It’s finally here – the MS Songwriter Festival, Capital River Region – Natchez, kicks off this weekend! Presented by Taco Bell and a host of other sponsors and friends both in Natchez and throughout the state, we are ready to heat up venues all over downtown Natchez with over 50 songwriters, including some major Nashville talent, descending upon our beautiful city.
Founded in 2010 by Gulf Coast native George Cumbest, the MS Songwriters Festival has become a statewide program, meeting every few months at various perennial locations throughout Mississippi. For the first time ever, Natchez has now been added to this impressive list of host cities, and this year’s festival weekend will be the first of many more to come, taking place every last weekend of January from now on.
Starting Friday, January 30, and continuing through Saturday, January 31, downtown Natchez and the Natchez Civic Center will be transformed into a vibrant hub for live music, storytelling, and industry insight—all free and open to the public. Faced with some tough weather conditions earlier this week impacting upon some performers travelling long distances, festival organizers, including George Cumbest, Natchez legend and Nashville songwriter Tommy Polk and local musician Richard Burke, pivoted and made the festival even better. Rather than scaling back, we have expanded our lineup, adding fresh talent and creating an even more dynamic experience for attendees. Music lovers can expect an energetic mix of performances, conversations, and demonstrations that celebrate songwriting at its core.
The festival kicks off Friday evening with “Restaurants and Dives Live” from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. More than 11 downtown venues will host live performances, allowing attendees to stroll through historic Natchez while enjoying intimate shows in restaurants, bars, and local gathering spots. This format gives audiences a rare opportunity to experience songwriters up close, hearing the stories behind the music in relaxed, welcoming settings. Later in the evening, an “after party” kicks off at the historic Under-the-Hill Saloon.
Saturday begins at the Natchez Civic Center bright and early at 9:00 a.m. with music industry talks and demonstrations designed for aspiring songwriters, musicians, and fans curious about the creative process. These sessions will provide behind-the-scenes insight into songwriting, publishing, and performing, offering valuable takeaways for artists at every stage of their journey. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, live music returns to downtown restaurants, continuing the festival’s signature blend of great food, historic charm, and original music. The energy builds throughout the day, leading into what organizers promise will be a standout highlight: Saturday night performances from 5 p.m. until, allowing festival goers time to warm up to great tunes and fellowship with some of our region’s greatest talent. Don’t miss the “Nashville
Finale”, beginning around 8 p.m. as writers of tunes made famous by the likes of Garth Brooks, Sammy Kershaw and Jeff Bates – and the “after party” at Smoots.
To view an updated schedule and full lineup of performers, visit www.songwriters.onenatchez.com. And be sure to thank our sponsors! In addition to Taco Bell, our presenting sponsor, Platinum sponsors include the City of Natchez, Visit Natchez, and the Mississippi Songwriters Alliance; Gold sponsors are Concordia Bank, Delta Bank, and United MS Bank; Silver sponsors include Magnolia Bluffs Casino Hotel, Natchez Festival of Music, and Bryant Hammett & Associates; and Bronze Sponsors are Home Bank, Coca Cola and Shantybellum Guest House, and in-kind Platinum Sponsor Listen Up Y’all Media/95-Country.
We are blessed Natchez. With two days of music, education, and community celebration, the MS Songwriter Festival, Capital River Region – Natchez, presented by Taco Bell, promises to be an unforgettable winter weekend with music galore! And it is only fitting that it should be. Because Natchez Deserves More.
Comments