Singer-songwriter Michael Francis Hughes will host a CD release party to celebrate his new album, Live Out Loud, on Thurs., March 26 at Andy’s in Chestertown.

Although Hughes has been writing songs and playing music for most of his life, Live Out Loud is his debut CD. Early reviews indicate it was well worth the wait. The original songs have memorable hooks and intelligent lyrics. “Seldom have I heard a CD with so many fine songs, even less seldom so many fine songs written by one artist,” says Herb Gart, publisher of Don McLean’s hit song American Pie and manager of countless artists and performers. “You can’t help but be moved by Mike Hughes.”

With influences ranging from the Gay ’90s to Tin Pan Alley, from Liverpool to Laurel Canyon, and from the British Invasion to Nashville, Hughes’s lifetime of musical experiences coalesces in Live Out Loud’s ten tracks. An award-winning songwriter and gifted vocalist, he has had songs cut by several other artists, and his vocal session work can be heard on recordings by April Wine, The Nighthawks, and Soraia.

Hughes has played in the Mid-Atlantic region from the Chesapeake Bay to his roots in Levittown and Bristol, Pa., as well as Philadelphia and the Jersey Shore. He makes frequent trips to Nashville to appear at the Sunday Writer Night show at the famous Bluebird Café. He was a finalist in the first Philly Rising Series at the World Café Live.

The release party for Live Out Loud runs from 8:30 to 11:30 p.m. at Andy’s, 337 ½ High Street, Chestertown. Backed by the band Pop Fiction, Hughes will perform tunes from the CDs and other original songs. CDs or download cards will be for sale. For more information and links to the music, visit www.michaelfrancishughes.com.