Elmwood Lofts, Providence, RI
11/8/25
The Elmwood Songwriters Club is a magical, free to the public event held the 2nd Saturday of most months (breaks in the summer). Produced and curated by Bill Bartholemew (of Bartholemewtown), this event is held at an artists’ loft located on Elmwood Ave. in Providence, Rhode Island.
The entrance to Elmwood Loft is up three flights. Inside, high ceilings and hardwood floors for the perfect sound conditions. The stage is lit in a fuchsia wash. Pop music plays. Bill, a Providence resident, active musician, podcaster and journalist, opens the show with announcements (including the exciting lineup for the New Year’s Eve bash at the loft).
Each event follows the same format: eight singer songwriters, ranging in style from soul, folk, experimental, classic rock, and everything in between, perform two original compositions. Though the performers are selected in advance, the show sequence is randomly determined by drawing names from a hat. Tonight’s lineup includes Polly Bessette (Warren, RI), Meera Raphael (Providence, RI), Open Window Maniac (Providence, RI), Beth Killian (Providence, RI), Dave Flamand (Newport, RI), Margeaux Lynn – Newport, RI, Bill Bartholomew (Providence, RI) and Randy Robbins(Newport/Providence, RI).
Each artist brings spectacular songwriting, skill and unique perspective to their performances. Beth Killian gives a brilliant and focused performance of “As Is” involving looped vocals and sound effects. Bill Bartholomew’s new song, a bold political commentary titled “Crown Douche” resonates with the crowd. Randy Robbins, a personal favorite, delivers a fantastically seasoned set that had the attentive audience dialed in.
I stick around after the show for smokes and convo. Thank you to Bill for this labor of love, which is sure to go down in history. Till next time, Elmwood. (Deb Aufiero)