Basic premise and setup of the Forge

Many performing songwriters find it difficult to get substantial feedback on their songs. Also there are many perceptive fans of songwriting, who do not get the opportunity to voice their opinions.

The Forge is meant to provide a space for both songwriters and fans of songwriting.

There are up to 4 showcasers at each workshop. These showcasers should sign up ahead of time by contacting the host, Tom Wilson, at thomas.g.wilson (at) gmail.com . However, there is sometimes time for last minute arrivals to showcase a song.

The showcasers are also encouraged to send Tom the lyrics of their songs ahead of time, so that they can be posted.

Each showcaser performs one or two songs; and after each song the songwriter receives a comments from the over participants on the strengths/weakness of the song/performance. The song should be complete but not "set in stone" as the purpose of the workshop is give suggestions to refine the song.

The host will also bring up the focussing topic to bring to coherence to workshop, so that everyone can increase their understanding of the different aspects of songwriting.

The Forge Workshop happens at the Freeway Coffee House (333 King St. E.) on the second Wednesday of every month, from 8-10ish pm. There is no cost.

The performers are usually solo, however duos or more work as long as there is not much set-up times needed. There are microphones and a PA, but we haven't always found it necessary to plug in. There is also a keyboard available.