Kerrville Folk Festival brings songwriter competition to Texas State

Posted by Jayme Blaschke
University News Service
April 11, 2007

The Center for Texas Music History and the Kerrville Folk Festival will hold a Student Songwriter Competition at the Cheatham Street Warehouse on Monday, April 16. Open only to Texas State University-San Marcos students, the winner of this competition will be given the 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. April 16 with performances beginning at 8 p.m.

The performances will be judged by three veteran singer songwriters--including past winner and current Texas State student Jordan Minor.

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.