European Street Cafe in the San Marco section of Jacksonville in association with HACKING CAT PRODUCTIONS, recently celebrated their 400th listening room show! This outstanding accomplishment
was achieved by mostly booking touring acts from around the US with the potential for building a following. Very few "local acts" were included because quite frankly, you can't count on support from the fickle North Florida market (the same risk also applies to national touring acts!)

In May of 2006, promoter Ray Lewis and singer/songwriter Larry Mangum approached the European Street owners with the idea of THE SONGWRITER'S CIRCLE which would feature 3 regional songwriters presenting their original music in the listening room environment for a small cover. Larry would serve as host and performer with other guest host coming in from time to time. They said "Go for it!"

The idea was an instant success with the 65 seat room three quarters full on most occasions. On some special occasions like CD release parties, there is standing room only. There are actually four European Street Cafe's in Jacksonville so with the heavy booking schedule at the San Marco location, it was decided that the SONGWRITER'S CIRCLE shows should be moved to the 5500 Beach Blvd location. The success has continued with shows now scheduled every Saturday night at 8PM.. We have also begun to feature some touring acts as well as regional favorites. The following has steadily grown and we have the most respectful audience anyone could hope for. Long live the SONGWRITER'S CIRCLE.