The Hideaway Cafe - St Petersburg's Original Listening Room! 1756 Central Ave, St Petersburg, FL 727.644.7895

1st Annual Songwriter Showdown Begins This Wed., Jan. 12th. Rob Tyre and A.J. Swearingen This Fri., Jan 14th.

Posted Mon, 01/10/2011 - 1:02pm by John Kelly
Settling into another big week here at The Hideaway. We've been working on our Songwriter Showdown for a few months now and are proud to present its first round this Wednesday, January 12th.

As in the past with new events, I'm sure we will have to make changes along the way in an attempt to help create the best possible experience for both the artists and our audience. We want to make sure everyone gets a fair shot and, most importantly, that they have an audience to reach. So we're counting on you to come and support them. There will be a $5 cover that goes straight in the pot. (details) Doors open at 6:00 PM and for now, music will begin at 7:30 PM. The artists are paying $5 entry fee as well, with the idea that EVERYONE supports the artists, even the artists themselves. Each artist will take the stage in turn, tell a little back story to their song, then go for it. I want to thank each contestant for sharing your music and wish you all the best.

Here is the list of songwriters for round one:

  • Steve Dockendorf with "Number Three"
  • Ben Bryan with "Hard To Say Goodbye"
  • Paul Cataldo with "Why'd It Take So Long"
  • Tim Poole with "Life's Lesson"
  • Will Cooper with "Saying Nothing (A Good Day)"
  • Booth Jewett with "My Disease"
  • Michael Weiss with "Knowing Smile"



After Wednesday's show, we will post all songs and submission details for additional online voting, but the audience will serve as the majority vote (with 90% of the pull) each week. That means that an artist who takes 50 audience votes and 100 online votes will be rated at 55 and an artist who takes 30 audience votes and 200 online votes will be rated at 47. So, it's definitely possible for online votes to help the cause! The winner of Week 1 will be announced at the beginning of Week 2 and will play a 30 minute set following that week's showdown...and so on.

We have a special double bill for you this Friday with the return of Rob Tyre (with Special guest Valerie Carter) and A.J. Swearingen. I can't say enough about what's taking place this Friday, but just know that it's the biggest ticket in town and you're getting it for FREE. Rob just might be one the finest guitar players I've ever seen with an equally unique, mesmerizing voice. We get to hear him play a set of his own with another special guest, Mark Huhta, on dobro.

Sharing the night with Rob and crew, Mr. A.J. Swearingen. I've had the pleasure of getting to know A.J. this past year and a half and I'm quite certain he's one of the best singer/songwriters out there. We've spent a lot of late Hideaway hours singing at the bar together with a host of Hideaway regulars and I think we can all attest... he's the real deal. Great songs and one hell of a good voice... and he aint too shabby on the guitar either. You're in for treat folks, don't miss it.

Don't forget to join us for our weekly Tuesday and Thursday "Living Room Live" original music nights. Doors at 6:00 PM and music starts at 8:30 PM. These are both FREE events.

We've just added an appetizer to the Hideaway menu... Parmesan Potatoe Wedges $6. Baked skin on wedges with special seasoning, Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.... Yum!

From everyone at The Hideaway, thank you for your continued support and we hope to see you some time this week... Cheers! john

Comments

congas

by cary palmer - 01/13/2011 - 7:34am

Hey John,I'm going to play with Rob friday on some of his tunes. Really looking forward to playing my congas again at your cool cafe see you there!