Songwriters in the Round 5/20 @ Armory

[David Scott]

Lots going on this month! But first: did you know that engaging in the arts slows biological aging similar to exercise?
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2026/may/12/arts-cultural-engagement-linked-slower-pace-biological-ageing-ucl-research
So, attending live music is not only good, it’s good for you.

On May 20th Songwriters in the Round introduces newly minted Berklee grad Sophie Patenaude, with a golden voice and a songwriting perspective forged in rural Maine and urban Boston. We welcome back Somerville sensation ThunderChuck, whose wit and earnestness blew away our audience last time he visited. And Britt Connors returns on the heels of new rockin’ recordings and videos that you can find here -> https://brittconnors.com/ (you won’t find her music on Spotify so don’t waste your time!). Hosting is David Thorne Scott.

Songwriters in the Round
Wednesday May 20, 7pm-8:30pm
Arts at the Armory Cafe
191 Highland Avenue
Somerville, MA
free (but you may wish to donate $10-$20 for the performers)
https://artsatthearmory.org/events/songwriters-in-the-round-2026-04-15-2026-05-20/

Songwriters in the Round is a warm, welcoming event where people can enjoy food and drink as well as chance meetings and conversation. But everyone becomes quiet when four songwriters take the stage to take turns playing songs, occasionally joining each other on harmony vocals or guitar licks. In between songs, the audience listens while the performers discuss music and life in general.

Held on the first and third Wednesdays of each month from 7:00-8:30 p.m.

We occasionally visit different venues — don’t miss out! Sign up for the email list at http://eepurl.com/c2gNWf for the latest communication.

You might hear a young up-and-coming pro, an established mid-career performer and mentor, and a cherished elder of the scene -- all sharing music.

All ages welcome.

Our songwriters this week

Sophie Patenaude doesn’t sing because she has all the answers; she sings because she has a song. A new and eminent name in folk rock, Sophie’s music realizes the human experience as poetry to be sung and literature to be lived. Through her brutally honest lyricism, driving melodies, and organic production pulled from her deep New England roots, she’s crafting a sound that delivers warmth, wisdom, and demands you turn up the volume and sing along. With a voice described by Kara DioGuardi as conveying “beautiful pain,” Sophie has created a unique sonic blueprint that is both familiar and fresh.  https://www.sophiepatenaude.com/

ThunderChuck is a Boston-based singer-songwriter whose music ranges from silly, bluesy ukulele tunes to heartfelt piano ballads. His storytelling balances vulnerability with humor, finding meaning in small moments and quiet growth. He writes with warmth, nostalgia, and a gentle honesty that turns personal reflection into connection. His debut album, Beginner’s Mind (October 2025), is out now on Bandcamp. https://thunderchuck.bandcamp.com/album/beginners-mind

Britt Connors grew up surrounded by music of all kinds: the folk, rock, and jazz of her parents, the classical of her grandparents, and the pop of 80’s and 90’s radio. As such, the music she writes and plays is as eclectic as her background. After graduating from Ithaca College with a degree in vocal performance and teaching voice lessons for a year, she moved to Somerville, MA with the sole purpose of learning guitar, crafting her first songs, and finding her place in the Boston music scene. Along the way, she met and married celebrated drummer Mike Connors, who has played in her band since 2008. Her three albums, The Bad Side of Good (released under her maiden name of Sawdon), Warmer Season (under Britt Connors and Bourbon Renewal), and Longitude have celebrated her wide-ranging interests and influences, slipping nimbly and authentically between soulful ballads, pop-rock, and gospel-infused Americana. Her fourth work, a 6-song EP called “Exhale” was released November 1st, 2024 with a show at City Winery Boston. The title cut, a whirling ¾ time rocking ballad with cello by Bethany Weiman reflects some of her influences, from Bonnie Raitt to Deb Talan and from Aimee Mann to Jason Isbell.  Her stellar band of Boston greats, including Andrew Stern (guitar), Ed Lucie (bass), James Rohr (keys), and horn section led by Jerry Sabatini (trumpet) is featured on each track. When she’s not playing and singing, Britt can be found teaching Pilates in the restored carriage house she shares in Concord, MA with Mike and Ringo the Wonder-Cat. https://brittconnors.com/

Your host, David Thorne Scott, is a singer and songwriter in jazz and Americana styles. A longtime resident of Somerville, he organized Songwriters in the Round to foster a creative, dynamic music scene here. He believes that music can bring a community together like nothing else. “At a time of great conflict in our country – when words often fail us – music has the power to bridge divides... David Thorne Scott explores the intersection of Jazz and Americana, city and country, instrumentation and lyrics to create lush compositions and covers that are unifying, and healing, in their beauty.” - Laurie Fanell, Eponymous Review www.davidthornescott.com