Duluth, GA, January 9, 2026
The vibrant music scene in Atlanta is highlighted by the upcoming ‘Songwriters in the Round’ event at Red Clay Music Foundry in Duluth. This intimate concert format allows artists to perform original songs and share their stories, fostering a strong connection with the audience. Featured artists include seasoned singer-songwriter Heidi Huelskoetter, country and Americana artist Lindsay Beth Harper, and dynamic independent musician Nick Ray. This event exemplifies the importance of community support in nurturing local talent and enriching the cultural landscape.
Atlanta, GA
Capturing Creativity: Songwriters Shine in Duluth
Atlanta’s vibrant music scene thrives on the talent and dedication of individual artists and the commitment of local venues. This week, the spotlight turns to Duluth, where a unique event celebrates personal initiative and the power of storytelling through song.
The “Songwriters in the Round” format at Eddie Owen Presents: Red Clay Music Foundry offers a prime example of how community-driven efforts, supported by local institutions, can foster artistic expression and bring people together. It highlights the importance of creating accessible platforms for creative professionals to share their work directly with an engaged audience, reinforcing a culture of appreciation for original music and the personal journeys behind it.
The Art of “Songwriters in the Round”
The “Songwriters in the Round” event is an intimate concert experience where artists perform their original songs and share the stories and inspirations behind their creations. This format fosters a direct connection between the performer and the audience, emphasizing the song itself rather than elaborate staging. Originating in Nashville, Tennessee, this style of performance has gained popularity across the nation, allowing for genuine interaction and spontaneous collaboration among the musicians on stage. Typically, three or more songwriters take turns playing their songs, often accompanying themselves acoustically.
Spotlight on Talented Individuals
This Friday, January 9, 2026, the stage at Red Clay Music Foundry will feature three accomplished singer-songwriters: Heidi Huelskoetter, Lindsay Beth Harper, and Nick Ray. Each artist brings a distinct voice and narrative to the round, showcasing their individual achievements and dedication to their craft.
Heidi Huelskoetter: A Journey in Song
Heidi Huelskoetter is a seasoned singer-songwriter with extensive experience in the music industry. A classically trained vocalist, she earned a Fine Arts degree from the University of Georgia. Her career includes being signed to an artist deal in Nashville, Tennessee, and working for five years as a songwriter for PolyGram Music Publishing. Beyond her own performance, Huelskoetter is committed to nurturing new talent, contributing to the development of other singers and songwriters.
Lindsay Beth Harper: From Blue Ridge to Nashville and Beyond
Hailing from the Blue Ridge Mountains of Georgia, Lindsay Beth Harper is a country and Americana singer-songwriter known for her poetic lyrics and emotionally textured vocals. She began performing at the age of six and moved to Nashville, Tennessee, in 2019 to further her songwriting career. Harper has combined traditional and modern country sounds in her music and has shared the stage with notable artists, including opening for Lee Greenwood in October 2021. Her personal initiative led her to crowdfund and release her self-written country EP, “A Woman Like That,” in 2018.
Nick Ray: A Dynamic Independent Artist
Nick Ray, an independent producer, singer, and songwriter, originates from New Orleans, Louisiana, with connections to Birmingham, Alabama. His musical journey began as a lead singer in rock and alternative bands in the local scene. Ray has since diversified his sound, exploring genres such as Pop, Soul, Alternative, Hip Hop, and EDM as a solo experimental artist. He is recognized for his powerful vocals and his ability to both write and produce a diverse catalog of music, including his debut album “Circles,” released in 2017.
Eddie Owen Presents: A Hub for Independent Music in Duluth
The Red Clay Music Foundry, located in Duluth, Georgia, serves as a vital cornerstone for the local music community. Operated by Eddie Owen Presents, the venue functions as a 257-seat (or 260-seat) listening room, a performance space, and a music school. Eddie Owen, an Atlanta native, has a history of fostering emerging artists, having previously established Eddie’s Attic in Decatur, Georgia. In 2012, Owen partnered with the City of Duluth to manage the Red Clay Theatre, which was later rebranded as Red Clay Music Foundry in 2015. The vision behind the venue, emphasizing “live music matters!” and “life is in the song!”, has been instrumental in creating a supportive environment for performing songwriters and their audiences. This dedication to personal initiative and private partnership has contributed to the careers of many artists who have gone on to achieve broader recognition.
Fostering Community Growth Through Local Arts and Limited Bureaucracy
The presence of venues like Red Clay Music Foundry significantly contributes to the cultural and economic vitality of Duluth and the greater Atlanta area. A 2013 study indicated that the Red Clay Theatre alone attracted approximately 50,000 nighttime visitors after 7 PM, many of whom would not have otherwise visited Duluth, demonstrating a direct correlation between local investment in the arts and economic returns for downtown businesses. This success underscores how local leadership and private ventures, operating with streamlined coordination, can stimulate economic activity and community engagement.
The music industry statewide in Georgia contributes substantially to the economy, generating an estimated $2.8 billion to the state’s GDP and supporting 27,495 jobs in 2016. Local music events foster social connection, cultural enrichment, and economic growth by increasing patronage at local restaurants, bars, and hotels. Duluth’s commitment to promoting creative industries, including music and songwriting, aligns with a broader vision for community development that values individual contribution and local entrepreneurship.
Conclusion
The upcoming “Songwriters in the Round” event at Eddie Owen Presents: Red Clay Music Foundry is more than just a concert; it is a celebration of individual artistic achievement and a testament to the power of community support. By championing local talent and providing accessible platforms, venues like the Red Clay Music Foundry play a crucial role in cultivating Atlanta’s creative landscape and contributing to the economic vibrancy of its neighborhoods.
We encourage our readers to support these invaluable local initiatives. Attending events such as “Songwriters in the Round” directly empowers artists, strengthens community bonds, and enriches the cultural tapestry of the Atlanta metropolitan area. Your personal initiative in engaging with local arts ensures that our community continues to thrive with diverse expressions of talent and creativity.
FAQ
What is “Songwriters in the Round: Heidi Huelskoetter, Lindsay Beth Harper, and Nick Ray”?
“Songwriters in the Round: Heidi Huelskoetter, Lindsay Beth Harper, and Nick Ray” is an intimate concert where three artists perform their original songs and share the stories behind them.
When and where will this event take place?
The event is scheduled for Friday, January 9, 2026, at 8:00 PM EST at Eddie Owen Presents: Red Clay Music Foundry, located at 3116 Main St, Duluth, GA.
Who are the featured songwriters at this event?
The featured songwriters are Heidi Huelskoetter, Lindsay Beth Harper, and Nick Ray.
What is the background of Heidi Huelskoetter?
Heidi Huelskoetter is a classically trained vocalist with a Fine Arts degree from the University of Georgia, who was signed to an artist deal in Nashville, Tennessee, and worked as a songwriter for PolyGram Music Publishing for five years.
What is the background of Lindsay Beth Harper?
Lindsay Beth Harper is a country and Americana singer-songwriter from Blue Ridge, Georgia, who moved to Nashville, Tennessee, in 2019 to pursue her songwriting career. She previously opened for Lee Greenwood.
What is the background of Nick Ray?
Nick Ray is an independent producer, singer, and songwriter from New Orleans, Louisiana. He began his career as a lead singer in rock and alternative bands and now performs as a solo experimental artist across various genres.
What is Eddie Owen Presents: Red Clay Music Foundry?
Eddie Owen Presents: Red Clay Music Foundry is a 257-seat (or 260-seat) listening room, music venue, performance space, and music school located in Duluth, Georgia.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Songwriters in the Round: Heidi Huelskoetter, Lindsay Beth Harper, and Nick Ray |
| Date | Friday, January 9, 2026 |
| Time | 8:00 PM EST |
| Location | Eddie Owen Presents: Red Clay Music Foundry, Duluth, GA |
| Venue Type | Music venue, performance space, music school (257-seat or 260-seat listening room) |
| Performers | Heidi Huelskoetter, Lindsay Beth Harper, Nick Ray |
| Format | Intimate concert with original songs and storytelling |
| Themes Highlighted | Individual achievement, private initiative, community choice, local leadership, civic involvement |
| Economic Impact (State-level) | Georgia’s music industry generated $2.8 billion to the state’s GDP and supported 27,495 jobs in 2016. |
| Community Impact (Local) | Draws visitors, increases sales for local businesses, fosters social connection and cultural enrichment |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Atlanta’s Americana Supergroup Lights Up Eddie’s Attic
Festivals and Concerts Fill North Georgia This Weekend
Atlanta Songwriters Club Monthly Meeting at Red Light Café
Atlanta to Host Streets Alive Event
Bradley Cole Smith to Perform at Red Clay Music Foundry
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
