Although we are lucky to live in an area that supports live music, any musician locked into the Island circuit knows the struggle all too well, having to balance the inspiration to write and perform their own material with the expectation to play crowd-pleasing covers week after week.

A dark, damp Saturday afternoon saw a particularly spirited crowd flood into Manafirkin Brewing Co. on Dec. 2, some still dressed in holiday antlers as they trailed in from the Ship Bottom parade. The occasion? Live, original music performed by six artists well known to the Island nightlife circuit.

Organized by Chris Fritz, the LBI Singer/Songwriter Showcase was designed to highlight the same great performers solely…