Songwriters Association of Washington upcoming events

SAW Songwriters Night at Island Pride Oasis (10/16/2026)

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Is it really a song if no one has heard you play it? Come and be part of SAW's Original Song Evening at Island Pride Oasis in Gaithersburg, beginning October 16, 2026, from 7:00–10:00 p.m.

We’ll offer “members first” registration, giving SAW members the first opportunity to sign up to perform. Performance order will be determined by lottery during the evening. We are asking each performer to bring some people with them so that we can make this a regular thing.

We will have featured acts when we can and all other performers will present two songs each. Cover songs are allowed, but our focus is on showcasing new, original songs and celebrating the creativity of our songwriting community.

Anyone who shows up and doesn't perform will be first on the list for next month's open stage.

Come share your music, hear new songs, and enjoy an evening with fellow songwriters and music lovers. We look forward to seeing you there!

PS: an angel reminded me there are 2 Island Pride restaurants. You need to come to the one in Gaithersburg.

Saturday Songwriters' Toolbox at Rockville Library (10/17/2026)

Sat, 17 Oct 2026 16:30:00 GMT

SAW Third Saturday Songwriters' Toolbox at Rockville Library

In the tradition of our years of Saturday songwriting toolboxes, kept alive during the pandemic by our virtual toolbox, SAW is offering in person song sharing and critiques that are respectful, frank and helpful. An invaluable aid for looking at where your songs are now and how they might be improved.

Bring your finished, almost finished and just started songs to a session with other songwriters. You will perform your song for the group from your end and receive a kind but thorough look at how others hear your work.

Please have the lyrics of your song ready with multiple copies to distribute so everyone can follow along and comment after.

SAW president, Jay Keating and your fellow songwriters will bring you into the community of songwriting and give your process some new perspectives.

Rockville Memorial Library is located close to metro and bus routes with parking nearby. They are the sponsor of these classes, another great service from the Montgomery County Library System.

New Deal Open Mic (1st Tuesday) (11/03/2026)

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Lynn Hollyfield hosts an open mic at the New Deal Cafe every first Tuesday.

• Full PA with vocal mics and instrument pickups. Upright piano available.
• In Person sign-ups at 6:30, 2 songs, 10 minutes, 7-9:30PM.
You can ask questions by emailing lynn@lynnhollyfield.com. See ya there!

New Deal Cafe
113 Centerway
Greenbelt, MD 20770
(301) 474-5642 (for venue information)
www.newdealcafe.com

SAW Second Saturday Toolbox (online) (11/14/2026)

Sat, 14 Nov 2026 17:30:00 GMT

SAW Virtual Toolbox w Christie Chirinos

In the tradition of our years of Saturday songwriting toolboxes, join your host, Christie Chirinos, (christiechirinos.com ) for a refreshing, frank and helpful look at where your songs are now and how they might be improved.

Please have the lyrics of your song ready (in a format that works for a screen share) or submit it beforehand to the moderator (email address will be provided to registrants) so others can follow along.

Christie and your fellow songwriters will bring you into the community of songwriting and give your process some new perspectives.

Saturday Songwriters' Toolbox at Rockville Library (11/21/2026)

Sat, 21 Nov 2026 17:30:00 GMT

SAW Third Saturday Songwriters' Toolbox at Rockville Library

Please have the lyrics of your song ready with multiple copies to distribute so everyone can follow along and comment after.

SAW president, Jay Keating and your fellow songwriters will bring you into the community of songwriting and give your process some new perspectives.

Rockville Memorial Library is located close to metro and bus routes with parking nearby. They are the sponsor of these classes, another great service from the Montgomery County Library System.

New Deal Open Mic (1st Tuesday) (12/01/2026)

Wed, 02 Dec 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Lynn Hollyfield hosts an open mic at the New Deal Cafe every first Tuesday.