MAKING THE GATHERING POSSIBLE
BARBARA REYES-BARNETT is an instrumental member of the Arizona Songwriters Gathering planning committee.
As one half of Barnett Productions, Barbara coordinates bookings, promotions, and logistics for shows and events—as well as emceeing in both English and Spanish. As a musician she plays flute, guitar, and sings, often performing with her husband Doug. Barbara's dedication to supporting and strengthening the songwriting community of Arizona and improving the industry at large is demonstrated time and again as she helps to realize the Arizona Songwriters Gathering, in addition to her involvement in local performance events. |
DOUG BARNETT is another core member of the Arizona Songwriters Gathering planning committee.
In addition to operating Barnett Productions alongside his wife Barbara, Doug is an acoustic guitarist and singer-songwriter. His repertoire includes decades of covers from pop, folk, bluegrass, western and country catalogues, as well as dozens of originals. He plays in the greater PHX area, performs along Route 66 with his wife, and regularly flies to Seattle for performances at Katie J's in Renton, WA. Doug is a BMI songwriter and member of the Arizona Songwriters Association. He has mentored many up-and-coming songwriters in his day, while always seeking to become better at his own craft in kind. |
JON IGER co-founded the Arizona Songwriters Association in 1977, and has co-produced the annual Arizona Songwriters Gathering since its inception.
Jon is a former Capitol Records recording artist, songwriter, and publisher with major label label cuts, whose song placements in film and television include Touched by an Angel, The Sopranos, Parks & Recreation, Ugly Betty, My Name is Earl, The Oblongs, Brooklyn 99, Where the Money Is (starring Paul Newman), and many more. He also co-produced the cable TV series The Arizona Songwriter with RANDEE MOSSBURG. Jon co-founded the Arizona Songwriters Association in 1977. Honored with inductions into the Greater Arizona Country Music Association Hall of Fame in 2018 and Arizona Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame (AMEHOF) in 2019, Iger served on the AMEHOF Board of Directors from 2005-2015, and continues to serve on its Advisory Council. He has also taught songwriting workshops at the MIM (Musical Instrument Museum) alongside RANDY BROWN and co-hosts the ASA 3rd Saturday Songs in Progress workshop. |
RANDY BROWN has helped to make the Arizona Songwriters Gathering a reality for years with his service as part of the planning committee.
Randy is a Country/Americana songwriter and songwriting teacher who has won national lyric writing competitions by both American Songwriter and Billboard magazines. His credits include songs in several movies, most notably Remember the Titans, and songs in numerous television shows, ranging from Malcolm in the Middle to Person of Interest and CMT’s Crossroads. Alongside Jon Iger, he hosts a monthly Songs in Progress workshop for ASA. He has also conducted songwriting seminars at various folk festivals across Arizona. Be sure to check out all the songs at Old Stallion Music—as you just might find the song you've been looking for where you least expect it. |
IVY JARVIS is the final crucial member of the Arizona Songwriters Gathering planning comittee, and representative of the Glendale Public Library.
Ivy is a programming and supervising librarian dedicated to providing enrichment and opportunity for the community. She has played a fundamental role in planning and hosting the Arizona Songwriters Gathering for 14 years. In addition to coordinating several music performances at the Glendale Main Library each month, she has organized a wide variety of programs for the Library since 1999, including world-renowned author appearances—Diana Gabaldon, Jodi Picoult, J.A. Jance et. al.—and highlight performances with R. Carlos Nakai, Walt Richardson, Donal Ellis, and many more. |
LON AUSTIN is a venerable Arizona folk singer-songwriter whose influence on the folk music scene has persisted for over four decades. Ingrained in the culturally diverse southwest, Lon captures the essence of a very unique blend of people, landscapes, and history, weaving them into the rich fabric of his musical creations. His distinctive sound is a delightful fusion of storytelling, simple melodies, and insightful lyrics, resonating deeply with those who have the pleasure of experiencing his art.
From the early stages of his work in the community, Lon has shown a remarkable ability to craft captivating narratives, accompanied by his guitar, banjo and ukulele. His lyrics are a touching mix of personal anecdotes, science fiction elements, and universal themes that come from a long history of experiences along the trail. Beyond his extraordinary talent as a songwriter and musician, Lon stands as a pillar in the Arizona folk music community. His dedication to fostering local talent is evident in the programs he’s created. Many will remember Lon’s influence in the creation of the Encanto Park Coffeehouse, a key juncture in his journey that eventually gave rise to The Mexican Beaded Lizard Band. Through these endeavors, Lon has provided artists with a stage to craft and share their work. Austin created the Phoenix Folk Traditions Music Festival, established the Glendale Folk & Heritage Festival, and initiated the Peoria Library Monday Night Melodies—as well as serving as one of the foundational member of the Arizona Songwriters Gathering planning committee. Lon continues to support and maintain these local festivals, showcases, and the Arizona folk culture itself. His contributions are essential in fortifying the preservation and dissemination of Arizona’s American folk heritage. |
ADDRESSGlendale Public Library
5959 W. Brown Street, Glendale AZ 85302 |
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For more information, please call Ivy Jarvis, Adult Programming Librarian at 623-930-3573.
This event is held in partnership with the Arizona Songwriters Association.
Sound support and sponsorship is offered by Barnett Productions.
This project is supported in part by the Arizona Commission on the Arts which receives support from the State of Arizona and the National Endowment for the Arts.
This event is held in partnership with the Arizona Songwriters Association.
Sound support and sponsorship is offered by Barnett Productions.
This project is supported in part by the Arizona Commission on the Arts which receives support from the State of Arizona and the National Endowment for the Arts.

For special accommodations, please contact the host library at least one week prior to the event date.

Glendale Public Library is a division of the
City of Glendale's Community Services Department
Community Services contact #: 623-930-3590.
City of Glendale's Community Services Department
Community Services contact #: 623-930-3590.