Songwriter’s Night
Exploring the Process and Leveling Up

Fourth Monday of every month at 7:00pm

Join us for a monthly songwriter night at Manor Mill!

  • Are you a lyricist, a melody writer, both, or are you not sure?

  • Are you looking for a cowriter or collaborator?

  • Are you not a performer or feel you don’t have a good voice but want to share your songs?

  • Are you trying to figure out what to do next with your songs?

  • Do you want to learn about making work tapes or demos?

  • Do you hope to have an artist or band cut and release your songs?

  • Do you want to learn from songwriters and pros that are further down the road?

If any or all of these questions apply, then this is the place for you.

Format

We will start with a conversation with a songwriting or music industry professional

• This will be followed by a brief Q & A or demonstration

• Finally, we will have an open mic* to share your songs, and here’s the good part; this is about the content, not the delivery:

  • Want to try out new songs on a friendly audience?

  • Not a great singer, player, or performer? That’s ok.

  • Not a performer at all? It’s ok to have someone else sing your song

  • If you’re a lyricist looking for a melody writer, listening to other writers may help you find new partners to work with

Rules for open mic

• A sound system, keyboard, mics, and cables will be provided.

• If it’s best to have multiple singers to express harmonies, that’s Ok.

• This will be an amplified “unplugged” experience. We need to be respectful to the neighbors. No guitar amps, bass amps, or drums... It’s all about the song.

• No covers. You must be the writer or cowriter of any song you share.

• No recording unless previously approved by the writer(s)

• Please keep selected songs to 5 minutes or less

• Songwriters will have up to 10 minutes to share 1 or 2 songs

• Priority will be given to newcomers

MEET SONGWRITER HOST, HARRY OFFUTT

Harry Offutt is a songwriter, producer, studio owner, and worship leader.  Harry has spent decades in the world of song writing, production, and recording, while building relationships with writers and musicians across the country.  His 2002 release of “the Misfit '' through his company Spare Room Productions, was praised in the Dec 2002 edition of CCM magazine as “the second coming of a classic”.  Harry is a 2008 Indieheaven Momentum Award winner for his ongoing support of the independent music community.  He has had a full career as a software architect, manager, and consultant, but his first love is music.  Harry loves encouraging songwriters while helping them develop a place for their songs and take their writing to the next level.  He is looking forward to hosting the monthly songwriter gathering.

Harry Offutt
hhoffutt@gmail.com

 
 

Upcoming featured songwriters

December 22, 2025 - Open Mic Originals

This month we have set aside the whole evening for you to share your original songs!   Everyone that participates may share 2 songs.  This includes song recordings by you or an artist if they cut/recorded a song that you wrote or co-wrote.  You are invited to bring a side-dish, a treat, or a beverage to share.  

January 26, 2026 - Harry Offutt & Phoenix Hoppe

Meet your hosts! Harry Offutt and Phoenix Hoppe, a father / daughter songwriting duo are the heart of the group Generations. They are building relationships with other songwriters and musicians, and are leaders in their local songwriting community. They write and record songs that are relatable to a broad audience, regardless of listener age, and they have created a space to collaborate, connect, and encourage creativity.

February 23, 2025 - Jack Quinn

Jack Quinn is a singer-songwriter from Phoenix, Maryland, and the front man of the psychedelic folk-groove band Feather + Flask. At 17, after his guitar teacher Mark Herlihy encouraged him to “get his voice out there,” Jack began performing at open mic nights. Over the years, he played campfires, festivals, gigs, and countless open mics, gradually gathering friends and future bandmates along the way—until, almost suddenly, Feather + Flask was born.  Jack’s songwriting has been described as psychedelic love songs that explore deep emotional themes with a powerful sense of presence. His goal is simple: to open your heart until tears fill your eyes.

March 23, 2026 - Open Mic Originals

This month we have set aside the whole evening for you to share your original songs!   Everyone that participates may share 2 songs.  This includes song recordings by you or an artist if they cut/recorded a song that you wrote or co-wrote.

April 27, 2026 - Stan Graham

New to the local music scene since 2024, Stan is making a name for himself playing festivals, venues and songwriter spotlights throughout Central MD and the Eastern Shore. With originals ranging from powerful and poignant to just plain fun, and classic covers you know and love, Stan is the perfect performer for breweries, vineyards, bars, cafes, festivals and private events.

May 25, 2026 - Open Mic Originals

This month we have set aside the whole evening for you to share your original songs!   Everyone that participates may share 2 songs.  This includes song recordings by you or an artist if they cut/recorded a song that you wrote or co-wrote.

Learn about our past featured songwriters!

For questions about these events or registration contact Harry Offutt.