How we came to be...
Do you ever notice when you aren’t trying, pushing or beating down a door, and just using your pure intention to guide you, the right people, places and circumstances arrive to give to you just what you needed, and so much more?
Well, in a nutshell, that's how the New York Songwriter’s Circle Inc. came about.
Modeled after the famous "Writers in the Round" nights at Nashville's Bluebird Cafe, the NYSC began as the brainchild of Randi Michaels, currently the Booking Manager / Tin Pan South Shows Coordinator of the Nashville Songwriters Association International who proposed it to Ken Gorka, Manager and Booking agent for the Legendary Bitter End in New York City.When Randi Michaels moved to Nashville to sign a publishing deal, she offered the Circle to Singer/Songwriter Tina Shafer, who nurtured and developed the circle to make it what it is today.
For over 18 years, Singer/Songwriter Tina Shafer has been producing and directing the circle, producing bi-monthly shows at the legendary Bitter End club, in New York City's West Village. Showcasing artists such as Norah Jones, Jesse Harris, Lisa Loeb, Vanessa Carlton, Gavin DeGraw and Chris Barron, The circle quickly became one of the most popular music events in the city, attracting not only the best up and coming songwriting talent from around the world but also top music industry executives looking to discover "the next big thing".
It was in 2001, When Tina was releasing her solo debut album "The Backyard Sky" when she met Shai Navon, A fellow musician and Internet Entrepreneur who began working with Tina and the circle, expanding the circle's reach and introducing it to many new fans and friends around the world.
Today Shai is the COO of the circle and we feel so lucky to have him on board.
Then came Billy Gaus... a former Lacrosse player, Wall street trader and lead Singer/Songwriter of the band “DeepKick”.
Billy first came to Tina (who is also a well sought after vocal coach) to study voice, where they gained a mutual friendship. Billy's love for music combined with his rich business background and expansive creative ideas (it was Billy's idea to start a songwriting contest as well as this brand new website!), are a perfect match for the circle as we move into a new phase in the music industry. The greatest thing about Billy is that he has been far enough removed from the record industry as to not be jaded by it and is not afraid to think "outside the box". Today Billy is the CEO of our company.
We are so blessed to be working with so many talented individuals. Deena Goodman, another great voice student of Tina's, hosted our showcases for over three years. Those events are now being hosted by Caroline Barnard who also produces all of our video content. The amazing Robbie Michaels, who has been capturing the essence of real, raw, songwriting magic with her photography for the circle for many years. All of the images you see on this website were taken by Robbie who is just a blessing to have on board. Julie Henry who has been with the circle for over 12 years, a school teacher by day (as well as a wonderful singer), endlessly promoting, booking and reviewing submissions. Finally there are Ron Beinstock and Jill Michaels who help guide us through so many new territories... (Ron is also a kick ass bass player!).
During the 2007 contest we met the amazing Lizanne Knott, A Singer/Songwriter from Philadelphia who is now on board to host our new Philly francise at World Cafe Live.
As you may have noticed there's a common thread that connects all of us together. While we may come from different backgrounds, we are all also active musicians, songwriters and performers ourselves. We believe in the power of great, original songs and look forward to continue creating, producing, developing and promoting great original music.
Welcome to our family!
Click on each image to read our personal bios:
