BEMIDJI — In the spirit of the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville, area songwriters are hosting a pop-up LoonBird Cafe — where people gather for a meal and to listen to songwriters trade original songs throughout the evening.
LoonBird Cafe is set for 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, May 3 at Table for 7, a restaurant in Bemidji.
“While it's an unproven fact, our Northwoods have the highest number of musicians and songwriters per capita in the state,” a news release stated. “We are teeming with songwriters tucked into pine stands and hollows, finding their words to give voice to the human experience. … The evenings become yet another way to celebrate this abundant place we call home.”
Each cafe features a rotating selection of local singer-songwriters who have honed their craft. There’s a localness to their storytelling, creating a deeper sense of place and connection for listeners gathered, organizers stated.
This LoonBird Cafe features songwriters Lance Benson, Lisa Mattson, Mary Overlie and Doyle Turner. Listeners can expect an intimate evening exploring themes of false starts, hope, love in all its forms, with both fierce and gentle word play. The evening will be underscored by a smattering of appetizers and small plates by the staff at Table for 7.
"The job of the song is to allow somebody who maybe doesn’t know how to let loose of a feeling, give them that release,” stated Turner in the release. “I used to make sure that I only do happy songs, and you want to do some of that, too. But the sad songs are a service.”
Fellow performer Overlie added, “There’s a Nashville A-list songwriter named Barry Dean who said, ‘A good song will help you know where your soul is located.’ Good songs are a GPS to that spot. Right. There. We’ll be inviting listeners to encounter those spots along with us, nourishing both palate and soul.”
