Erie Songwriter Presents Inspired Songs and Stories

Contributed

Local singer songwriter Tyler Smilo will present his second iteration of his Songs and Stories performance at City Gallery. This act is entitled Make Something Beautiful and tackles themes of addiction and creativity.

SATURDAY, JAN. 27

Local singer/songwriter Tyler Smilo (of Erie's 2023 40 Under 40 class) is bringing back his Songs and Stories performance to City Gallery. Smilo plans to perform his songs while simultaneously telling the stories of his life that inspired his work. This is the second year that Smilo has done this, with last year's Songs and Stories focusing on his Tale of Addiction and Recovery. This year's performance is entitled Make Something Beautiful. "I hope the audience gets to feel something honest," Smilo expresses. "Find some perspective on what it's like being an addict and perhaps some hope for a loved one, or themselves, dealing with something similar. I want to inspire people to be creative in their own life. Life can be very demanding and we can miss so much so easily."

Smilo is very open about his struggles with addiction and the path on which it's taken him, spending three years of his adult life in rehab centers. During these stints, he brought his guitar and would write and perform his songs for those also in recovery. Smilo says, "That setting was much different than the corner of a bar room or even a stage at a venue. The other residents knew exactly what I was saying and why. My music had a home."

While most locals know him from his band Smilo and the Ghost, some may not know much about the man who writes the songs they enjoy. Smilo hopes that these shows will be insightful to those in attendance: "I don't believe it takes an addict to understand the thoughts and feelings behind the show. Everyone can relate to the human condition. Also addiction is such a widespread issue it would be hard to find someone who hasn't been affected in one way or another."

This show is more intimate than he is used to, leaving Smilo alone on stage with just a guitar and microphone. This unique look into the songwriting process is a one-night-only event, so don't miss it. 

7 p.m. // City Gallery, 1503 State St. // $20 // For tickets and info: smiloandtheghost.com/tour