Dripping Springs Songwriters Festival completes eighth year

The Dripping Springs Songwriters Festival came and went for its eighth year this fall.

Destination Dripping Springs, the marketing arm of the nonprofit Dripping Springs Visitors Bureau, hosted the event on Oct. 14–16 in historic downtown Dripping Springs. Eight participating locations on Mercer Street and Old Fitzhugh Road hosted 70+ songwriter showcases. Fifty songwriters from across the nation and around the world performed “in the round,” Nashvillestyle, free of charge.

Participating locations included Hudson’s on Mercer, Mazama’s Coffee Co, Acopon Brewing, The Barber Shop, the Warehouse Courtyard, Sidecar Tasting Room, Dog ‘N’ Bone and Haus of Jayne. Drinks and food trucks were available at or near all participating venues.

Performances ran continuously on Friday and Saturday from afternoon to evening, and on Sunday, the festivities included a spirited Gospel Brunch Showcase at Hudson’s on Mercer Street, followed by the popular Festival Wrap-Party in front of the HEB Welcome Tent.

“It’s amazing that you get to hear this much great music performed by writers who are serious about their craft and their stories,” Pam Owens, president and CEO of the Visitors Bureau, said previously. “And the bonus is that it’s all free because of our fabulous sponsors. The ticketed Saturday night Headliners Showcase was sold out 10 days before showtime!”

This year's headliner concert showcase took place on Saturday night at Mercer Dancehall and featured Aaron Barker, Leslie Satcher and David Lee. The show was opened by two Rising Star Songwriters, Cari Ray and Shawn Byrne.

For the first time this year, the festival also included a songwriting series, featuring three Rising Star Songwriters sharing their writing process and a song or two. This set took place at Homespun Kitchen and Bar from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday.

For more information about the Dripping Springs Songwriters Festival and future events, visit drippingspringssongwritersfestival. com or contact the Dripping Springs Visitors Bureau at (512) 858-4740.