Sean C. Morgan
John McIntosh and Steve Burtch of Sweet Home will host the first of a monthly music night Saturday, Sept. 29, at the American Legion Hall, and are inviting other songwriters and singers to come and perform for an audience.
“We’re renting it the last Saturday of every month,” McIntosh said. “We’re calling it the Sweet Home Song and Grind.”
There is no cover charge, and coffee is free, McIntosh said. The event runs from 7 to 9 p.m.
“We’re inviting anyone who wants to participate,” McIntosh said. Each musician will perform up to two songs.
“We’re encouraging songwriters – I guess, encouraging original music,” Burtch said. “I think there’s a good opportunity for locals who write songs and want to show up in front of a live audience.”
They’re encouraging primarily blues, classical and folk, coffee shop, singer-songwriter style music, McIntosh said. They’re open to all kinds of music, but bringing in a full drum kit is a little too much for the facility. And the music should be family-friendly. Children are welcome.
“They’ll need to be able to come up and quickly set up,” McIntosh said. A house PA system will be available.
They’re looking for singers accompanied by instruments, not karaoke, Burtch said.
“I just think you really have a desire when you write to showcase it,” he said. “I think there’s probably a great wealth of talent in this town that has no venue to get out.”
Playing for an audience is a lot more fun that just writing, playing and recording, he said. This event also will give people a chance to hear others play, and that’s a great opportunity to learn more.
“Since I started playing with John, it’s been a great influence on me,” Burtch said. Playing with others is a way to break out of a rut.
It is not an open mic situation, McIntosh said. Performers should contact Burtch or McIntosh if they plan to play.
Both have been playing and writing since they were teens, and they’ve been playing together for about a year.
They knew each other before working at Twin Oaks, but they met musically at the National Day of Prayer in Sweet Home last year, Burtch said.
Burtch was maintenance director at Twin Oaks, and McIntosh was a grounds-keeper. McIntosh also has played for the residents there.
“I just write because I love to create something that has a beginning and end – just for the love of it,” McIntosh said.
Burtch said he played with bands for several years, and he worked for Gibson guitars.
“I think ultimately I realized I wasn’t going to sell a song, but you keep doing it,” Burtch said. “It brings you joy.”
“It’s fun and helps you think,” McIntosh said.
“Don’t be shy,” Burtch said. “Come give it a try.”
There’s no pressure, he said. It’s just a time to share and have fun.
For information or to perform, call McIntosh at (541) 367-5651 or Burtch at (541) 818-0630.