PORTLAND – The Maine Songwriters Association will host its eighth Birthday Bash – offering a chance to mingle with Maine’s music community and a songwriting presentation by special guest Wayne Cohen, a multiplatinum hit songwriter and producer – Saturday, Jan. 12, at Space Gallery.

Cohen will play some of his hits and talk about the songwriting process that has brought him success. His credits include writing numerous major label hits for UK girl group Eternal, pop/soul star Curtis Stiger, Jennifer Love Hewitt and Martin Sexton; stints in major label A&R and record producing; and scoring music for major national television ad campaigns, as well as soundtracks on the WB and Fox networks. He also lectures to university and industry groups.

Festivities, which also include a CD swap, will be from 2 to 5 p.m.

The event is free to MSA members (with free sign-ups at the door). Admission is $5 for the general public. MSA membership is open to anyone interested in supporting the songwriting community.

MSA membership ranges from people who write music simply for the sheer joy of it, to people who write and perform at the highest level of the music industry. With more than 927 members statewide, the MSA covers a diverse range of genres, including folk, rock, Christian, country, punk, reggae, jazz, blues, heavy metal, bluegrass and vaudeville.

The MSA offers numerous activities throughout the year: weekly showcases and open mics; monthly songwriters’ circles; quarterly music seminars; free lunchtime concerts featuring MSA members; and an annual weekend festival for members.

Space Gallery is at 538 Congress St.