Round and round
There’s a curious amount of “waiting” at those songwritersin-the-round events. A group of stand-alone artists gather onstage and, one by one, perform tunes. Most of the time, the other artists sit patiently until its their turn — though occasionally one will jump in with harmony vocals or perhaps a guitar solo.
On the other hand, there’s a great deal of tangible empathy and respect — and a vulnerable purity that comes from playing with and for your peers as well as an audience.
And there are always surprise moments of greatness and charm. Head out tonight to the Strange Brew Pub in Norwich for the Vol. 9 edition of their in-house “Songwriters in the Round” session. Performing will be four of the Nutmeg State’s finest young tunesmiths: Kelly English, Drew Cathcart, Ron Lynch III and Susan Jensen. MATTY MURPHY Songwriters in the Round, Vol. 9, 9 p.m. tonight, Strange Brew Pub, 86 Water St., Norwich; free; (860) 222-8350.