Frequently Asked Questions

Songs in the Round is an intimate concert where multiple songwriters share the stage, trading songs and stories one by one. Inspired by Frank Fiction’s decade as a songwriter in Nashville and the famous Bluebird Cafe, we’re bringing this unique format to Crown & Press, stripping songs to their essence: human, conversational, and often spontaneously collaborative. All evening, songwriters take turns sharing the story behind and then performing a song, offering the audience a rare look at the craft behind the music, with others sometimes joining in. It’s a listening-room experience built on connection, surprise, and songs as they were written: up close and personal.

Frank Fiction is an alt-folk/americana project from Hamilton songwriter Elias Dummer, a Juno Award–winning recording artist whose career includes eight Billboard Top 40 singles, five Top 40 albums, and over 100 million streams. After a decade in Nashville, Dummer returned to his hometown of Hamilton to co-found Crown & Press, where he now hosts Songs In The Round—a full-circle moment that brings together a lifelong love of songs with a room where art meets everyday life.

Doors open at 6:30 PM. The licensed café is open for service and the gallery is open to browse.

Doors open at 6:30 PM and the music starts at 7:30 PM. We recommend arriving early to grab a seat, order from the café, and browse the gallery before the show.

Not at all. Songs In The Round is a low-key acoustic evening, with two sets and a short intermission. Most shows wrap around 9:30 PM, so you’ll be home at a reasonable hour.

This is an intimate general-admission show. There’s table seating for about 45 people and additional row seating beyond that, all on a first-come, first-served basis. We make sure there’s room for everyone to see, hear, and enjoy the night.

As seating is first-come, first-served, arriving together and early is the best way to make sure you can sit together.

This is a licensed concert celebrating the art of songwriting, and the songs and stories shared occasionally include language or subject matter parents may want to weigh in on. In our view, attendees under 16 should come with a parent or legal guardian.

Yes. Our fully licensed café is open before and during the show, with coffee, espresso drinks, beer, wine, cocktails, and a small food menu.

On-street parking is available along Ottawa Street North and the surrounding side streets free after 6pm. There is also a paid lot behind the Argyle, which is across the street. Plan a few extra minutes on busy nights.

Yes. Crown & Press is on a single ground-floor level with step-free access from the street, and there’s an accessible washroom on site. If you have specific accessibility needs, email hello@songsintheround.ca ahead of the show and we’ll make sure you’re looked after.

Songs In The Round is booked several months out, and lineups are curated very selectively. With that said, submissions are welcome at https://songsintheround.ca/apply/