Songwriters In New York, Napa, Nashville

Singer/songwriter James Otto, songwriters Robert Ellis Orrall and Chris Wallin, and host/songwriter Bob DiPiero hang out backstage between two sold-out shows of the “CMA Songwriters Series” at Joe’s Pub in New York City last Thursday, July 15. The popular series, which showcases many of Nashville’s top songwriters, will continue at Joe’s Pub on Sept. 8 when Jamey Johnson, Buddy Cannon, and Bobby Pinson join DiPiero on stage.

Pictured (L-R): Robert Ellis Orrall, James Otto, Chris Wallin, and Bob DiPiero. Photo Credit: 2010, Kyle Quigley/CMA

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Another group of songwriters is headed to Napa Valley, California for the annual Nashville In Napa event at Baldacci Family Vineyards. Tony Lane, Jessi Alexander, Jon Randall, Jim “Moose” Brown, Brett Jones and Don Sampson will perform at the Aug. 14 event. Proceeds will go to provide music education for school-aged children. The Notes for Education charity was founded when producer/songwriter Frank Rogers and winemaker Debi Cali began to see the similarities between their industries.

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The Loveless Cafe will host the Rock Away the Blues family festival and concert at the Loveless Barn on Thursday, July 29 from 4 p.m. until midnight. The free event will feature Starship with Mickey Thomas, Jimmy Hall and more.

The family festival will take place from 4 -7 p.m. and the concert from 7 p.m. – midnight. The event’s goal is to aid local flood victims, particularly children, with free entertainment, new toys and school supplies to replace those lost in the flood.

The event plans to be an annual one and is sponsored by Leap Frog and Freshii, a new healthy fast food restaurant coming to Nashville in August. Attendees who were not affected by the flood are asked to bring a new packaged toy or school supplies.