Bonafide acoustic supergroup In the Big Round perform at Boulevard Music this week, so band member and former Motown recording artist Severin Browne told the News about what they have in store for Culver City…
When and how did In the Big Round form, and when did it get serious?
It all started with two friends — John Zipperer and Tracy Newman — both seasoned musicians who, after years of playing in bands, suddenly found themselves going solo. Performing alone can be daunting, so they decided to meet regularly to support each other, share new material, and keep the creative fire burning. It was never intended to be a band — just a trusted circle of solo singer-songwriters helping each other grow.
Soon, they invited other like-minded artists — Art Podell, Ken Holme, Craig Lincoln — and a small, consistent group formed. When the pandemic hit, they didn’t stop — they simply moved online. That weekly Zoom circle became something sacred: a judgment-free space to bring in-progress songs, experiment, and keep performing.
Over time, they welcomed Severin Browne and Kevin Kelso, and the energy only deepened. The music was still solo, but the collaboration, encouragement, and sense of community were collective.
Their gigs together — playing in the round — reflect the magic of that process: each artist performing their own songs, while the others listen, support, and sometimes harmonize from the sidelines. It’s intimate, authentic, and deeply rooted in friendship. That’s when it got serious — not as a band, but as a shared commitment to the music and to each other.
Describe your sound…
What makes In the Big Round so special is that there isn’t just one sound — it’s seven distinct voices, each with their own style, story, and soul. From Tracy Newman’s wry, heartfelt songs and razor-sharp wit to Art Podell’s rich folk tradition rooted in American music history… from Severin Browne’s smooth, poetic Americana to John Zipperer’s genre-blending mix of gospel, blues, and bluegrass… from Ken Holme’s quirky, tender character-driven tunes to Craig Lincoln’s reflective, often philosophical folk… and Kevin Kelso’s storytelling that can go from heartstring-tugging to laugh-out-loud in a single verse.
It’s not a band sound — it’s a front-row seat to seven solo artists, each offering a different color on the palette. What ties it all together is the genuine camaraderie, craftsmanship, and respect that shines through every performance. Think of it as a living mixtape — curated by friendship, delivered with heart.
What are your career highlights so far?
Kevin Kelso won a songwriting award from the Manhattan Association of Cabarets and has appeared many times as a guest on the “Nobody Listens To Paula Poundstone” podcast. Art Podell was a member of the duo “Art & Paul” years ago, then had success with the New Christy Minstrels. I was a staff songwriter for Motown in the 70’s and make records with them too. Ken Holme has a page/section on YouTube. Craig Lincoln was an Olympic diver who now writes some pretty cool songs and plays the hell out of his guitar. Tracy Newman is a TV writer/producer and a singer/songwriter. In 1997, she and her writing partner, John Stark, won an Emmy and a Peabody Award for co-writing the “coming out” episode of Ellen. In 2001 they created the ABC comedy, According to Jim, which ran for eight seasons. Tracy has played guitar since she was 14. Her CDs with her band Tracy Newman and the Reinforcements are “A Place in the Sun,” “I Just See You,” and “That’s What Love Can Do to Your Heart.” www.tracynewman.com. She also has three CDs for children through her company called RunAlongHome.
Do you have any recorded music available?
While In the Big Round hasn’t released a group recording (yet!), each artist has an impressive catalog of their own. From Tracy’s poignant and playful songwriting to Art’s rich folk legacy, Severin’s soul-stirring Americana, and John’s genre-blending journeys — there’s a world of music to explore. Check out their individual websites and streaming platforms.
As for a group recording… a live album from one of their past performances — like the sold-out shows at Boulevard Music and McCabes — has certainly been talked about. Who knows? Maybe it’s written in the stars (and sound waves). Stay tuned.
Have you performed at Boulevard before? Any memories?
I played Boulevard Music long ago – not sure what year. But we played there in 2023 and had a pretty good night as I recall.
What can we expect from the set this time?
What you can expect is to hear some very talented songwriters play some of their best material and tell some pretty funny stories too.
What else do you have coming up?
Each artist in In the Big Round has a full plate — solo gigs, recordings, new songs in the works — and you’ll find them performing at venues across Southern California and beyond. While the group doesn’t have a new In the Big Round show scheduled just yet, the energy from past sold-out performances and the chemistry they share on stage is undeniable. Let’s just say… the door is wide open, and when the stars (and calendars) align, there’s a good chance they’ll find their way back in the round again.
In the Big Round performs at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 9 at Boulevard Music. More info on the show at boulevardmusic.com. More info on the band at jamesleestanley.com.
Elsewhere this week
Culver City’s music venues have a full calendar of entertainment over the next four weeks. For the Cinema Bar, that includes the Hot Club of Los Angeles (every Monday), Open Mic Night every Wednesday, Low Volume, Bruce Ray White, Royal Reign, Guitar Jack, and more. For more information, go to thecinemabar.com.
Live music has also returned to the Culver Hotel and this week they will host Scotty Bramer Duo, Teddy Bang Trio, Dalton & Ellis, and more. Go to culverhotel.com for more info.