just as much as they do the music.
She may not contribute to the songwriting, but she's definitely part of the show.
Why I Keep Opening My Home to Music
Hosting these concerts is a labor of love. There's a lot that goes into booking artists, promoting shows, preparing my home, and bringing people together. But when I look around the room and see friends, neighbors, musicians, and new faces gathered to listen and share an experience, it all feels worthwhile.
I believe we need more opportunities to slow down, connect with one another, support independent artists, and make space for the things that bring us together.
These intimate gatherings create room for meaningful connections, both between artists and audiences and among the people who show up to listen. I'm grateful to be able to create that space in my own home.
Thank you to Keith, Donn, Morgan, and Lucy for sharing your songs and talents, to everyone who came out to listen.
Until the next one, I'll leave you with this: there's always room for more music, more friends, and a few extra dog hugs in my living room!
