Portland-based singer-songwriter Jenny Van West will take the stage on Saturday, Oct. 14, at 7 p.m. as part of “Music at the Merry Barn: Celebrating the Intersection of Story and Song.” From 1-4 p.m., Van West will welcome music lovers of all abilities for an interactive workshop, “Songwriting After 50.” Anyone over the age of 18 is welcome, and no prior experience is necessary. Space is limited to 10 participants.

Van West says, “When I got into my 50s, a wall of negative messaging hit me all at once: ‘You don't matter anymore. Middle age is unsexy; no one wants to hear about it. No one wants to hire you. Sit down and shut up. Don't dress like that anymore. Menopause?? Just stay home!’ 

“These messages filtered into every aspect of my creative life,” Van West reflects. “But isn't all that stuff a bunch of hooey? Why is it so persistent? What can we do to regain our creative footing, or prevent the messages from taking hold in the first place?”

Participants will learn from each other while answering questions that arise, such as: “What can/should we write about? Can we still write about love and heartbreak? What about arthritis, empty nesting, death? Who's our audience? Does anyone even care? How do we build community? What can songwriting do to support us and the people around us?”

Van West doesn’t promise that you’ll walk out with all the answers, but a renewed sense of energy and purpose and a few great ideas to propel you forward.

Writer, singer, multi-instrumentalist, teacher, and producer Jenny Van West's greatest musical passion lies in what good songs can do: alleviate loneliness, support language development, lessen trauma, create joy, build community, and harmonize diverse populations. Van West has released three albums of original songs, “Something Real” (2015), “Honey & Hive” (EP, 2016), and “Happiness to Burn” (2018), with more in the works. Van West has toured extensively in the US and Western Europe, and currently teaches and builds community with recent immigrants and their families in East Bayside, Portland, Maine. During the pandemic, she produced a national music podcast, Postcards, and currently serves as Program Coordinator for DocSong Portland. She has received 1st place in the Maine Songwriter's Association songwriting contest, a Community Rock Star Award from the Maine Academy of Modern Music in 2019, and a Mission Award from Mayo Street Arts in 2022. To learn more, check out:  www.jennyvanwestmusic.com.

To register for “Songwriting After 50,” and purchase tickets to the 7 p.m. show, www.merrybarn.com. For more information contact stephaniemcsherry@merrybarn.com.