The Northeast Ohio Songwriters Circle (NEOSC) was founded by Susan Weber and Greg Candell in 1993, sparked by a songwriting workshop with Boston based singer-songwriter, Bob Franke. About a dozen songwriters began meeting for monthly critique and networking events at Brewed Awakenings in downtown Cleveland. Musical genres encompassed rock, blues, jazz, pop, alternative, musical theater, traditional folk, urban folk, latin pop, country, country western, spirit chants, topical songs, novelty songs, un-pigeonholable masterpieces and possibly some styles not listed here.

A meeting format has served NEOSC well: writers present one song apiece, performed live or recorded, distribute lyric sheets to the other writers and ask for feedback from the group. There has been an abiding spirit of friendliness as new writers have joined and some of the original members moved on. Jim Dime joined Susan as co-leader when Greg Candell moved away in the early years.

NEOSC has participated in numerous events including Playhouse Square’s Palooza, the Kent State Folk Festival, Bedford’s summer concert series, Cleveland Metro-Parks’ Songwriters in the Round, Cain Park’s Rootstock and Fred Dolan’s Songwriters’ Round on WJCU.

Through NEOSC, writers have found co-writing, performing and recording opportunities. The group produced numerous shows and released a critically acclaimed compilation CD, Circle One, in 1999. Sixteen NEOSC writers contributed tracks to the project which was produced by Rose Schneider. Susan published a monthly newsletter, Songwriters Circular, to update members on a range of NEOSC activities and related contests and workshops.

In 2000, Susan stepped down as leader. NEOSC migrated to Talkies in Ohio City and Diane Dudek stepped in to provide leadership. Dave Chamberlain continues as webmaster of the NEOSC site he designed in 2003.

Sentiments voiced most frequently through the history of NEOSC: “these are the best listeners you ever want to have for your song” and “every time I go to the circle, I get inspired to keep writing.”

Superb listening and inspiration are generously shared around this creative circle of kindred spirits.