Donna Hughes and producer J.D. Crowe during the recording sessions for Hughes' next album. Photo Courtesy DonnaHughes.com

Donna Hughes performs this Saturday night (July 18) at 7:30 p.m. at Fairgrove Music in Thomasville, N.C.

Special guest Brooke McBride will sing her original songs.

Earlier in the day, Hughes will be hosting two songwriting workshops, also at Fairgrove Music.

For those who either write or play an instrument but not both, the time is 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. For those who play and already write but want new and fresh ideas, and clues on how to get that song into the right hands the workshop is from 1 to 3 p.m.

Each individual workshop is $20. People can attend both time slots and get the second slot for half price.

Attendees can pay at the door or call 336-472-1111 to register in advance.

“During the workshop, we do activities that are sure to generate some awesome songs in your mind,” Hughes said.

Hughes has been nominated by the Roots Music Association for the 2008 Songwriter of the Year Award and has been nominated by the Carolina Music Awards as the 2009 “Country Female Vocalist” of the year.

Additionally, the Donna Hughes Band has been chosen as a 2009 IBMA Showcase Performer at the 2009 IBMA World of Bluegrass in Nashville, Tenn.