Echoing the strums and words of local songwriters, "For the Love of the Song" is set to hit the stage at the Firehouse Art Center on Friday, June 2 and enrich our cultural canvas with the distinctive chord of a listening room-style experience.
This special gathering isn't just another night on the town, it's a movement, another step forward toward furthering the growing music scene in Longmont. From 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., the listening room-style event seeks to go beyond a mere gig.
It aims to not only build a community of music lovers, but also cultivate a culture where everyone feels recognized, and every name is known. Unlike other venues in Longmont bars, "For the Love of the Song" focuses on the songwriter, putting original compositions under the spotlight instead of in the background accenting the mood of the room.
Three singer-songwriters Angel Corsi, Ingrid Avison and Christopher Morse will be sharing their original works in a single song cycle format. Each artist will bring their own style and emotion to the stage, revolving around stories of identity, growth and grief.
The Firehouse Art Center is known for its focus on visual arts, including art galleries and exhibitions, but in recent years has branched out into new artistic domains like poetry and songwriting. With the singer/songwriter program, there's an expressed interest in exploring the songwriting realm.
However, the decision to continue shows like this ultimately lies in the hands of the community. Success hinges on engagement, so filling all 45 seats as well as the standing room will be a decisive factor in determining if this type of live show should be a new venture.
"If we can make this event successful, it launches a series where we can just continue to do stuff with more musicians. I can invite old friends from Nashville and Washington and different places around the country to help turn the Firehouse into a listening room,” said Corsi, who is also organizing this show.
In this songwriter-focused event, each artist will share five songs in turn, allowing the audience to experience a variety of styles and narratives. From Corsi’s folk noir to Morse's Nashville pop vibes, and Avison's indie folk-rock notes, attendees are in for a diverse musical mélange.
Avison is a singer-songwriter and a cozy blanket of folk, Americana, indie-pop, soul and country all woven together to form an irresistible blend of music to wrap ears up in with heartfelt lyrics and catchy melodies that pull listeners in. For Avison, songwriting isn't just about putting on a show, it's a way to connect and heal by creating deeply personal songs about grief, loss and resilience.
Christopher Morse, who has mastered a distinctive sound that combines folk, country and mellow indie/pop, creates an enriching soundscape that deeply engages his listeners. Starting his musical journey as a choir boy at age 10 with the American Boychoir School, Morse enjoyed extensive touring, high-profile performances with the New York Philharmonic, and experiences at Carnegie Hall. Morse's initial spark for songwriting ignited after discovering John Mayer which propelled him to pick up a guitar and craft his own music that delves into themes of isolation and nostalgia.
Entry for this show is free, reflecting the event's mission to be accessible and inclusive. But donations are strongly encouraged, both to support the Firehouse Art Center and the musicians themselves. Before and after the show, attendees will have the opportunity to meet and greet the performers, strengthening the sense of culture with interactivity.
For Corsi, culture isn't static, it's something that moves forward.
"Community is like a foundation, but culture is a moving entity that drives things in a direction. The Firehouse is interested in connecting with the community and the culture of different people to move the Firehouse mission forward. This listening room show is one of their steps in doing that. It's not a bar scene, a brewery event, an Art Walk, or a farmers’ market. It's more like going to the movies or theater, where you find your seat, it's reserved for you,” Corsi said.
