Kerrville Folk Festival brings Songwriter Competition to Texas State

Date of Release: 04/27/2005

SAN MARCOS—The Center for Texas Music History and the Kerrville Folk Festival will hold a Student Songwriter Competition at the Cheatham Street Warehouse Tuesday, May 3. Open only to Texas State University-San Marcos students, the winner of this competition will be given the unprecedented opportunity to perform at this year’s Kerrville Folk Festival.

Students are invited to perform their original compositions, and are limited to one additional musical accompanist. The amount of entrants will determine the number of songs each songwriter will perform. A sign up sheet will be available at Cheatham Street Warehouse starting at 6 p.m. May 3 with performances beginning at 8 p.m. Students are encouraged to email ga05@txstate.edu to sign up in advance and secure one of the limited spots.

The performances will be judged by three veteran singer songwriters--all Texas State graduates. Dualtone artist John Arthur Martinez was a finalist in Nashville Star, and recently performed at the Texas Music History Unplugged concert at Texas State. Bill Whitbeck plays bass for Robert Earl Keen. Dee Lannon is the Project Administrator for the Center for Texas Music History, has recorded three successful CDs and toured internationally.

The Kerrville Folk Festival is the longest continuously running music festival of its kind in North America--it has run annually since 1972. The Festival is known internationally as a mecca for singer songwriters of varying musical styles. It’s a place where those just developing their skills have the opportunity to play their music along- side master craftsmen. More than just a “folk music” festival, Kerrville offers music of many styles including traditional folk, bluegrass, acoustic rock, blues, country, jazz, and Americana. The common thread is songwriting. The focus of the festivals is to promote emerging artists while giving the audience exposure to both new and recognized, seasoned talent. Major label artists such as Lyle Lovett, Willie Nelson, Michelle Shocked, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Robert Earl Keen, Lucinda Williams, and Nancy Griffith played Kerrville early in their careers. You can still see other nationally known artists like Peter Paul & Mary, Judy Collins, Janis Ian, and singer/songwriter/actor Ronny Cox play on the Folkfest stages any given year.

Cheatham Street Warehouse is another mecca for singer songwriters. Kent Finlay has been hosting the Wednesday night Songwriter’s Circle since 1975, and has helped the early careers of such notable musicians as George Strait, Todd Snider, Terri Hendrix and Randy Rogers. For more information, call (512) 353-3777.