By Sarah Fridrich

I’m very excited to let neighbors know about an opportunity I’ve been given by Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington (MOCA)—our museum neighbor—to present an artform not commonly found in an art museum: original songs! I, along with three other local Northern Virginia songwriters, will be presenting our songs in a uniquely vulnerable and intimate format called “in-the-round.” 

If you are a folk-music fan, or a Nashville music scene aficionado, you may already be familiar with this type of songwriter concert. (It’s a common format at the famous Bluebird Cafe, for instance!) A songwriters “in-the-round” concert usually consists of 2-4 songwriters. The performers share the stage, and take turns singing their songs. As one musician sings, the others on the stage listen. Often, one performer’s song inspires the next performer to choose a song that complements or contrasts to the previous song. 

Most audiences are familiar with the more typical concert “line-up,” for which professional musicians and songwriters craft their song list ahead of time. The “line-up” style concert is such that when one musician plays through their list of songs, they then leave the stage and the next performer follows. The “In-the-round” format is more dynamic and collaborative. All performers are on stage together, the whole time, and their song choices are not set. This allows more exciting, unscripted human interactions on the stage! 

Beyond the pleasure of beautiful voices and poignant songs and stories presented in a music “performance,” the ‘in-the-round” experience is a peek behind the curtain. It’s a glimpse into the world of musicians and songwriters. As a participant in these types of shows, I can tell you my “guard” goes down. There’s a sense of collective creation with my fellow songwriters. 

Before I started performing in this way, myself, I had the pleasure of attending “in-the-round” concerts at events such as Rocky Mountain Folk Fest and the renowned Newport Folk Festival. These “in-the-round” shows at these big music festivals were always on a ‘side-stage,’ maybe in a tent far from the center of it all, with lesser known artists featured. They were always my favorite concerts to attend! 

Rather than craning my neck in a crowd trying to get a glimpse of more famous musicians on a far-off festival stage, these “close-up” performances offered instant connection to inspiring artistry, soul-melting voices, and humorous or tear-jerking songs. Even though I had rarely heard of the artists beforehand, I was often an instant fan. And, it felt like I was making a new friend. 

If, in the cold and quiet of January, you are looking for hope, inspiration, and some in-person human connection (set to music), close to home, then please come find a seat in the beautiful Tiffany Gallery and have a listen. 

Nashville-Style Songwriters in the Round will be on Friday, January 23rd from 7:00-9:00 p.m. at MOCA, (3550 Wilson Boulevard), across from the VA Square Metro. 

The event is FREE and open to the public. However, if you have the means, and want to support the museum or express interest in seeing more of this type of programming in the future. Donations to MOCA are welcomed!

More information (and RSVP) available on the MOCA website: https://mocaarlington.org/events/2026/01/nashville-style-songwriters-in-the-round-original-music-storytelling.