Gordon Brown and Barry Dorsey are producers of the brand-new Jersey Shore-based event "Writers In the Raw," a monthly series that has been garnering critical acclaim, giving music fans and musicians alike a whole new outlet for understanding "the Song". During these once-in-a-lifetime performances, the artists actually get the chance to play with one another on the same stage.

Dedicated to bare songs and stories, the Jersey Shore’s first national act songwriter series made its Dec 10th, 2003 debut in Asbury Park at Harry’s Roadhouse and has continued on there throughout the year, now expanding to the Starland Ballroom in Sayreville, NJ.

Each show features performances showcasing four songwriters in the round, with nothing else but an acoustic guitar or piano. The writers are set up in an extremely intimate setting surrounded by listeners and fans.

Past participants include Chris Barron (Spin Doctors), John Hampson (Nine Days), Brian Vander Ark, Soozie Tyrell (featured performer with the E-Street Band), Steve Forbert and Jen Chapin as well as NJ’s own Pat Dinizio (The Smithereens), Glen Burtnik, Val Emmich and Matt Witte (New Blood Revival). Even Philly’s shining stars including Ben Arnold, Scott Bricklin, Jim Boggia, Joeseph Parsons (all of 4 Way St.), Mike Viola (the Candy Butchers) and Joe Grushecky have all taken part in the show. “We want to expose and showcase the best songwriters/artists in the tri-state area as well as the local area’s up and comers”, Brown states. Each show runs approximately two hours.

The Asbury Park shows will continue to feature the Homegrown talent rounds which will highlight independent artists not yet signed to a major label. Past events have showcased artists such as Lanky, Paul Rosevear (Readymade Breakup), Jennifer Glass, Arlan Feiles, Dana Fuchs, Joe Pagetta, Bob Burger, Alice Leon, Matt O'Ree, Mimi Cross and April Smith.

“We want the shows to help people feel more connected to live music and the people that make it,” says co-creator Brown, who himself has been the main songwriter for major label recording artists Highway Nine, Samhill and Mr. Reality, and is also signed to BMG Publishing as a writer. “After spending a lot of time around Nashville and Los Angeles seeing how other musical climates support their artists, I just felt the need to be part of that element here at home. We have a tremendous wealth of talent on the Jersey Shore. We are one of the few cities in the country that can boast some type of musical history and there are a lot of artists building upon that each year with independent and major releases.”

As soon as Brown had returned home from recording in Nashville with his band this past year, he contacted an old friend, Barry Dorsey, who shared the same vision for the night and was really able to turn it into a reality. Dorsey has been a great supporter of live music through the years having worked at NYC’s The Bottom Line, Freehold NJ's Cass's Cafe and Harry’s Roadhouse. “When Gordon first approached me about the writer's nights he saw in Nashville at places like the Bluebird and Douglas Corner Cafe, it reminded me of what I used to experience at the Bottom Line watching Vin Scelsa’s ‘In Their Own Words’. We want to be able to mix the two elements together and the atmosphere we try to create for WITR lends itself perfectly to attract the same level of performances and artists."

The shows are being recorded for future tri-state area radio broadcasts as well as shot for a live “Writers In The Raw” performance show on cable. They’re currently in the process of getting sponsors and deciding on the right networks to air the event.

Brown and Dorsey hope the show will help introduce younger music fans in the area to writing songs and telling their own stories. “This is going to be a night that everyone of all ages can enjoy and walk away with something special."

Make sure to come early and read each month’s “Rawbill” which will feature short bios of each performer and put a special emphasis on businesses and musicians in and around the community.