The Essence of Song : Symposium will feature top music writers and benefit Topanga theater.

Topanga’s Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum will present Jackson Browne, T-Bone Burnett, Sam Phillips, Van Dyke Parks and Joe Henry on Saturday in its second songwriters’ symposium, “In Other Words.” Parks will emcee.

The Theatricum presented its first songwriters’ symposium two years ago. That one featured Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member Brian Wilson, Parks, Rickie Lee Jones and others, and raised money to improve seating at the outdoor amphitheater.

This second symposium will benefit the Theatricum’s educational outreach program, “School Days,” in which thousands of Los Angeles area public school students participate and learn about the theatrical arts and the classics.

Along with Parks, Elizabeth George, widow of famed rock music artist Lowell George, is one of the prime movers behind both songwriter events.

“I just think the Theatricum is a wonderful institution,” George said. “It’s a magical place and it’s exciting to see it getting better and better.”

George, who is on the board of directors of the 350-seat Topanga venue, said the afternoon event will be a mixture of music, discussion and stories about each composer’s writing approach and style. The songwriters will perform three or four of their own songs and then one song they wish they had written.

Besides turning out his own albums, Browne has written songs recorded by many other artists including the Byrds, Bonnie Raitt and Linda Ronstadt. He also co-wrote the Eagles’ first hit, “Take it Easy.”

Known for introspective lyrics, his other songs include “The Pretender,” “Here Come Those Tears Again,” “Rock Me on the Water,” “Doctor, My Eyes” and “Running on Empty.”

T-Bone Burnett’s work as a singer-songwriter is sometimes overshadowed by his work as a producer for artists such as Elvis Costello, Roy Orbison, the BoDeans, Los Lobos and Counting Crows. Another artist he produces, Sam Phillips, is also his wife.

This Sam Phillips (not to be confused with the Sam Phillips of Sun Records in Memphis) was originally a contemporary Christian recording artist but later turned to secular music. In 1994, she was nominated for a Grammy for best female rock vocal for “Circle of Fire.”

“In Other Words,” a songwriters’ symposium featuring Jackson Browne, Van Dyke Parks, T- Bone Burnett, Sam Phillips and Joe Henry at 3 p.m. Saturday at Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum, 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga. $30-$100. (310) 455-3723.

A Question of Balance: It’s really a matter of emphasis.

Some nightspots are music clubs that serve food, and others are restaurants that have music.

Monty’s Steakhouse in Woodland Hills recently made some changes in its music policy. A jazz place for the last few years, the club has switched to soft rock on weekends.

But, regardless of style, the music is definitely a side dish at this restaurant. The band that performed there last Friday played well but so softly they were almost apologetic, as if afraid someone would actually hear them. The audience rarely acknowledged them with applause or requests, and the band returned the favor.

Meanwhile, at the other end of Ventura Boulevard in Studio City, Smokin’ Johnnie’s highly touts its barbecue, but as soon as you walk in the door, there’s no doubt that the music is the main entree.

Last Friday, the Hammer Smith Band performed ferociously to the wild delight of the crowd. The lead singer’s harmonica solos were loud and bold and were greeted with clapping and yelling. But, admittedly, it was hard at times to communicate with the server or anyone else.

A place that seems to strike a good balance is Cafe Cordiale in Sherman Oaks.

Owner Peter May starts the music at his place a little later than most clubs, usually about 10 p.m. During the dinner hours, there’s a wall dividing the house into two smaller rooms, and when the music starts, the wall is removed.

Last Friday, the Vibe Tribe, a pickup band of seasoned music pros, performed covers of R&B; and rock classics. Vocalist Susan Sheller and the rest of the band were dynamite.

Monty’s Steak House, 5371 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Woodland Hills; (818) 716-9736.

Smokin’ Johnnie’s, 11720 Ventura Blvd., Studio City; (818) 760-6631.

Cafe Cordiale, 14015 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks; (818) 789-1985.

Blues Club Blues: Buky’s County Line Restaurant in Tarzana, which recently started presenting blues on the weekends, has closed. Bands were already booked for the next month or so, but as is the case most times, the musicians were last to know there was a problem.

That’s why they call it the blues.