Gabriella Simpkins Is First Recipient Of New Songwriter Grant

Gabriella Simpkins is a singer and songwriter based in Massachusetts, and she is the first recipient of the Eastern Front Songwriter Grant, named for the music label that introduced many important Boston area singer/songwriters to larger audiences (including artists like Martin Sexton, Grey Greenway, Peter Mulvey, Jim’s Big Ego, Courage Brothers, Barbara Kessler, and Kevin Connolly). The label was founded by Jerry Potts, who also served as chair of Passim Board of Directors from 2008 to 2020, and the new award honors the work he did and his legacy. The grant, which was established by Club Passim, is designed to help new artists finance professional recording projects, and will be given annually. By the way, Gabriella Simpkins will be performing at Club Passim on August 9th, along with Talia Rubenstein, as part of the venue’s Discovery Series.