Grace Stumberg, Marty Peters, Bill Ward and Maria Sebastian take part in the first Songwriters Circle.

Westfield’s Lake Shore Center for the Arts once again filled their stage with talented performers on Thursday, Dec. 19. Initiated by Tim Wright, area singer/songwriter/actor, Songwriters Circle now will be a monthly event at the center, recurring every third Thursday of the month at 7:30 p.m. Executive Director Rick Mascaro and President of the Board of Directors Tina Rausa delight in welcoming this new event to the group’s programming.

Songwriters/singers Grace Stumberg, Marty Peters, Bill Ward and Maria Sebastian, all veterans of the genre, created such warmth and empathy with their audience that when the designated closing time arrived, enthusiastic applause brought another round of song. Attendee comments included, “What an exceptional night of storytelling! I’d have paid triple to attend.” And, “I love the ‘reveal’ that happens when singers sing their own songs – like a peek inside the singer.” Or, “It was unlike anything I’ve experienced before. Can’t wait for the next time.”

Throughout the evening, the songwriters shared the back stories for each song which could be poignant, sometimes revelatory and, to the audience’s delight, often funny. Of special note was the deep respect which the singers demonstrated for each other and the inspiration they took from one another’s work, sometimes choosing their next song from a memory jogged by a previous singer. It was obvious that they all had “on the road” histories.

Grace Stumberg is a Buffalo based performer. For the past eight years she has been the “Co-Singer” of folk legend Joan Baez, singing on stages across the world. She’s opened for such artists as the Indigo girls, Josh Ritter and Sean Rowe. Stumberg’s “Thoughts and Prayers” proved a particularly meaningful plea for bringing an end to school shootings.

Marty Peters, a Buffalo Music Hall of Fame Inductee, has enjoyed a long and varied career as a singer, songwriter, recording engineer/producer, inventor and columnist.

His latest all original music project “Streetlight Town” is scheduled for a late 2024 release. A review with his mother of her shoebox full of pictures inspired his song “The Great Train Race of 1912.”

Bill Ward, a Chautauqua County resident most of his life, has been a mainstay of the Western New York music scene for some time. A busy summer and fall included his appearance at the Great Blue Heron Music Festival with the Buffalo Bluegrass All Stars. His piece “Ode to the Amp” elicited fond memories for those who have grown up near Chautauqua.

Maria Sebastian, a 2021 inductee into the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame, has opened for dozens of national acts. Of special note are her writing, recording and performing with the famed Steve Miller Band and ex Red Hot Chili Pepper guitarist Jack Sherman. She also toured parts of the US with 10,000 Maniacs. Audience members who are trying to divest themselves of “stuff” chuckled in agreement with her “I Hope I Die With Nothing.”

As the audience departed, it was understandable that a visitor commented, “I feel fortunate to have such talented musicians offering that fabulous evening of entertainment. And so close to home!” Lake Shore Center for the Arts will continue this delightful programming into 2025 with a brief hiatus in March. Jan. 16, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. brings Michael Gerholdt, Steve Spears, Keith Medley and Tim Wright to the Songwriters Circle. Admission for the event is only $10. As its popularity grows, it is advised that you visit lakeshorecenterforthearts.com and click on “Performing Arts” for more information and reservations. Their venue is located upstairs in Westfield’s First Presbyterian Church at 49 S. Portage St., across the street from the Patterson Library. “See you at the theater!”