Crooner Circus is a long-standing songwriter showcase and creative community based in Cincinnati, Ohio. Curated by touring artist and award winning songwriter Noah Smith, the show has featured over 300 original artists including Grammy nominated, award winning, and international performers. What started as a grassroots round in the corner of a local taproom has grown into a trusted regional platform for emerging voices and seasoned pros alike.
Held on the third Thursday of every month, Crooner Circus is a rotating lineup of 6 to 9 songwriters, each sharing their original music, stories behind the songs, and the heart that keeps them writing. From intimate listening-room vibes to packed-out bar nights, the show thrives on connection between artists, fans, and the cities we visit.
In addition to the monthly series, Noah Smith’s Crooner Circus Songwriter Festival returns for its second year on December 6th at the legendary Southgate House Revival, bringing together over 40 songwriters across multiple stages in a celebration of songcraft and storytelling.
Crooner Circus isn’t just another show it’s a movement, with a strong social media presence, content strategy, and brand that helps host venues grow their audience and build new relationships with the music community.
Riggs is from Independence, Kentucky, where the midwest meets south, and the roots of American rock, pop, country and soul have jointly influenced her style. Riggs’ music is reminiscent of Sheryl Crow, early Liz Phair, Juliana Hatfield and The Bangles. Aided and abetted by Cincinnati based co-writer, guitarist and producer, Brian Lovely, 24 year old Riggs continues to explore the origins of her influences in the singer-songwriters and classic power pop of the sixties and early seventies.
Songwriter - Artist - Storyteller
Michael Moeller is a songwriter, artist, and musician from the flatlands east of Cincinnati, Ohio. For the people around there, his music is a unique take on familiar tales. For everyone else, it is a fresh look into a midwestern river city life made into song.
Michael is a seasoned performer with years of solo acoustic shows filling the calendar along with full band shows accompanied by his backing band, The Ohio River Authority. With influences like Chris Ledoux, Guy Clark, Eric Church, and Justin Townes Earl, he pulls aspects of those legends into his unique delivery of original music that is heavily focused on lyrics and story. His songs are grounded in sincerity above all else. The goal is to make sure the audience knows he believes in the words he is singing. Whether performing solo acoustic sets or with The Ohio River Authority, Michael connects deeply with audiences who crave authenticity over polish.
His studio efforts have produced 2 EPs and 1 single to date with more in production. In 2014, he debuted the Michael Moeller EP with his first collection of songs to present himself as an artist and songwriter. In 2021, he released the EP Can't See The Stars. On Leap Day of 2024, he released his latest single, Band Aid Boy, for his son who celebrates his birthday on the shy Feb 29th. With more songs in production, there will be release dates announced in 2026 for singles and EPs.