The Chattanooga Song Circle was created in the early 2020’s by Chattanooga local Richard Daigle, fostering a sense of community and a sense of place for so many regional and local singer-songwriters over the past few years and happening at various venues and spots across town.
The most recent edition will take place this Thursday, September 3rd, at The Tremont Spot directly behind Tremont Tavern in Chattanooga's NorthShore.
A highly influential figure in Chattanooga's local singer-songwriter scene, Daigle is originally from New Orleans and moved to Chattanooga from Atlanta in 2019, performing open mics before transitioning to paid gigs and eventually creating the Chattanooga Song Circle.
Daigle also created the St. Elmo Songwriter Series at St. Elmo’s listening room, The Woodshop, in 2025, which has become a staple at the beloved venue, seeing Daigle growing into not only an active leader in creating communities for songwriters across the Scenic City, but a pillar in the music scene in Chattanooga.
Previous Chattanooga Song Circles have included surging local talents like Bella Lam, Katrina Barclay, and Mike DeBacker, to name a few. The upcoming song circle will feature three local singer-songwriters, including Daigle, soft-spoken indie rock musician Cat Campbell, and southern folk artist and singer-songwriter Jefferson Ross.
The series is being generously supported in part with help by SoundCorps, a non-profit dedicated to growing and supporting the local music infrastructure in Chattanooga.
The suggested donation is $10, and the artists will be performing in-the-round, with each having a chance to play three of their own original songs. Not only does each artist get a chance to play their original songs, but they also have tender moments to reflect on the stories that brought those songs into the world.
In speaking with Daigle about how he sees the Chattanooga Song Circle contributing to a larger sense of community for local musicians and aspiring songwriters, he mentioned that the whole point of these concert series is to build connection and community.
“As a songwriter, I want to make a connection with another human being. I want someone to laugh, cry, or think when they hear one of my songs. All songwriters are seeking that connection, and it’s all about community. When a local artist plays a gig at a bar or restaurant, they’ll usually play mostly cover songs with just a few originals mixed in because it’s not always a great listening environment.
There’s community in that, but I think much more community when a songwriter shares original songs from their heart for people who came to listen. I definitely think this series will contribute to a larger sense of community, not just among writers and musicians but also those who attend. So often a great song is like a gift that floats down into the soul of the artist. This is a place where we all get to enjoy that gift together.”
Daigle went on to discuss where he sees the future of the Chattanooga Song Circle heading, mentioning that he aims to continue highlighting local and regional aspiring singer-songwriters while fostering a deep sense of community and a space to belong as a creative.
“If it has legs at The Tremont Spot, it’d be nice to keep it going there. I hope people mark the first Thursday of the month on their calendars and show up ready for a great evening of music. I’d like to keep bringing in one regional artist along with a local artist, but sometimes it may be two local artists. There are so many to choose from, and it’s a challenge to make those choices.
If it’s successful and we outgrow this venue, I’d cross that bridge when the time comes. I could find a bigger place, but there might be something really neat about selling it out each month, having people come early or pre-pay to “get a spot at The Spot.” We’ll see what happens, but I think you take it like you take life, day by day, or in this case, month by month.”
What Daigle has aimed and succeeded in creating is not only inspiring and ambitious, it is what the world means more of: people trying to create community through shared song and story and creative aspirations, gathering folks together for a night to connect in a way that is meaningful and lasting.
The Chattanooga Song Circle at The Tremont Spot
- 7 p.m. Thursday, September 3.
- The Tremont Spot. 1215 Tremont St, Chattanooga.
- $10 donation suggested.
- facebook.com/loveChattmusic
- richarddaigle.com