Philadelphia Songwriters Project Brings Talent to Light

Ardmore’s Dena Marchiony leads the mission of song.

Dena H. Marchiony, Ardmore

Executive Director, Philadelphia Songwriters Project

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Two songs totaling 8½ minutes—that’s how long 14 finalists will have to impress audience members and celebrity judges when they take the stage at Underground Arts in Philadelphia. Finalists are announced April 11; the showcase is May 18. The winner gets a summer tour with performances at seven music festivals, a three-song demo, a music video, and other prizes that could help launch someone’s career. It’s all part of the Philadelphia Songwriters Project, created in 2003 by Ardmore’s Dena Marchiony.

Favorite local songwriters: Vulcans [1], Ryan Tennis, Ginger Coyle, Kwesi K.

Favorite local spots to see live music: Melodies in Ardmore for local artists, Ardmore Music Hall for national acts, Burlap and Bean in Newtown Square for local and regional acts.

Favorite town on the Main Line: I’m a hometown girl … Go, Ardmore! I also love Narberth.

Best-kept secret: Kalyana Centre, which used to be in Ardmore and is now in Penn Valley. Yoga, meditation, massage—it’s a haven in a crazy world. Must-do outdoor activity: Walks on our beautiful college campuses, like Haverford, Bryn Mawr and Rosemont. Coolest local event: I’m a big fan of Clover Market …But it should have music.

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The last thing she ate that she loved: The grilled vegetable sandwich at McCloskey’s Tavern [2].

Favorite place to shop for clothes: Lord & Taylor in Bala Cynwyd.

Favorite places to shop for food: Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods.

Favorite place to shop for interesting gifts: Past*Present*Future in Ardmore.

If she had 30 minutes to herself, she would: Read.

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Worst traffic headache on the Main Line: Suburban Square.

If she didn’t live here, she’d live in: Marin County, Calif.

Favorite place for coffee: Saxbys [3] in Haverford.

Greatest haircut: Salon 31 in Ardmore. Owner Stephanie Iannotti is superb!

Guilty pleasure: West Chester’s Brûlée Bakery [4]. The gluten-free stuff is off the chain. 

Visit www.phillysongwriters.com.

Main Line Today Restaurant Week runs October 13-26!