by Jeff Rose | Oct 6, 2022
On four consecutive Saturdays in October I’ll be leading a series of online songwriting workshops.
Dates – October 3 / 10 / 17 / 24
All levels of writers are welcome. Whether you’ve been working at it for awhile and are looking for feedback and insight on how to write better songs, or just beginning and need tips on how to get started, By the end of the month you will be writing more songs, with better results (how is that for a sales pitch?). Each week I’ll invite a special guest to give us an inside view into their process and their approach to the writing life.
More than just a workshop on the craft of writing, these sessions are about giving you practical tips on how to kickstart your creativity and how to turn the stories in your daily life into better songs.
“Darden is a supportive, engaging and immensely helpful songwriting instructor/coach. Invited guests are top industry professionals offering insightful advice. Seasoned writers will appreciate his perspective and new writers should take the plunge!” Lara
Here’s how it works:
• Dates – October 3 / 10 / 17 / 24
• Time: 12:00 pm Central / 1:00 pm Eastern
• 2 hours per session (+/-)
• All sessions will be done on Zoom, with each week’s audio of the workshops provided to all participants.
• Fee $275 (Paypal – dsmith@dardensmith.com / Venmo – dardensmith-music-art)
What you’ll need for the sessions:
• A laptop, computer, etc. (Phones work, but I find that it’s not a great experience)
• Steady internet to stay in the calls and hear the info, and interact with the class!Between Sessions
• Time to work on your songs between sessions, send updates, etc.
• A way to record your songs (phones are completely acceptable)
In the sessions, we’ll be covering the basics (Structure / Verse / Chorus / Bridge, Meter, Melody, etc), but the focus of these classes will be digging deep into lyric clarity, how to mine your own experiences for songs, and how to create the habits and practice of a successful writing life.There will be assignments each week. My goal is for each participant is to write and record at least 4 new songs over the course of the month.If you have any questions on the class, feel free to get in touch – dardensmithmusic@gmail.com
by Jeff Rose | Oct 6, 2022
8:00pm show
I’ll be splitting the night with the immeasurably fantastic Walt Wilkins.
What else could you possibly be doing on a Tuesday night in Tomball?
Tickets and Info
by Jeff Rose | Oct 6, 2022
8:00pm
Join us at The Pershing for a taping of “Who Said You Could Do That?” with special guest Harmoni Kelly.
“Who Said You Could Do That?” is a series of taped interviews with artists, musicians, and people with strange jobs, about what they do, why they do it, and how they got where they are today.
Tickets and Info TBA
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Harmoni Kelley is a nationally touring bassist and vocalist from Austin, Texas, currently on tour with country music superstar, Kenny Chesney. A self-taught musician, Harmoni picked up the bass guitar at age 17 and hasn’t looked back. With over two decades of experience both on the road and in the studio, she has mastered the art of playing by ear and understands the importance of being able to lay back, listen and play for the song.
During her time as a young musician in Austin, Harmoni worked her way up through the ranks and spent time both in the studio and on the road with local legends Fastball, James McMurtry, Slaid Cleaves and Bob Schneider to name a few. Those years proved to be the most important in starting Harmoni down the path of honing in on her craft as a bass player and vocalist. She cut her teeth with bands of all musical genres from rock, pop, blues, funk, bluegrass, country and americana.
In 2013, Harmoni had the opportunity to make the move to Nashville, TN and jumped at the chance. During her stint in music city, she toured with Hank Williams, Jr., Radney Foster, Bonnie Bishop, Holly Williams and Louise Mandrell. All of her time spent networking and gigging around Nashville would eventually culminate with her call to audition for Kenny Chesney in 2014.
Harmoni currently splits time between her hometown of Austin, TX and Nashville, TN. When she’s not on the road with Chesney, she continues to tour and do session work with various artists around the country.
by Jeff Rose | Oct 6, 2022
8:00pm
Join us at The Pershing for a taping of “Who Said You Could Do That?” with special guest Chris Layton.
“Who Said You Could Do That?” is a series of taped interviews with artists, musicians, and people with strange jobs, about what they do, why they do it, and how they got where they are today.
Chris Layton was a member of Double Trouble, and can be heard banging away on all the Stevie Ray Vaughn albums. But he’s more than that. He’s smart, funny, and has an approach to life that can only be earned through many hard lessons. He’ll be joined by Austin guitar veteran Derek O’Brien for a short set following the interview.
Ticket info TBA
by Jeff Rose | Oct 6, 2022
7:00pm show
This much postponed music series, coming to you from the theater where I saw many movies back in the day in my hometown of Brenham, TX, is finally kicking off with my good friend Ray Benson.
I’ll be interviewing Ray on stage, maybe playing a few songs, and then he’ll finish out the night in his own inimitable fashion.
Tickets and info here.
