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

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.

SEptemBER 22, 2025 - Dan Houtz

Dan Houtz is a local singer/songwriter performer based out of Harford County, MD. Dan's songs deliver a dose of reality and truth through the lens of his acoustic approach to alternative rock music. Dan is also known for performing as a singer with Ashes To Embers, Through The Wake, and Think Again in Baltimore's Original Music Scene and his regular cover show performances in venues and establishments throughout the region.

October 27, 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.

November 24, 2025 - Luke Roberts (LJR)

LJR is a tenacious and passionate pop-rock artist who strives to empower and inspire his audience to live their lives to the fullest. Seamlessly blending ‘80s-style pop beats with alternative rock guitar solos, his music is tremendously anthemic and infectious while conveying remarkable vulnerability, speaking to those parts of the soul that yearn to heal and grow.

December 22, 2025

More info coming soon!

Learn about our past featured songwriters!

For questions about these events or registration contact Harry Offutt.