Two BMI Songwriters Highlight Gathering of New England Restaurateurs

BMI helped fill the halls with music at the 2023 New England Food Show held recently at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center. The two-day show is the region’s largest restaurant and foodservice event and is hosted by long time BMI partner the Massachusetts Restaurant Association.

BMI songwriter Sam James kicked things off with a performance on the NEFS main stage where he performed songs from his upcoming project on Republic Records. James is a Worcester, Massachusetts native who has had his songs recorded by Bebe Rexha and Dolly Parton among others and recently performed on the Kelly Clarkson Show. He was also a participant on NBC’s The Voice as well as Songland.

Later in the evening the NEFS Industry Night Out party featured a performance by BMI songwriter Dwayne Haggins. Haggins, who hails from Framingham, Mass and has shared the stage with the likes of Keb Mo and George Thorogood performed a high energy set of songs in front of restaurant executives from across New England that put on display his blues, R & B and country influences. His style has been described as an infusion of John Legend and rockabilly.