Denny Tilton's milestone 100th songwriter's showcase

BYRAM — Singer/songwriter, Denny Tilton will return to The Lockwood Tavern on Dec. 5 for the 100th time to present his songwriters showcase. From 1990 to 1996 Tilton was hosting an annual Christmas benefit for the American Cancer Society at Krogh’s Pub in Sparta. This annual benefit included some of the finest singer/songwriters from the northwest New Jersey music scene, and raised thousands of dollars each year for the American Cancer Society. Elmer Foster, manager and entertainment director from the Lockwood Tavern, saw the success of the annual benefit and the deep pool of talented musicians in the area. Foster asked Tilton to host an original songwriters’ night at Lockwood Tavern in Byram. Fourteen years ago, in June of 1995, Tilton hosted the first songwriter’s showcase with music guests Luke Liddy, Paul Clements, Jack Tannehill, Jamie Coan and John Sheehan, and the songwriters showcase was born. The musical line-up since the showcase series started has included over 60 of the most talented singer/songwriters from the tri-state area. Over the past 14 years between his own schedule of performing in writers clubs like New York City’s Kenny’s Castaways and Fast Folk Cafe to the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville, and traveling to Vermont and Maine, Tilton has helped keep the original music scene alive in northwest New Jersey. Tilton is a native of New Jersey and has released four albums, performing a few of them at each showcase. The Dec. 5 showcase will feature Patrick Fitzsimmons, Jake Stigers, Jack Tannehill, Mef Gannon and Tom Askin, as well as other special guest songwriters who have appeared in the past. The show starts at 9:30 p.m., and there is no cover charge. Dinner available before the show. Lockwood Tavern is located at 77 Rt. 206 in Byram. 973-347-0077.