LEE, Mass. — The Sandy McKnight Songwriters Fund will launch its new bi-monthly Songwriter Series on Friday, Jan. 3, at Appetito, located at 54 Main Street in Lee, Massachusetts. 

 

The event begins at 6:30 p.m. and features a performance by North Adams singer-songwriter Jordan Franklin, followed by an open mic session for original songwriters.

 

The series, which takes place on the first and third Fridays of each month, honors the legacy of Sandy McKnight, a local singer-songwriter who passed away in May 2024.

 

According to a press release:

 

Jordan Franklin of North Adams is known his finger-style acoustic guitar playing, which he learned at age 13 from his dad, whom he credits as "the best guitar player I know."  Inspired by his dad’s open tuning and artists like Nick Drake, the singer/songwriter draws from personal experience to create songs which are soothing and ethereal, almost other-worldly.

 

The Songwriter Series aims to create a welcoming space for both seasoned and emerging songwriters to showcase their work, reflecting McKnight's lifelong dedication to fostering musical talent and community.