The “In-The Round” idea and concept originally sprung up in Nashville, Tennessee at music clubs like the legendary Bluebird Cafe'. A bunch of local songwriters for major Country artists who were more used to being “behind the scenes,” then in the spotlight, started regularly getting up on stage in intimate, acoustic settings like the Bluebird, with just themselves and their guitars or portable keyboard on some stools.

   They would go down the line telling a story about one of their "hit" songs, the history and background on it, or maybe they’d play a new song they just had finished that afternoon (to try it out in a safe environment and see if it really was any good). Or they might  just  tell a few jokes, talk about life, or whatever hit them in that moment to do or say before breaking into the song. Hence, a “round.” Or being “In-The-Round.”

   And then once everyone on stage had their turn in the first round, they might start another one.  Or two. Or three. Usually they would be accompanied by some of the others onstage as needed on background vocals, impromptu solos, or whatever felt right. Just jumping in to help in the performance of it, often without any rehearsal, but just by knowing each other’s songs (or faking it darn good if they didn’t). Natural, free flowing, and up close and personal.

   This is the same spirit we hope to capture in our own “In-The -Round" concert as the invited U.S guests are joined by some local Oz artist/writers like Peter Cupples (and other surprises) for a few rounds of songs, storytelling, and musical magic.