Hidden Gem in Music City

Nashville, “Music City,” is home to thousands of songwriters, musicians, and music industry professionals.  Live music is available breakfast, lunch, dinner, and beyond, seven days a week.  Many venues offer a variety to appeal to music lovers across genres and generations.

This week I discovered a hidden gem.  “Songwriters Singing for Coffee” is a show held monthly at the Green Hills Starbucks.  There is something cozy and inviting about a coffee shop.  It’s an easy place to meet people and make friends.  It is also a comfortable space for artists to showcase their talents.  The combination of aromatic coffee and live music are the perfect pair.  The feeling of holding a warm cup in your hands, while listening to local talent is homey . The artist in the August round were stellar.

Greg Friia, host, says, “The coffee shop atmosphere was what inspired him to create the showcase.”  Friia shares that when he moved to Nashville in 2001, he attended a show performed at Starbucks.  He loved the intimacy of the show.  So, he pitched the show idea to Starbucks.  They loved the idea, and the showcase was given a home at Green Hills Starbucks.  The show features top songwriters, and up and coming artists.

Greg has had songs recorded by Bonnie Tyler, Eric Paslay, Rachel Holder, Brady Seals, and Lo Cash.  He celebrated a Top 5 song on the Billboard dance chart for “Body Needs,” recorded by Consuelo Costin.  

Mary Sarah has been performing more than 10 years.  She began her career in the Texas Opry Circuit.  At the age of 12 she landed a major touring role with Kidz Bop.  Combining her touring experience with her love of traditional country music she made an album with duets featuring country music legends like Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Ray Price and more, all before the age of 18.  In 2016, she joined “The Voice” with a four chair turn.  She chose Team Blake.  She signed with United Talent Agency in 2017.  She continues to travel and perform, actively writing and recording new music.

Mary Sarah’s latest single – Without You

Brandon Will was voted “Junior Male Vocalist of the Year” in a national competition in Las Vegas as a teen.  Brandon has earned respect in Nashville as a songwriter.  He has been a showcase performer at many of Nashville’s historic venues, including 3rd and Lindsley, The Local, Commodore Grill, Douglas Corner, and The Listening Room to name a few.    Brandon has been the opening act for Keith Urban, Eddie Money, Hootie and the Blowfish, and has collaborated with many renowned artists.  Currently, he is producing and writing for many international artists.

Brandon Will – plays The Local in Nashville every Thursday, and he is also doing a full band show there on 8/27 @6:30 pm.

Alex Smith comes from a musical family.  His father and grandfather are both guitarists.  His grandfather plays old school guitar country and gospel.  His father plays jazz.  This unusual mix gave Alex the best of both worlds.  He loves country, but also more intricate lyrics, chords and song arrangements.  He began playing guitar when he discovered Guitar Hero in the eighth grade.  It was not until college that Alex started singing, writing, and playing gigs for money.  He moved to Nashville after college.

Alex’s latest single – Good Guy

You can keep up with these artist on their social medias linked below: Mary Sarah – www.instagram.com/marysarahmusic/

Alex Smith – https://www.instagram.com/alexsmith/

Brandon Will – https://www.instagram.com/brandonwillmusic/

Greg Friia – www.instagram.com/gregfriiamusic

Songwriters Singing for Coffee Round – www.instagram.com/songsingcoffee

Next months round will be held on September 30th featuring: Maggie Baugh, Kyle Rife, Brent Loper, and Alyssa Trahan.

This show is sponsored by BMI, Breedlove, Audio Technica, LRBaggs, M Music & Musicians Magazine.