Three Diverse Songwriters To Perform At Doylestown's TileWorks

DOYLESTOWN, PA — The Big Room at TileWorks has quickly become a sought after gem in the Bucks County area for both audiences and musical guests.

The parlor-esque room is cavernous but uniquely inviting with centuries old concrete walls adorned in Henry Mercer's tiles and tools. It's as if the music dances with his vision in this listener-focused seated venue.

On Saturday, January 13, the inimitable space will be filled with three diverse approaches to

songwriting. The lineup is curated by the night's headliner, hailing from Glenside, Doug Wartman, and sets by Former Belle from Hatboro and Birdie Busch out of Philadelphia.

"When I realized holding a performance in this space was even an option, I wanted to do whatever I could to make it a reality," said Wartman. "It’s been a long time since I have played a solo show, and even longer since I have performed live consistently, so I wanted to ensure my next show was in a special space where the listener feels like they are stepping into another world."

Doug will be playing solo original music on acoustic, electric and lap steel guitar. An alumnus of Berkeley School of Music, he has released several independent records and EPs of live and studio performances over the past two decades. His passionate, creative, and evocative instrumental approach to composition often utilizes his talent for rhythm and ambience, creating immersive pieces with both classical and experimental elements. It will compliment Henry Mercer's world perfectly.

The night also marks a celebration of Doug's latest single, 'Monarch', which made its digital-debut on Friday, January 5. It was originally written in 2011 while still in Boston as part of his more technical, noisier rock band, King Orchid.

"For some reason, the song stayed in my repertoire long after the band split," explains Wartman. "It was originally written on acoustic guitar, and so I wanted to honor that intimacy in this new iteration." This is now the fourth version of "Monarch" to be released.

Expanding upon the release party aspect are more rare and intimate performances by songwriters, Birdie Busch, and Bruno Catrambone of Former Belle.

The sound of Former Belle draws comparisons to early-era Bright Eyes and hints of Elliott Smith-inspired stylings while critics from American Songwriter to Village Voice have described Birdie Busch akin to Syd Barrett or Eudora Welty, and seem to just keep referring to what she does as, "her own thing". She has shared the stage with Richard Thompson, Buffy Sainte Marie, Dr.Dog, Junip, and so many more as a longtime who's-who in the Philadelphia music and arts communities.

The Big Room at TileWorks opens its doors to guests at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 13. Presale tickets are encouraged for this all-ages event and can be found at https://www.thetileworks.org/events. Space is limited.