Somerville Songwriter Sessions at the Armory Cafe presents a concert with singer/songwriters Bob Warren, Kirsten Manville and Nick Zaino on Saturday April 2. The concert will feature a solo set by each artist, followed by a round robin song swap. The show begins at 8 pm and there is a suggested donation of $10. The Armory Cafe is at 191 Highland Avenue, Somerville. For more information, call 617-718-2191 or visit artsatthearmory.org or http://www.facebook.com/SomervilleSongwriterSessions.
Somerville Songwriter Sessions at the Armory Cafe presents contemporary folk singer/songwriters in concert on the first Saturday of each month. The Armory Cafe features live music in an intimate setting, a menu featuring sandwiches, soups, desserts and coffees, and plenty of free parking.
Bob Warren’s music reflects a poetic artistry that is both articulate and evocative. With his roots in the folk troubadour tradition, Bob’s writing is surprisingly diverse. From musicals to rock and everything in between, Bob’s music shares his humor, wit, and heart. The songs address a wide range of topics: one, a portrait of The Battenkill (the river that flows through his town), another, an adrenaline rush of a song about his former noisy neighbors, yet another written for the AARP crowd. Social commentary about the peace movement, born again philosophy, and the ongoing debate following the shooting in Newtown, CT also play a role in Bob’s writing. Then, there are the catchy, soulful tunes that just feel good like a summer’s day at the beach. More on Bob at bob-warren.com.
An accessible singer/songwriter with straightforward lyrics and a refreshing lack of pretense, Kirsten Manville creates music that is honest and heartfelt, whether she’s telling a story, delving into an emotion, or capturing a moment in time. With a relaxed stage presence and ready smile, Kirsten invites her audience to share her love of music and songwriting. Kirsten’s warm and sultry voice takes the listener through an emotional journey on her first solo album entitled Come With Me. “Each song tells a story in itself,” says Kirsten, “but I also think that together the album captures a range of emotions that we all feel – love, loss, jealousy, anger, betrayal, excitement, joy – these feelings are universal; we experience them all at one time or another.” The CD was a Top 5 pick in the June 2014 issue of Metronome Magazine, and her songs have received radio airplay on a number stations both in the United States and overseas, including WUMB, WICN, and WGDR. Her song “A Simple Life” spent time in the Top 30 charts (peaking at number 11) of The Globe Radio, an Adult Album Alternative format internet radio station, and her song “Play My Guitar” has been in the Top 20 songs on Women of Substance Radio. In July 2013 she was a finalist in the songwriting competition at the Ossipee Valley Music Festival. She performs regularly, both as a solo artist and a member of the duo Kirsten & Dave. She is also an accomplished flutist. More on Kirsten at kirstenmanville.com.
Nick Zaino is an Americana musician, journalist, and horror writer based in Lynn. He released his first full-length album, Blue Skies and Broken Arrows, in 2015. It’s available on CDBaby, BandCamp, iTunes, and Amazon. Currently, he is working on his first novel and a book of interviews with comedians from his 18-year career as a freelance writer, and launches his new blog/podcast, the Department of Tangents, in March, which will cover the things he loves most – music, comedy, and horror. Expect a follow-up album – the songs are almost finished – when those things are squared away. More on Nick at reverbnation.com/nickzaino.