Songwriters’ Round brings Nashville-style storytelling to Flint’s music scene

FLINT, Michigan — Music is just as much about the sounds and experience it creates as the effect it has on people. One of the most beautiful things about art is that, regardless of medium, it connects people and fosters relationships that might not exist otherwise.

Michael (Mikey) Abbaspour understands this better than most, and uses the Songwriters’ Round as an opportunity to not only spotlight local Flint artists, but to bring the community together around a shared love of art that makes Flint so special.

Abbaspour originally took the concept from a common tradition in Nashville’s music scene. A songwriters’ round typically gathers multiple performers, often in a house or small venue, to perform their music and discuss what led them to write each song. Abbaspour has maintained that storytelling element, encouraging performers to share what led them to create their work — giving each artist a chance to highlight their skills as well as connect with the community.

“Luckily, here in Flint and nearby, there’s so many great artists and songwriters, so it’s never a challenge to find people to be a part of this,” Abbaspour said.

Abbaspour started hosting the Songwriters’ Round at Totem Books in late 2025, after longtime friend and fellow songwriter Jenna Noelle returned to Flint from producing music in Los Angeles and proposed the two host an event to activate local artists. While Noelle is no longer part of the project, the event continues and draws a dedicated audience whenever possible.

One of the most enjoyable parts of the event for Abbaspour is creating new connections, not just strengthening ones he already has. Through the Songwriters’ Round, he’s had a number of artists reach out to be part of the event. At this point, finding artists is never an issue; for him, the challenge is more like the one someone might have curating a playlist to match a particular feeling.

“A lot of people actually reached out that I don’t know at all,” Abbaspour said. “They’re more so out of the area. A lot of the times, I’ve already played with a lot of these people at other shows or other songwriters’ rounds, and once I hear their style, I ask them if they’re interested.”

“My goal is to find two artists from Flint and one out of town, to keep the focus on celebrating local artists,” Abbaspour continued. “I like to make combinations of different styles — it’s not as traditional as a songwriters’ round, where it’s a lot of folk-y, strictly singer-songwriters. I like to bring in people who have a bit of their own style, and different instruments if possible, like keyboards.”

In the future, Abbaspour hopes that as new artists make themselves known, the Songwriters’ Round will attract talent with skills and expressions that go beyond vocals. Ideally, the event will feature a jam session, and possibly a live songwriting session where artists improvise a song together and perform it on the spot.

The Songwriters’ Round offers a unique and personal experience — one that lets artists express themselves while giving audiences the chance to connect with them through an intimate, locally focused event. It’s also brought together different scenes and types of artists who might not otherwise cross paths, due to differences in audience or the niche nature of their work.

“Doing this has made me even more aware of how many great artists and real pockets of style you have here in Flint,” Abbaspour said. “We have Americana songwriters, we also have bluegrass artists, instrumental artists, and of course hip-hop artists. There’s just so much talent here in Flint, and to be doing something, even if it’s not a lot, to help get them noticed and give them space to share their style is what means the most to me.”

Abbaspour hopes the Songwriters’ Round will continue to serve as a gathering point for artists of all mediums to connect and share their stories, in a space centered on an appreciation for art and the connections it brings.

“For songwriters especially, there’s not a lot of venues where they have an audience that’s so dedicated,” Abbaspour said. “I’m really grateful for the audience we get here at Totem, because they’re all just listening — there’s no alcohol or anything like that. It’s really just a moment for us all to sit down, listen to these artists, and give them a space to have their voice heard.”

Abbaspour is always looking for new local artists to connect with, and encourages any local artist interested in the Songwriters’ Round — or an independent project — to reach out. He can be contacted at bythewillowband@gmail.com.

For a preview of what to expect at the Songwriters’ Round, check out the Flintside Instagram for exclusive performances from local artists. The next Songwriters’ Round is Saturday, Aug. 15.

“Our arts & culture coverage is made possible by support from the Flint Institute of Arts.”