In the Country with Dave Woods:
The Heart Of Country Songwriters Showcase

In 2023, along with my monthly songwriters’ series, Country Nights In The City, at the Moonshine Cafe in Oakville, I created two new series. The Heart of Country Songwriters Showcase took place 5 times last year at the Rec Room at Square One in Mississauga. Nashville 416 Writers Round will travel around to various Toronto venues, which so far have included The Cameron House & The Dakota Tavern.

Along with bringing back artists who have become part of the roster, it’s always exciting for me to showcase an artist who is new to our music community and, in some cases, playing their first writers’ round. That happened in 2023 with several artists, and I look forward to welcoming more new names to these stages in 2024.

Growing up with country music playing on my Dad’s stereo started me out loving country music. As I got into my teen years, I was already studying songs and specifically, lyrics. Eventually, I began writing lyrics and went on to write throughout the years. I’ve always loved the art of writing and studying what makes a song great.

For those who haven’t attended these shows before, these venues ideally transform into a listening room. This means while the artists are sharing their songs & stories, the audience stops chatting and listens. This adds intensity to the experience, and it truly becomes an up-close and personal show. By the end of the evening, we know these artists better and feel closer to them than at a full band show.

Many times, artists will debut songs as fresh as just a week old. It gives them a chance to see the reaction to a song before possibly deciding to record and keep performing it in their sets. And along with the audience being introduced to some new artists, the artists themselves make connections with other artists. Typically, a few new friendships and writing partnerships are formed by the end of an evening.

I hope to see you out at one or more of my writers rounds in 2024, as I continue to celebrate the artists who write the songs that move and entertain us!