Songwriter’s Night
Exploring the Process and Leveling Up

Fourth Monday of every month at 7:00pm

Join us for a monthly songwriter night at Manor Mill!

  • Are you a lyricist, a melody writer, both, or are you not sure?

  • Are you looking for a cowriter or collaborator?

  • Are you not a performer or feel you don’t have a good voice but want to share your songs?

  • Are you trying to figure out what to do next with your songs?

  • Do you want to learn about making work tapes or demos?

  • Do you hope to have an artist or band cut and release your songs?

  • Do you want to learn from songwriters and pros that are further down the road?

If any or all of these questions apply, then this is the place for you.

Format

We will start with a conversation with a songwriting or music industry professional

• This will be followed by a brief Q & A or demonstration

• Finally, we will have an open mic* to share your songs, and here’s the good part; this is about the content, not the delivery:

  • Want to try out new songs on a friendly audience?

  • Not a great singer, player, or performer? That’s ok.

  • Not a performer at all? It’s ok to have someone else sing your song

  • If you’re a lyricist looking for a melody writer, listening to other writers may help you find new partners to work with

Rules for open mic

• A sound system, keyboard, mics, and cables will be provided.

• If it’s best to have multiple singers to express harmonies, that’s Ok.

• This will be an amplified “unplugged” experience. We need to be respectful to the neighbors. No guitar amps, bass amps, or drums... It’s all about the song.

• No covers. You must be the writer or cowriter of any song you share.

• No recording unless previously approved by the writer(s)

• Please keep selected songs to 5 minutes or less

• Songwriters will have up to 10 minutes to share 1 or 2 songs

• Priority will be given to newcomers

MEET SONGWRITER HOST, HARRY OFFUTT

Harry Offutt is a songwriter, producer, studio owner, and worship leader.  Harry has spent decades in the world of song writing, production, and recording, while building relationships with writers and musicians across the country.  His 2002 release of “the Misfit '' through his company Spare Room Productions, was praised in the Dec 2002 edition of CCM magazine as “the second coming of a classic”.  Harry is a 2008 Indieheaven Momentum Award winner for his ongoing support of the independent music community.  He has had a full career as a software architect, manager, and consultant, but his first love is music.  Harry loves encouraging songwriters while helping them develop a place for their songs and take their writing to the next level.  He is looking forward to hosting the monthly songwriter gathering.

Harry Offutt
hhoffutt@gmail.com

 
 

Upcoming featured songwriters

april 28, 2025 - Kyndal Gehlbach

Kyndal Gehlbach is a seasoned musician from Baltimore, Maryland, whose sound is shaped by her diverse musical journey. Beginning her musical path on the violin at just eight years old, Kyndal is also a self-taught guitarist and vocalist, blending her classical roots with her passion for folk, blues, and indie styles.

Kyndal is a standout solo artist, having played at venues such as the Metro Gallery, but she is also a contributor to the band Whiskey Feathers, adding violin and background vocals to their sound. Her work with Whiskey Feathers can be heard on their full-length album Stardust a Garden, and their songs have been featured on Baltimore’s 89.7 WTMD radio. In June 2023, Kyndal performed with Whiskey Feathers, opening for WTMD’s First Thursday Festival, performing in front of a crowd of over 12,000 people.

With her ability to captivate audiences both as a solo artist and as a contributor to a dynamic band, Kyndal continues to share her music and make an impact wherever she performs.

May 26, 2025 - Open Mic

June 23, 2025 - Jeremy and Kim Sorensen from the band Sorensen

Sorensen is a piano driven songwriting pop duo from Baltimore MD. Jeremy formerly helped found and front the band Unsearchable Riches

July 28, 2025 - Anthony Frijia

Fusing folk, blues, and country influences, Frijia’s lyrically-driven songwriting has captivated audiences in the Mid-Atlantic, and across the country as a touring artist.

August 25, 2025 - Taylor O’Connell

Taylor O’Connell is a New Hampshire-raised, Baltimore-based singer-songwriter who creates mellow folk rock with a western drive. With over 10 years of experience across multiple genres, her debut single, “Blue Ridge,” is now available on all major streaming platforms.

Learn about our past featured songwriters!

For questions about these events or registration contact Harry Offutt.