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    Jerry Boonstra, Sasha Aaron, and Kristopher James kept dry under a tent on the Mazama stage on the first day. CENTURY NEWS PHOTO BY GARY ZUPANCIC

Singer Songwriters descend on Dripping

They came by plane, car, and a few could’ve walked here. They came for the Fifth Annual Dripping Springs Songwriter Festival which has become yet another Dripping tradition. 

On this weekend, it’s all about fun sights and sounds—whether it’s the sight of artists walking up and down Mercer Street with guitars on their backs, or the sounds of music in the street and hearing vastly different accents in conversations around town. On this weekend, you could have heard a nasally Brooklyn New York accent, and a southern twang from Nashville, discussing the merits of a Martin Guitar versus an Ovation Guitar.

But the most fun of all, is listening the different styles of music performed-- playfully and lovingly-- by singer-songwriters from all over the U.S., Canada, and even Australia. Whether the song is fast or slow, all their music is heartfelt.

One can even say that the weather gave way to the joy of the music. Friday’s rainy start kept everyone under tents, or warm and cozy inside the venues like Acopon, but Saturday it cleared up and by Sunday it was gorgeous. 

Mercer Street was closed to traffic on Sunday for the wrap party which all the artists enjoyed, but there was also a little sadness as they prepared to leave their host families and new-found friends in Dripping. 

For some performers, it would be a quick trip home, only to hit the road again as they tour with their music.  “It’s nice to see your dog and sleep in your own bed, but it is also nice to travel and meet new people,” visiting songwriter Julie Gribble said.

The festival is the brainchild of Dripping Springs own Jim and Laurie Halfpenny, and their friend Dave Niemeyer. This year’s festival hosted 43 songwriters. A large enough number to give variety, but small enough to maintain the sense of intimacy in the smaller venue performances that attendees have come to expect.

“We want to thank the community, all of the people who supported us, the volunteers, and of course the songwriters. Despite the dreary weather at the start, we had the biggest festival yet. So, I’m happy to say it is growing,” Jim Halfpenny said. “We look forward to continuing the tradition.”

With only fifty-one weeks away from the Sixth Annual Dripping Springs Songwriters Festival, you better mark it on your 2019 calendars, for one toe-tapping good time to look forward to.

Dripping Springs Century-News

P.O. Box 732
Dripping Springs, Texas 78620

Phone: (512) 858-4163
Fax: (512) 847-9054