In 1988, as a young Cleveland songwriter, Charlie Mosbrook asked the late poet laureate of Cuyahoga county Daniel Thompson how to break into the scene.Thompson's response was, “There is no scene to break into. You have to make the sceneâ€. Since that time Mosbrook has worked to create new stages to present his original music, warm powerful voice, and distinctive guitar technique.
His early years were spent performing in subway tunnels, storefronts and cafe's. Having spent time traveling the country and performing anywhere he could, he returned to Cleveland and created a series of open mics throughout the city. His first open mic (1990-2001) was held at the legendary Coventry Arabica, and played host to many traveling national acts as well as introducing many of Cleveland's top acts during that time period. Charlie's many shows helped to lay the frame work for a very strong singer songwriter community in Cleveland during the 1990's.
By the end of 1999, Charlie began to focus on the internet as a new stage for up and coming songwriters. His first self titled CD became one of the top selling folk discs on Mp3.com during that year, while his song “Roxanne†reached 2 on the mp3.com folk charts. Charlie has shared the stage with CSN, The Jefferson Starship, Iris Dement, Jewel, Chris Whitely, Bighead Todd, the Samples, Darrell Scott and many others. He performed during the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's Celebration of Woody Guthrie in 1996.
Today Charlie hosts just one open mic a block from his home at the Phoenix Coffee shop a few doors down from his original show on Coventry. He continues to record music for the internet, where he has built a strong following and can be heard from time to time on NPR stations. As a performer he continues to create a new scene and stage with every song.
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