“American Made” Singer-Songwriter Series to return to YSU
October 5, 2026
YSU’s Cliffe College of Creative Arts will join with COMPASS Family & Community Services to welcome back the “American Made” Singer-Songwriter Series Friday, October 9, at 7:30 PM at the Ford Theater in YSU’s Bliss Hall.
The event will welcome YSU alumnus and Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Bob DiPiero back to campus, joined by Blessing Offor of NBC’s “The Voice” and songwriter JT Harding. Guests can expect an intimate night of music and storytelling, with each artist sharing the stories behind their songs and performing them live.
“We are proud to welcome YSU alumnus Bob DiPiero back to campus, along with Blessing Offor and JT Harding. Their generosity allows us to use music to support our community and an important cause. October is a time to raise awareness about domestic violence, and this event does that while directly supporting the people of our community,” Cliffe College of Creative Arts Dean Dr. Amy Cossentino said.
All proceeds generated from the evening will benefit COMPASS and the Sojourner House Domestic Violence Program, with the concert falling during National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, which is observed each October.
“Sojourner House provides safety, shelter and support to survivors of domestic violence and their children. Proceeds from American Made help us continue that work, and we are grateful to YSU and these artists for supporting survivors during Domestic Violence Awareness Month,” Jennifer Gray, Social Services and Development Officer at COMPASS, said.
DiPiero is a Youngstown native who holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from YSU. He moved to Nashville in 1978 and has had more than 1,200 songs recorded by other artists, including 15 No. 1 hits. His song “Coming Home” from the “Country Strong” soundtrack was nominated for both an Oscar and a Golden Globe. DiPiero is a member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and is the originator and host of the Songwriters Series.
Offor, a Nashville-based singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, gained national attention as a contestant on season seven of“The Voice.” He signed with Capitol CMG and released his debut album, “My Tribe,” in 2023, featuring the single “Brighter Days” and the collaboration “The Goodness” with TobyMac. His work earned two nominations at the 66th Annual GRAMMY Awards. He is also the artist behind the album “Real.”
Harding was born and raised in the Detroit area. He moved to Los Angeles to start his music career before relocating to Nashville. He has written No. 1 songs for Kenny Chesney, Blake Shelton, Keith Urban, and Dierks Bently, as well as “Smile” with Uncle Kracker, which sold three million copies.
This event is brought to Youngstown by Hometown Pharmacy and Cliffe College. Tickets are $75 and may be purchased by visiting ysu.tix.com. Parking is available at the Wick Avenue Deck (M30) for a $5 fee payable in cash only.