Meet The Neighbors: Dave Keener From Songwriter Deathmatch

Love a little night music, but tired of the same old, same old? Longtime South Slope neighbor Dave Keener gives us a peek inside his not-to-be-missed show, Songwriter Deathmatch, which can be seen every month at Freddy’s (5th Avenue, between 17th and 18th Street).

SSN: Tell us a bit about yourself.
DK: I’m a musician and host of a show called Songwriter Deathmatch at Freddy’s Bar. I just finished a new album called “Slugger.”

What brought you to South Slope and how long have you lived here?
I first moved to the South Slope in 1989. My brother already lived here, and neither of us thought we could afford the East Village, which had the music scene at the time.

What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever seen in the neighborhood?
The store called “The Bad Wife.” Why on earth would you call it that?

What can you tell us about the genesis of Songwriter Deathmatch?
Most singer-songwriter shows consist of one person playing for an hour, which is too long, then taking all their friends and fans out of the room to make way for the next act. It’s a bit boring and anti-social. I had been playing in Irish music sessions, and I wanted the same kind of camaraderie in a singer-songwriter show. So, I came up with a more entertaining concept that brings people together.

What can neighbors expect at the show?
You’ll hear four accomplished singer-songwriters, each playing short sets of their best stuff in an intimate room where you can hear the words. I also host the show, so I can cover tuning and set up breaks with my extremely hit-or-miss comedy material.

Is it always the same performers or do they rotate?
I’m a mainstay, but all the other players change from show to show. I have some great people I book regularly, including Mark Humble and Karen Dahlstrom.

Do you accept applications for future performers?
Yes. They can reach me on the Songwriter Deathmatch Facebook page or through Twitter.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever gotten?
If you consider a decision carefully and then make the decision, you don’t need anyone else to approve it. KInd of a heavy way to end a profile, but there it is.

Photo by Bill Wadman