Songs at the Center

Artists: RJ Cowdery, Jared Mahone, Keith Larsen, and hosted by songwriter Eric Gnezda. Special feature: Profile of Nashville Songwriters Association International, Columbus Chapter, with Terry Keith and Gene Castelli. RJ Cowdery was the Kerrville New Folk Winner in 2008, and the 2012 winner of the Dave Carter Memorial Songwriting Contest at Oregon's prestigious Sisters Folks Festival. Her most recent CD features special appearances by Pierce Pettis and Jonathan Byrd. She performs "Far Away." Jared Mahone has been touring nationally for nearly a decade, impressing audiences with his blend of Ohio soul, storytelling poetry, pop melodies, and even classic hip hop. Jared's Everyman persona connects what are often disconnected American cultures. He sings "She Makes Me." Keith Larsen was a finalist in the CMT/NSAI Song Contest, winning the Listener's Choice Award. A frequent participant in Nashville songwriter rounds, he merges a straightforward vocal style with lyrics that resonate with simplicity, honesty, and humility. He performs "Hold On." "Scenes from the Scene" Segment: Nashville Songwriters Association International is the largest songwriting organization in the world. Columbus Chapter leaders Gene Castelli and Terry Keith discuss the group's mission and opportunities open to participants.