The Island Songwriter Showcase (ISS) is a Long Island-based organization of songwriters, lyricists, producers, engineers, performers, and DJ's with a common purpose: to develop and support musical talent through community, workshops, peer review and live performances. The ISS has become the largest, most visible and sought-after group of songwriters on Long Island. The ISS welcomes songwriters with a variety of backgrounds, experience and objectives. Workshops, showcases and membership is free to anyone interested in improving their craft and helping others to do the same.
The history of the ISS begins in the late 70s with Harry Chapin and Rob Baranello (and myself). Harry held a songwriter circle in his home which I attended. The group inspired several independent songwriter groups in the area. Rob, who had attended some of the Manhatten songwriter groups, founded the ISS, holding the first meeting in the Huntington Public Library on Main Street. Since then, the ISS has enjoyed the attendence and contributions of many fine songwriters and continues to grow.
The story of the ISS continues in the tradition of a volunteer organization for the art of songwriting and the support and success of songwriters.
- Sonny Speed
About this Website
In 1998, Bill Ryan founded the ISS website. Bill generously provided the web hosting (with Access Highway) up through 2005.
In 2003, the ISS was redesigned by Walt Sargent who assumed the web hosting (with Zerojack) in 2006.
