Songwriter Showcase (2nd Wednesday)
Songwriter Showcase at The Packing House (2ND WEDNESDAY of the month)
FREE ADMISSION
(DONATIONS GRACIOUSLY ACCEPTED)
CALL TO BE PLACED ON THE SCHEDULE
860-922-1214
2nd Wednesday of the month thru May 2026
Dean Bolt
The Season’s first session of EC-CHAP’s Songwriter Showcase at The Packing House will begin on September 10th. The Series will be facilitated by Dean Bolt., regional singer/songwriter and EC-CHAP Board Member. All sessions will take place in The Packing House, 156 River Road, Willington, CT.
Welcome to the Songwriter Showcase at The Packing House! The show now runs from 6:30-9:00 with the doors opening with welcome in music at 6:00. The show features 5 regional songwriters sharing the stage each month. The music is all original and exceptional and The Packing House provides a perfect listening room for this type of show. This venue is unique; a large hall in a historic mill where you can bring your own food and drink and relax while listening to excellent musicians. Admission is free, although we suggest donations to help support Then Eastern CT Center for History, Arts and Performance (EC-CHAP) and to keep live music alive in CT.
THE MUSICIANS FOR SEPTEMBER
Steve Harz - As an award-winning poet, Steven Harz enjoys playing with the spoken word. In 2020 he began translating poetry into lyrics. Inspired by heroes such as Kris Kristofferson, Jason Isbell, Gabe Lee, and especially Townes Van Zandt, Steven’s songs are in the Americana genre and cover themes including love, loss, family, and personal fracture. Steve has been a regular participant in Tennessee Songwriter Week and in 2024 had the honor of opening for award-winning Nashville songwriter and recording artist, Eric Paslay. Steven’s album, “Live at the Buttonwood Tree” is available on all platforms. Find more info at Linktr.ee/stevenharz
Meggie is from Cheshire and has played out at venues around New Haven and other areas of the state. She has also played in Nashville! Equal parts playful and earnest, Meggie writes songs that sound like conversations with a close friend. She conveys often-overlooked stories – such as platonic breakups and queer joy – with the gravity of romance and heartbreak. Her warm personality shines through in her thoughtful lyrics and lilting melodies, often serious but never lacking a sense of humor. Fans love Meggie's music for its “air of positivity and confidence,” noting that even her ballads usually land “on the happier side of bittersweet” She is excited to be playing her original music for the Packing House audience.
Tom D’Ademo – Tom performs under the name “Me, Like Many” writes songs that feel like quiet conversations you almost didn’t have. Songs “for people who overthink in quiet rooms”. You can find his music at www.melikemany.com
Andie Arel – Andie is a singer/songwriter new to the Connecticut music scene. She performs original songs and covers of her songwriting heroes Julien Baker, Lucy Dacus, Phoebe Bridgers, and Frightened Rabbit. Writing from her experiences, her music is tender and vulnerable, drawing significant stylistic influence from Julien Baker.
Dean Bolt - Dean Bolt is a singer songwriter who grew up in Willimantic CT surrounded by local garage bands, Shaboo bands and other great musicians who went on to successful music careers. He wasn’t one of them, but many years later he found his way to acoustic guitar finger picking style and it clicked. His influences ranged from Leo Kotke, Doc Watson and Bonnie Raitt to James Taylor. He explores subjects from crop circles to suicide and, of course, love: good and bad. He has played at The Sounding Board, The Packing House and many other venues. Give him a listen at a show or download a song from https://deanbolt.bandcamp.com/ or connect through Dean Bolt Music on FaceBook.
The "Songwriter Showcase” is hosted by the Eastern Connecticut Center for History, Art, and Performance (EC-CHAP). Open to the general public. Free admission / Donations accepted. Doors open 6:00pm / Show 6:30pm.
Soft drinks and snacks available. We are pleased to offer our exclusive "BYOB&F" model - Bring Your Own Beverage & Food (Wine & Beer Only - I.D. Required).
The Packing House is located at The Mill Works, 156 River Road, Willington, CT
