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Songwriter's Association of Mid-North Indiana (SAMI)

  • Home
  • About
    • Photos
    • Our Members
    • REC Room Recording
  • Events
  • Latest News
  • Songwriting
    • #4: Brian Eno’s Oblique Strategies
    • #3: Songwriters on Songwriting - Paul McCartney
    • #2: “Tools Not Rules” – A Fresh Perspective
    • #1: Does the Critic Keep You Stuck?
  • Scholarships
  • Metzger Award
  • Contests
  • Contact
  • Donate
  • Sponsors

About

Our Mission

SAMI exists for the purpose of providing education, encouragement and development of songwriters in mid-north Indiana for the benefit and betterment of the public associated with musical performance.

Learn More

Events

Date Event Location
Wednesday, May 13 @ 7:00PM Wed, May 13 @ 7:00PM ATLYS in Concert The Arts Federation The Arts Federation
Friday, May 15 @ 7:00PM Fri, May 15 @ 7:00PM Lindsay Lowe and the Lone Riders in Concert Duncan Hall Duncan Hall
Tuesday, May 19 @ 7:30PM Tue, May 19 @ 7:30PM SAMI Meeting The Arts Federation, Lafayette The Arts Federation, Lafayette
Tuesday, May 26 @ 7:30PM Tue, May 26 @ 7:30PM Mixer-Mixer The Arts Federation, Lafayette The Arts Federation, Lafayette
Saturday, May 30 @ 7:00PM Sat, May 30 @ 7:00PM REC Room Live The Arts Federation The Arts Federation
Saturday, May 30 @ 7:30PM Sat, May 30 @ 7:30PM Scott Greeson, Vickie Maris and Michael Kelsey in Concert Delphi Opera House Delphi Opera House
View previous events

Latest News

Check out the latest updates from SAMI below!

    May 10, 2026

    2026 Shirley Martin Scholarship and Metzger Award Ceremony Reveals Talent and Initiative in Local Area

    Left to right: Aubrey Plass (co-Horizon Award), Claireen Cheng (runner-up), Greta Schap (co-Horizon Award), and Samantha Valente (winner)

    By Andrew Hughes

    On Monday, May 4th, SAMI hosted its yearly reception for the Shirley Martin Scholarship for Young Songwriters. Our host…

    Read more

    Apr 16, 2026

    2026 Award Reception Callout: Monday, May 4th at 7pm

    As of now, the application period for both the Shirley Martin Scholarship and the Metzger Award is closed. A warm thank you to everyone who took the time to submit an application!

    As songwriters and musicians ourselves, we see how…

    Read more

    Jan 9, 2026

    2025 Recap

    By Andrew Hughes

    It’s that time of year to take stock of where we’ve been and where we’re going. The year of 2025 has been eventful for SAMI, and we’d like to remind our members of everything that’s happened this…

    Read more

    Dec 17, 2025

    The Mixer-Mixer: An Overview

    By Andrew Hughes

    Readers of our newsletter will know that two reminders appear at the top of each one: the first is for our monthly song share, which we tend to call SAMI for convenience’s sake, and the other is…

    Read more

    Oct 14, 2025

    SAMI's Monthly Meeting: An Overview

    By Andrew Hughes

    If you’ve read our newsletter, you’ve probably seen the article that opens every email, explaining when our next monthly gathering is and how to prepare for it. 

    Of course, not everybody receives our newsletter, and there’s so…

    Read more

    Oct 1, 2025

    Meet SAMI Treasurer Michele Cook

    By David Inskeep

    Michele graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelor of Science in Finance and the University of Indianapolis with an MBA. She also has her CPA. Michele has worked in several industries including banking, manufacturing, and not-for-profit. Her…

    Read more

    Sep 25, 2025

    Keep Looking Up: Songwriting Retreat Ended on a High Note

    By Andrew Hughes

    The Keep Looking Up: Songwriting Retreat officially wrapped late on the evening of Saturday, September 20th. On behalf of our coordinators and instructors, I want to sincerely thank everyone who joined us this past weekend, whether you…

    Read more

    Aug 29, 2025

    Latest recipient of SAMI's Bryan Metzger Legacy Award will use the funds to provide music entertainment to senior citizens

    The application submitted by Briton Weise, executive director at Tippecanoe Senior Services, was selected to receive the Bryan Metzger Legacy Award. Tippecanoe Senior Services is a non-profit organization hoping to promote wellness among seniors. 

    This grant would enable them to…

    Read more

    Aug 8, 2025

    From Song to Sync: The Art of Metadata & Pitching for TV and Film

    As many of you know, we’ve been hosting workshops about Sync Licensing, led by Ethan Bates. Previously we’ve discussed the possibility of a practice “pitch” session with a music supervisor.

    Because of overwhelming demand, we are going to provide an…

    Read more

    Jul 13, 2025

    Sam's SAMI Spotlight #1: Andrew Hughes

    By Sam Bennett

    Andrew Hughes and I met on a warm Sunday afternoon in late June at Generation NA, a local non-alcoholic bottle shop in downtown Lafayette to have a conversation about his life and artistry. Andrew is the current…

    Read more

    Mar 15, 2025

    SAMI Keeps Looking Up!

    By Andrew Hughes

    We're pleased to announce the Keep Looking Up gift, an annual $300 contribution by longtime member Joe Peters that will help further SAMI's key goals. Unlike the Shirley Martin Scholarship, which highlights young songwriters in mid-north Indiana…

    Read more

    Feb 14, 2025

    Ways to Use Spotify to Support Fellow Musicians in SAMI

    By Vickie Maris

    As you know, we have many options for audio streaming. The two that carry the most weight in the music industry are Spotify (followers, streams, playlists, listeners) and YouTube (views on videos, subscriptions to channels, thumbs up…

    Read more

    Feb 8, 2025

    2025 Survey Results

    By Andrew Hughes

    Last month we created a survey for attendees of our last two DIY workshops. Our main goal was to gauge interest in similar events in the coming year. Today, we're pleased to share the results. We received…

    Read more

    Jan 12, 2025

    Shirley Martin Scholarship: Yesterday and Today

    By Andrew Hughes

    One of SAMI's most treasured traditions is the Shirley Martin Scholarship, which accepts entries from young musicians and encourages them along their musical paths. However, there isn't just one winner; runners-up are chosen every year, along with…

    Read more

    Sep 20, 2024

    SAMI Live Room Showcase #3

    SAMI is excited to announce Live Room Showcase number 3 on October 5th, 2024. The event will take place at 7:30 pm at TAF, located at 638 N St. Lafayette IN, 47901. This Showcase will feature Rick DeSutter, Hunter Wainscott…

    Read more

    Sep 13, 2024

    Meet Greater Lafayette Career Academy Intern Jackson Martin

    By Beth Jones 

    For Harrison High School senior Jackson Martin, what started as fun with friends has turned into a potential career passion. As one of SAMI’s newest interns, 18-year-old Jackson will spend the next school year learning the essentials…

    Read more

    Feb 16, 2024

    Grammy Nominated Producer Workshop

    On March 9th, 2024, multi-Grammy nominated recording engineer Matt Coles will lead an amazing day-long workshop with SAMI and Rec Room Recording at TAF. Matt has worked in the Nashville recording industry for over 20 years, and is also a…

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    Jan 21, 2024

    A Scholarship For Young Songwriters !

    Go to the Scholarships link on this page and check out how to enter. If your between the ages of 14 & 19, living in North Central IN, you may qualify! In the picture below is Maddy Conner, last years…

    Read more

    Aug 11, 2023

    An Amazingly Successful DIY Workshop

    During the week of July 24th, 2023, SAMI and REC Room Recording produced a weeklong workshop for community musicians featuring leading Los Angeles music professionals.  The community response and outcome was phenomenal. Support for this workshop came from private donors,…

    Read more

    Jun 12, 2023

    SAMI at Wabash Riverfest 2023

    Saturday July 8th
    9am - 4pm
    Tappewingo Park, West Lafayette

    If you are interested in performing this year, there are stll a few slots left. Contact Nelu Lazar ASAP: nelulazar.com

    SAMI will provide, mics, PA mixer, power cords, mic stands…

    Read more

    Jun 12, 2023

    The DIY Artist Recording and Performance Workshop

    Event Bright Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-diy-artist-recording-and-performance-workshop-tickets-636034595597

    SAMI and Rec Room Recording present: The 2023 DIY: Your Music Career Workshop

    When: Monday, July 24 to Friday, July 28, 2023

    Where: The Arts Federation in Lafayette, Indiana

    Featuring: from Los Angeles, world-class music industry…

    Read more

    Jun 12, 2023

    The 2023 Scholarship Winners!

    Congratulations to the 2023 Shirley Martin Scholarship for Young Songwriters Winners! There will be a scholarship awards night with performances from our winners on Monday, May 8, 2023 at The Arts Federation (638 North Street) in downtown Lafayette 7:00 pm

    …

    Read more
    View all posts

    Recent Photos

    Aubrey Plass on stage at the 2026 Shirley Martin Scholarship reception, performing her entry "Days In Between"

    Aubrey Plass on stage at the 2026 Shirley Martin Scholarship reception, performing her entry "Days In Between"

    Edward Lazar on stage at the 2026 Shirley Martin Scholarship reception, performing his entry "Last Chance"

    Edward Lazar on stage at the 2026 Shirley Martin Scholarship reception, performing his entry "Last Chance"

    Owen Metz on stage at the 2026 Shirley Martin Scholarship reception, having just performed his entry "Rendezvous"

    Owen Metz on stage at the 2026 Shirley Martin Scholarship reception, having just performed his entry "Rendezvous"

    2026 Metzger Award co-recipients Jo Kincanon (middle left) of McCutcheon High School and Bess Witcosky (middle right) from Joyful Journey, with SAMI representatives Scott Greeson (left) and Nelu Lazar (right)

    2026 Metzger Award co-recipients Jo Kincanon (middle left) of McCutcheon High School and Bess Witcosky (middle right) from Joyful Journey, with SAMI representatives Scott Greeson (left) and Nelu Lazar (right)

    From left to right, Frank Safranek, Scott Greeson, Sam Bennett and David Inskeep. Sam gave a small speech during the reception thanking David and Frank for their service to SAMI

    From left to right, Frank Safranek, Scott Greeson, Sam Bennett and David Inskeep. Sam gave a small speech during the reception thanking David and Frank for their service to SAMI

    2026 Shirley Martin Scholarship finalists; from left to right, Aubrey Plass, Claireen Cheng, Greta Schap, and Samantha Valente

    2026 Shirley Martin Scholarship finalists; from left to right, Aubrey Plass, Claireen Cheng, Greta Schap, and Samantha Valente

    Samantha Valente on stage with her acoustic guitar at the 2026 Shirley Martin Scholarship reception

    Samantha Valente on stage with her acoustic guitar at the 2026 Shirley Martin Scholarship reception

    Chad Mossak performing at SAMI's Songwriters in the Round event on March 15th, 2026

    Chad Mossak performing at SAMI's Songwriters in the Round event on March 15th, 2026

    Barrett Myers performing at SAMI's Songwriters in the Round event on March 15th, 2026

    Barrett Myers performing at SAMI's Songwriters in the Round event on March 15th, 2026

    Frank Anthony performing at SAMI's Songwriters in the Round event on March 15th, 2026

    Frank Anthony performing at SAMI's Songwriters in the Round event on March 15th, 2026

    Andrew Hughes performing at SAMI's Songwriters in the Round event on March 15th, 2026

    Andrew Hughes performing at SAMI's Songwriters in the Round event on March 15th, 2026

    Amanda Fletcher performing at SAMI's Songwriters in the Round event on March 15th, 2026

    Amanda Fletcher performing at SAMI's Songwriters in the Round event on March 15th, 2026

    Jon St. Bourbon performing at SAMI's Songwriters in the Round event on March 15th, 2026

    Jon St. Bourbon performing at SAMI's Songwriters in the Round event on March 15th, 2026

    David Sparks performing at SAMI's Songwriters in the Round event on March 15th, 2026

    David Sparks performing at SAMI's Songwriters in the Round event on March 15th, 2026

    Frank Anthony performing a Christmas Medley at SAMI on December 16, 2025

    Frank Anthony performing a Christmas Medley at SAMI on December 16, 2025

    Frank Muffin performing at the REC Room Live concert series in January 2026

    Frank Muffin performing at the REC Room Live concert series in January 2026

    Anita performs her song "Sing! The Lord is Come!" with SAMI members singing and playing along at our December 16, 2025 meeting

    Anita performs her song "Sing! The Lord is Come!" with SAMI members singing and playing along at our December 16, 2025 meeting

    Scott introducing a newer co-write with author and lyricist Tom Petry at SAMI on December 16, 2025

    Scott introducing a newer co-write with author and lyricist Tom Petry at SAMI on December 16, 2025

    Sam performing one of his groovier compositions at SAMI on December 16, 2025

    Sam performing one of his groovier compositions at SAMI on December 16, 2025

    David Sparks performing a song in an unusual meter at SAMI on December 16, 2025. David recently released an album called Entropy and Love, which you can find online and buy on vinyl!

    David Sparks performing a song in an unusual meter at SAMI on December 16, 2025. David recently released an album called Entropy and Love, which you can find online and buy on vinyl!

    Michael Longcor performing his Christmas Medley at SAMI on December 16, 2025

    Michael Longcor performing his Christmas Medley at SAMI on December 16, 2025

    Matt Coles and Malachi Jaggers hard at work at a session in REC Room on November 28, 2025

    Matt Coles and Malachi Jaggers hard at work at a session in REC Room on November 28, 2025

    Scott Greeson and Vickie Maris performing with Michael Kelsey at The Stables on December 12, 2025

    Scott Greeson and Vickie Maris performing with Michael Kelsey at The Stables on December 12, 2025

    Andrew Hughes and Justice Fuller with matching Martin Acoustics, September 2025

    Andrew Hughes and Justice Fuller with matching Martin Acoustics, September 2025

    A side shot of the new studio desk installed in the summer of 2025

    A side shot of the new studio desk installed in the summer of 2025

    Malachi Jaggers in the midst of an intense vocal session on November 28, 2025

    Malachi Jaggers in the midst of an intense vocal session on November 28, 2025

    Scott Greeson and Joe Peters rehearsing

    Scott Greeson and Joe Peters rehearsing

    Retreat attendees embark upon nature walk, September 2025

    Retreat attendees embark upon nature walk, September 2025

    Group 3 during collaborative exercise, September 2025

    Group 3 during collaborative exercise, September 2025

    Group 6 (Edi, David, Chelei and Jason)

    Group 6 (Edi, David, Chelei and Jason)

    Group 1 (Jim, Cheryl, Donna, Patrick, Tom)

    Group 1 (Jim, Cheryl, Donna, Patrick, Tom)

    Keep Looking Up Group Photo, September 2025

    Keep Looking Up Group Photo, September 2025

    Group 3 (Kelsey, Amanda, Jeanette and Linda)

    Group 3 (Kelsey, Amanda, Jeanette and Linda)

    Patrick Nycz and Joe Peters, September 2025

    Patrick Nycz and Joe Peters, September 2025

    Studio Desk Install, July 2025

    Studio Desk Install, July 2025

    Ricky Rascoe playing with Sam Bennett and Frank Anthony at Riverfest, July 2025

    Ricky Rascoe playing with Sam Bennett and Frank Anthony at Riverfest, July 2025

    Patrick Nycz and David Inskeep, July 2025

    Patrick Nycz and David Inskeep, July 2025

    David Inskeep and Sam Bennett perform at SAMI Meeting, July 2025

    David Inskeep and Sam Bennett perform at SAMI Meeting, July 2025

    Joe Peters performing at Riverfest, July 2025

    Joe Peters performing at Riverfest, July 2025

    Sam, Nelu and Joe at Riverfest 2025

    Sam, Nelu and Joe at Riverfest 2025

    Sandy Pickett performing at Riverfest, July 2025

    Sandy Pickett performing at Riverfest, July 2025

    SAMI Sign at Riverfest, July 2025

    SAMI Sign at Riverfest, July 2025

    Shirley Martin Scholarship Recipients, May 2025

    Shirley Martin Scholarship Recipients, May 2025

    Scott and Malachi

    Scott and Malachi

    SAMI Meeting, March 2025

    SAMI Meeting, March 2025

    Jon St Bourbon performing at TAP for TAF, April 2025

    Jon St Bourbon performing at TAP for TAF, April 2025

    Jon St. Bourbon performs at SAMI Meeting

    Jon St. Bourbon performs at SAMI Meeting

    SEAMUS National Conference Crew, March 2025

    SEAMUS National Conference Crew, March 2025

    Andrew, Ethan and Kelsey at Shirley Martin Scholarship Ceremony, May 2025

    Andrew, Ethan and Kelsey at Shirley Martin Scholarship Ceremony, May 2025

    Everyone poses with Bette via Zoom, SAMI Meeting, February 2025

    Everyone poses with Bette via Zoom, SAMI Meeting, February 2025

    Daniel Fisher, second recipient of William Long Left-Handed Guitar, 2025

    Daniel Fisher, second recipient of William Long Left-Handed Guitar, 2025

    Mixer-Mixer Workshop, January 2024

    Mixer-Mixer Workshop, January 2024

    Andrew Hughes, recipient of a left-handed Martin Acoustic Guitar formerly owned by William Long, poses with Dave Cress, Roger Beaver, Nathan Beaver and Johnathan Beaver; January 2025

    Andrew Hughes, recipient of a left-handed Martin Acoustic Guitar formerly owned by William Long, poses with Dave Cress, Roger Beaver, Nathan Beaver and Johnathan Beaver; January 2025

    David Beering and Greg Deason performing

    David Beering and Greg Deason performing

    Andrew performing at SAMI, January 2025

    Andrew performing at SAMI, January 2025

    Wolves In-Studio Performance, February 2025

    Wolves In-Studio Performance, February 2025

    Steven Memel speaking at DIY Workshop, July 2023

    Steven Memel speaking at DIY Workshop, July 2023

    Shirley Martin Scholarship Recipients, May 2024

    Shirley Martin Scholarship Recipients, May 2024

    Lindsay Lowe performing at Riverfest 2024

    Lindsay Lowe performing at Riverfest 2024

    Scott Greeson and Vickie Maris perform at Riverfest, July 2024

    Scott Greeson and Vickie Maris perform at Riverfest, July 2024

    Sacred Dollar performing at Riverfest 2024

    Sacred Dollar performing at Riverfest 2024

    Steven Memel Class at DIY Workshop

    Steven Memel Class at DIY Workshop

    DIY Workshop 2023

    DIY Workshop 2023

    Ronan speaking at DIY Workshop, July 2023

    Ronan speaking at DIY Workshop, July 2023

    Ronan "Chris" Murphy instructing workshop attendees in REC Room Recording Studio, summer 2023

    Ronan "Chris" Murphy instructing workshop attendees in REC Room Recording Studio, summer 2023

    Celebration of Life for Jeff Anderson Poster

    Celebration of Life for Jeff Anderson Poster

    DIY Workshop Attendees, July 2023

    DIY Workshop Attendees, July 2023

    Maddy Conner performing at Shirley Martin Scholarship, May 2023

    Maddy Conner performing at Shirley Martin Scholarship, May 2023

    2023 Shirley Martin Scholarship recipients pose with Amanda Fletcher and Justice Fuller

    2023 Shirley Martin Scholarship recipients pose with Amanda Fletcher and Justice Fuller

    Carly Bryant performing, accompanied by Lee Anna at Shirley Martin Scholarship, May 2023

    Carly Bryant performing, accompanied by Lee Anna at Shirley Martin Scholarship, May 2023

    Patrick Nycz performing on stage at The Arts Federation

    Patrick Nycz performing on stage at The Arts Federation

    Donna Beering

    Donna Beering

    Shirley Martin Scholarship performance, May 2019

    Shirley Martin Scholarship performance, May 2019

    Shirley Martin Scholarship performance, May 2019

    Shirley Martin Scholarship performance, May 2019

    Shirley Martin Scholarship judges deliberating

    Shirley Martin Scholarship judges deliberating

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