The stories behind the songs

While the Park Theater spotlight often shines on well-known performers, an equally important group of people most known for their work behind the scenes will take center stage Saturday, Aug. 22.

Four Nashville songwriters with impressive credentials will come to McMinnville to present Reverb Rounds, a night of live music and stories about the inspiration behind the songs. More than a traditional concert, the show will present an intimate look at how songs are brought to life told by the writers behind the music and lyrics. Featured at the show will be Jesslee, Jennifer Wayne, Cary Barlowe and Nathan Barlowe.

Perhaps best known for her appearance on NBC's The Voice where she turned the heads and chairs of Blake Shelton and Kelly Clarkson, Jesslee is a contemporary Christian artist and singer/songwriter known for her powerful voice and faith-driven storytelling. Her album spent 45 consecutive weeks on Apple Music and iTunes Country Hot Tracks, reaching the Top 5 on the Country Sales Charts.

Jennifer Wayne, the granddaughter of film icon John Wayne, has made a name for herself as a singer/songwriter and the founder of ACM and CMT nominated country group Runaway June. Wayne's writing credits include Runaway June hits "Lipstick," "Wild West," "Buy My Own Drinks," and "She Don't Love You" as well as Keith Urban's "Wild Hearts." Wayne's songs have also been recorded by Marie Osmond, Taylor Hicks and RaeLynn.

Cary Barlowe has written nine No. 1 songs recorded by TobyMac, including the Dove Award-winning hit "City On Our Knees." Barlowe has penned songs for many of the biggest performers in country music including Lady A ("American Honey"), Dustin Lynch ("Where It's At"), Florida Georgia Line ("Sun Daze"), Billy Currington ("It Don't Hurt Like It Used To"), Chris Young and Kane Brown ("Famous Friends"), Taylor Swift ("Untouchable"), Carrie Underwood, Tim McGraw, Little Big Town, Dan + Shay, Rascal Flatts and more.

Cary's brother Nathan Barlowe is a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer as well as a former member of Luna Halo and Five Knives. His songs have been recorded by Taylor Swift, Keith Urban, Steven Tyler and more. He won the 2017 CMA Touring Musician of the Year Award as a member of Keith Urban's touring band.

"This isn't just another concert," co-founder of Reverb Rounds Steve Virginia said. "Somewhere along the way, the songwriters who built Nashville's reputation somehow became background noise for crowded bars and bachelorette parties. We think they deserve a whole lot better than that. That's why we created Reverb Rounds. We don't just bring great songwriters on stage, we celebrate them. We tell their stories, shine a light on their craft and make sure they're paid fairly
for what they do. Most importantly, we give them what they've earned - a stage where the songs come first, an audience that's there to listen and the appreciation every songwriter deserves."

Park Theater management is proud to bring Reverb Rounds to the local venue as part of its effort to expand its already varied lineup of events.

"Showcasing songwriters is something we love to do here," Park Theater Manager Joe Harvey said. "The professional credentials and caliber of artists these songwriters have worked with is really impressive and we think this event will be fun and interesting for the audience. We're looking forward to partnering on this event to bring even more great entertainment to our community."

Reverb Rounds begins Saturday, Aug. 22 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 plus tax in advance, $25 plus tax at the door and are available at the Park Theater website and the Park box office at 115 W. Main St.