JE Sunde, Jake La Botz, Whitney Mann

×

Expand

Joshua Black Wilkins

A close-up of Jake La Botz.

Jake La Botz

The Writers' Block series celebrates its first anniversary of in-the-round songwriter showcases with a doozy of a lineup. Jake La Botz may be as well known for acting roles as his bluesy folk songs (and, increasingly, fiction writing). Whitney Mann was a mainstay of the Madison Americana scene in the 2010s before taking some time off from performing music to raise a family, and happily for listeners is back in action. JE Sunde, formerly of The Daredevil Christopher Wright, writes catchy and deep pop-rock songs. Sparks should fly as this talented trio trades songs and stories.

media release: Now in its second year, Writer’s Block continues its run as Madison’s premier songwriter showcase with another stellar night of songs and stories. The quarterly concert series returns to the Bartell Theatre on Thursday, August 7, featuring an intimate, in-the-round performance by three acclaimed artists: Jake La Botz, JE Sunde, and Whitney Mann.

Rooted in the tradition of Nashville-style “Songwriters in the Round,” Writer’s Block offers a listening-room experience where lyrics take the spotlight and connection is the headliner. Each artist takes turns performing original songs and sharing the stories behind them—often responding to and collaborating with one another in real time.

This quarter’s lineup brings together a trio of singular voices:

Jake La Botz – A bluesman, actor, and tattooed troubadour with a voice like a busted speaker in a gospel church.

JE Sunde – A thoughtful craftsman of clever, philosophical pop songs that sneak up on you with their emotional resonance.

Whitney Mann – A local favorite whose soaring voice and raw honesty make every song feel like a revelation.

There’s no opener. No headliner. Just six rounds of original music, unscripted moments, and the kind of magic you only get when artists trust each other—and the audience—to come along for the ride.

Doors at 6:00 PM. Music begins promptly at 7:00 PM.

The show wraps up by 9:30 PM—because your ears deserve great songs and your sleep schedule deserves respect.

ABOUT WRITER’S BLOCK:

Held quarterly at The Bartell Theatre in Madison, Writer’s Block is a curated celebration of the songwriter’s craft. Local, regional, and national artists come together in the spirit of collaboration and creativity. It’s a night where lyrics take center stage, and the room leans in to listen.

Follow along:

Instagram: @writersblockconcerts

Facebook: facebook.com/writersblockmadison

Website: writersblock.show