Bruce Dalzell will perform original contemporary folk songs at Donkey Coffee Saturday evening.
Best known for organizing Front Room’s Open Stage nights, Bruce Dalzell will switch from his usual role behind-the-scenes to being front-and-center Saturday evening.
Dalzell will perform original contemporary folk music along with eight other performers at Donkey Coffee & Espresso, 17 W. Washington St. The other artists are from the Songwriter’s Circle, a group that regularly meets Tuesday night. The Songwriters’ Circle consists of musicians of all ages, from 18 to 60 years old.
“I think (the age range) helps because one of the biggest problems as a musician is getting a perspective that is too narrow, and therefore it’s not as accessible to the audience,” Dalzell said. “It’s a good thing to have as many perspectives on a tune as possible.”
The change in venue from the Front Room to Donkey is a welcome shift in pace and scenery for the musician, Dalzell said.
“People go (to Donkey Coffee) to listen to the music, and it’s more intimate and quiet. As a performer, it’s more rewarding,” he said. “ In the Front Room, it’s more of a place for people to socialize.”
The setup for performers on Saturday is slightly atypical. There will be two rounds of four people playing on stage at a time. Each person will play four songs that were written during their meetings in the Songwriters’ Circle.
In his spare time, Dalzell also plays the upright bass and even tunes pianos. However, he said he prefers playing the guitar when it comes to performing in front of audiences.
“Pianos are more complex and demanding,” he said. “The guitar is more friendly.”
Supportive of those who perform at Open Stage nights, Dalzell doesn’t ask for anything much in return.
“I just hope people think of me as a nice guy who is encouraging and can also play the guitar,” he said.
Want to know more about Dalzell? Check out our profile here.
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