CHARLESTON, W.Va. --MusicWorks 2012 will host its second Singer/Songwriter Showcase -- featuring people singing their own original songs -- on Saturday between 10:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. as part of Charleston's annual FestivALL.

Eleven solo or duo performers will each present 25-minute samples of their original music at Capitol Roasters at 160 Summers Street, on the corner of Quarrier Street, in downtown Charleston.

Larry Groce, a singer-songwriter who co-founded Mountain Stage back in 1983, said, "Every place has its singer-songwriters. They're the modern troubadour poets who give voice to their own feelings as well as to the spirit of their communities.

"Take a listen to what these folks have to offer. They are local color, each with his/her own shade."

John Lilly, well known for his own songs that have a country-music flavor, will host the "coffee house" event and play his own set at 1:30 p.m.

Lilly said Saturday's performers are "talented and diverse. Not only do these folks represent a range of musical styles and personal backgrounds, they come with a variety of work experiences -- from hair dressers and waitresses to merchants and magazine editors, and quite a bit in between."

Becky Park, whose husband Andy Park will perform on Saturday, said, "As the wife of a musician, it is interesting to me how much labor goes into creating original music and then finding a place to be heard.

"I am also a very social person and love to be at events where several singer-songwriters interact. We will have 11 acts, with people listening to each other and talking with each other.

"I think it is going to have a dimension that no other event will have. Our theme is: 'Celebrating the music of work and the work of music,'" said Becky Park, who is helping to organize the event.

Oval Construction and the American Federation of Musicians Local 136 were two of the program's original sponsors.

This year, United Electrical Workers Local 170, which represents state workers locally, and the West Virginia AFL-CIO also became sponsors.

"We love turning on the radio to hear songs about the importance of the paycheck, the grind of daily routines and the importance of income to our families," Park said. "That is important to musicians as well. Most of our musicians still have their day jobs."

Park said some people have asked: "'Is there a political agenda to the event?' You will find out what our performers think. But we believe we have a balanced slate. There will be something for everybody to enjoy."

Groce said Saturday's event would be "a very good stage to help singer-songwriters who often don't get their music to be heard."

Saturday's schedule includes:

• 10:30 a.m.: Mark and Micah Atkinson, a father-daughter duo

• 11 a.m.: Charleston chanteuse Raj Pongsugree with Rick Purdue

• 11:30 a.m.: Paul Calicoat, a Barboursville guitarist, with Jay Oakes

• 12:00 noon: Emily Burdette, from West Virginia State University via Nashville

• 12:30 a.m.: Andy Park with Jamie Adkins

• 1 p.m.: Julie Adams, a Mountain Stage vocalist, with Steve Hill

• 1:30 p.m.: John Lilly

• 2 p.m.: Tracy Miller, a Roane County bluegrass gospel singer

• 2:30 p.m.: T. Paige Dalporto, who speaks up for the common folks

• 3 p.m.: Uncle Eddie and Robin Mahonen, a husband and wife from Wheeling, with Greg Pawlack

• 3:30 p.m.: Sasha Colette, from The Magnolias

Admission to MusicWorks 2012 is free. Capitol Roasters will have its full range of food and drinks on its Saturday menu available for purchase.

Reach Paul J. Nyden at pjny...@wwgazette.com or 304-348-5164.