Songwriters Share Is The MOST

The fifth annual Songwriters Share concert series — where local songwriters share what has inspired them — continues on Friday, February 1, with singer/songwriter/storyteller Inda Eaton. Proceeds of the concert go to a local charity of the performer’s choice; in this case, Project MOST, which offers a range of quality afterschool enrichment programming as well as academic assistance programs.

According to the release, Eaton was “born in California, and raised in Arizona and Wyoming. Inda was never a stranger to adventure or carrying a suitcase, but ultimately her most important piece of luggage became her guitar. While roaming the globe in her late teens and early 20s, she used it to entertain friends around campfires and in bars, but she knew she might be onto something when her audiences and band started to grow.”

“Twenty-something years, eight albums, and countless road trips later, Eaton is still captivating live and digital audiences. Her blend of sounds (ranging from anthemic Americana to country, classic rock & roll, and comedy), her poignant lyrics, and her signature raspy voice and epic storytelling have garnered fans from every end of the listening spectrum,” the release continued.

Eaton’s latest album is “Shelter in Place,” recorded live in her East Hampton home. It takes a look at the allure and chaos of the road from the perspective of being in a safe and loving place to process and recover from it all.

“The Songwriters Share series is a gem because of the intimacy of the venue and the intention behind the shows,” Eaton told The Independent. “Nancy Remkus and the committee donate their time to give back and love the community. All of the beneficiaries from the series tackle amazing feats.”

Eaton explained, “Project MOST is dear to me because I see the direct impact in my neighborhood . . . my street. The love between the staff, participants, and family touches me on a deep level.”

Songwriters Share founder Nancy Remkus explained why she began the series five years ago. “I am a person that enjoys the story behind the song — what inspired the artist to write what they did? Where did the song come from and how did it arrive? Each song has its own story,” she said.

“After I retired, while out walking one morning, the idea of the Songwriters Share came to me as a way for people to get to hear that story while also supporting local charities. The proceeds for each concert are shared between the local musician and the local charity of their choice. I also believe that it is important for us to support our local musicians by attending concerts and encouraging their art, as well as financially. They are a part of the cultural fiber of our area and benefit from opportunities to share their music,” Remkus continued.

“It reminds me of the quote: ‘Use what talents you possess; the woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best.’ I know our series includes many great local musicians, but I often wonder how quiet our towns, villages, and hamlets would be without the sound of their music. So, this is the series that gives back, to the musicians and the charities they choose,” she said.

Since the concerts are held in a relatively small venue compared to the local theaters, “we don’t bring in a ton of money,” Remkus acknowledged, saying it was somewhere around the $6000 mark each year, split in half between the charities and the musicians. But that adds up, and every little bit helps.

“I do believe that it is about many things in addition to the money,” Remkus said. “It is about community and bringing people together to listen, to talk, to be a part of a wonderful night of music. Conversations between new friends, a glass of wine and some cheese, and a warm and intimate space with great music all come together to make this a great evening.”

A complimentary reception will follow the 7:30 PM concert with an opportunity to speak with the artists and concertgoers alike. General admission is $20 and $15 for seniors and students, and tickets are available at the door.

Upcoming concerts include Caroline Doctorow, playing for Friends of the Long Pond Greenbelt, March 1; Fred Raimondo, playing for The Retreat, April 5; Gene Casey, playing for Turtle Rescue of the Hamptons on May 3; and event founder Nancy Remkus and Dan Koontz on June 7, playing for the Sag Harbor Community Food Pantry.

Concerts take place at the Unitarian Universalist Meetinghouse at 977 Sag Harbor/Bridgehampton Turnpike.

bridget@indyeastend.com