With an amazing line-up, the 2025 Corpus Christi Songwriters Festival will be an amazing experience for music fans. In the heart of creativity, where melodies intertwine with raw emotions and stories unfold through the power of words, there exists a space that celebrates the essence of songwriting. Welcome to the 2024 Corpus Christi Songwriters Festival, a vibrant celebration of musical craftsmanship that unearths the soulful narratives hidden within each chord and lyric.
Downtown Corpus Christi has some of the best intimate venues in the city and if you’re a fan of the kind of music that will change your life, you’ll definitely need to come to the Gulf Coast Capitol February 16-18, 2024. Take advantage of Early Bird Tickets – available until January 31, 2024.
Headlining Artists
Tony Scalzo – songwriter, singer and multi-instrumentalist for the Austin, TX based rock band, Fastball. The band formed in 1994, and after playing around Austin and throughout the Southwest, they signed to Hollywood Records. In 1998. Fastball received nominations for two Grammy awards, after their platinum-selling album, “All The Pain Money Can Buy,” put them in the international spotlight. Songs by Tony include “The Way,” “You’re An Ocean” and “Out Of My Head,” which was interpolated for use in the Machine Gun Kelly/Camila Cabello smash hit, “Bad Things” in 2017. In 2023, Fastball’s version of “Out Of My Head” was used in the popular TV show, Ted Lasso. Throughout their long career, the band has been constantly working and making records. They have released a new live album this fall, Smashed Hits: Live from the Saxon Pub, on Sunset Blvd. Records. This year Fastball will celebrate 30 years as a band by releasing a new studio album, produced by David Garza and John Fields.
Catch Tony Scalzo live at the Corpus Christi Songwriters Festival during the Saturday Night Showcase!
Saturday, February 17
Executive Surf Club
6:30 pm
Buddy Mondlock – Kerrville New-Folk Award-winner Buddy Mondlock writes songs. He does it so well that some great songwriters have recorded his songs on their own albums. Guy Clark, Nanci Griffith, and Janis Ian, to name just a few. You might’ve heard his song “The Kid” (recorded by David Wilcox, Peter, Paul and Mary and Cry, Cry, Cry) and maybe even sung it yourself around a campfire. He draws you into his world – where a single snowflake follows the trajectory of a relationship, where you get your pocket picked by a Roman cat, where you might swim over the edge of the world if you’re not careful and where dreams that don’t come true still count.
Don’t miss Buddy Mondlock live at the Corpus Christi Songwriters Festival during the Sunday Night Showcase!
Sunday, February 18
House of Rock
7:30 pm
Michael McNevin – Quirky conversations, odd jobs, and narrow escapes, Kerrville New-Folk Award-winner Michael McNevin’s songs read like short stories—full of heart, humor, and a keen eye for detail. McNevin has been a main-stager at the Kerrville Folk Festival, Strawberry Folk Festival, High Sierra Music Festival, Redwood Ramble, Philly Folk Festival, and SummerFolk in Canada. In his early career, he shared stages with Johnny Cash & The Carter Family, Donovan, Shawn Colvin, Richie Havens, Christine Lavin, Utah Phillips, Robert Earl Keen, Iris Dement, Rosanne Cash, Greg Brown, and many others. As a solo performer, Michael toured the states, and has more recently branched into parts of Europe.
Discover Michael McNevin with his live performance at the Corpus Christi Songwriters Festival during the Sunday Night Showcase!
Sunday, February 18
House of Rock
7:30 pm
Featured Artists
Bonnie Whitmore – Making her Corpus Christi Songwriters Festival debut, Austinite Bonnie Whitmore is not new to the music business. For the last two decades, her signature bass and unique voice has been a contributor with some of the biggest artists in the Americana genre: Hayes Carll, John Moreland, Eliza Gilkyson, Sunny Sweeney, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, and Butch Hancock, to name a few. Hailing from Austin, Texas, you can see her live at a weekly residency at the legendary Continental Club Gallery in Austin, where she lives. Her 2016 release F*** With Sad Girls turned heads, but with Last Will and Testament, Whitmore has turned a corner in her own artistry that may just catapult her to the top of the Americana heap. As someone who’s never shied away from the issues, she’s not afraid to be direct. Her record is full of topical songs, tackling suicide, rape culture, loss, and the great American divide. It’s not easy to talk about heavy subjects without weighing the music down, but Whitmore pulls it off without difficulty.
Treat yourself to a live performance by Bonnie Whitmore at the Corpus Christi Songwriters Festival during the Saturday Night Showcase!
Saturday, February 17
Executive Surf Club
6:30 pm
Ali Holder – Raised on outlaw country in Wichita Falls, Texas, Holder’s sound encompasses a broad swathe of styles including country, jazz, blues, folk and indie. “I use slashes a lot,” Holder notes. “Folk/country/blues/Americana/jazz. I don’t think I have to be any one thing.” She began writing, singing and playing guitar in junior high, and fell in love with songwriters early on- “Janis Joplin and the women of Lilith Fair had a big impact on me growing up”. Over time, Holder discovered Texas songwriters such as Susan Gibson and Walt Wilkins, along with Wilco, Lucinda Williams, Ryan Adams and Tom Waits. In college, she absorbed Patty Griffin, Gillian Welch, Jenny Lewis and Neko Case. After completing her undergraduate degree in art education at the University of Texas at Arlington, Holder relocated to Austin in search of a larger audience. Once settled, Holder fronted two bands: the folk-leaning Ali Holder & the Broken Hearted, and R&B band Ali Holder & the Raindoggs. In recent times, Holder has expanded her musical palate to include artists such as Brandi Carlile, Susan Tedeschi, Possessed by Paul James and Lera Lynn. And while these influences pepper her music, her own sound features a sure voice that leans toward alto but effortlessly reaches far higher, coupled with well-targeted musical sensibilities and intelligent lyrics — that draws the listener in.
You don’t want to miss Ali Holder live at the Corpus Christi Songwriters Festival during the Saturday Night Showcase!
Saturday, February 17
Executive Surf Club
6:30 pm
Michael O’Connor – South Texas Walk-of-Famer and 2020 Corpus Christi Songwriters Hall-of-Famer Michael O’Connor, our official Hometown Boy, is a guitarist, singer and songwriter living in Washington State. For decades he has performed and recorded with musicians including Ray Wylie Hubbard, Slaid Cleaves, Adam Carroll, Susan Gibson, Terri Hendrix, and Jeff Plankenhorn. A lifetime of hard-won experience has allowed Michael a rare insight into the world of the rough, the faithless, the romantic, and the unlucky, all of whom find refuge in his songs. Michael has toured throughout the United States and overseas, performing in esteemed venues and festivals.
CC Songwriters Festival fan favorite Michael O’Connor plays live at the Corpus Christi Songwriters Festival during the Friday Night Showcase!
Friday, February 16
Frida’s
7:30 pm
Jana Pochop – 2020 Corpus Christi Songwriter Festival Best of Fest winner Jana Pochop is a wanderer with a penchant for folk pop songs and universe pondering. Jana hails from the culturally rich Albuquerque, NM and moved to Austin to immerse herself in the Texas music scene, playing clubs, house concerts, and touring nationally while building her singer-songwriter career. She was a Kerrville New Folk Finalist in 2022 and then headed off to New York City to earn a Master’s in Songwriting and Production at Berklee NYC. She’s currently based in Albuquerque, producing her own music as well as projects for others remotely and at Howlin’ Dog Studio in Alamosa, CO.
You’ll love watching Jana Pochop live at the Corpus Christi Songwriters Festival during the Saturday Night Showcase!
Saturday, February 17
Executive Surf Club
6:30 pm
Natalie Price – Intoxicatingly authentic and wholly original – you’ll never forget the first time you stepped into Natalie Price’s world. Born in Fort Worth, Texas, Price, making her third appearance at Corpus Christi Songwriter Festival in 2024, found early exposure to music mainly through church gospel tunes and contemporary Christian radio. When Price moved to Austin, she found a community of musicians and songwriters who showed her that playing music could actually be a real profession. Price, who just released her self-titled debut full-length album, names Muse, First Aid Kit, Pedro the Lion and David Ramirez among her influences, which makes sense when you hear her Indie-Americana style – as she playfully calls it, “Ameri-kinda.” She felt lucky to fall into a welcoming community of songwriters and musicians in Austin. Just a few years after moving to the Live Music Capital, Price found herself in a well-respected songwriting group called Soulwriters, run by Ray Prim. It was there that she found her people and began to find her way as an artist.
Discover Natalie Price‘s unique style during her live performance at the Corpus Christi Songwriters Festival during the Sunday Night Showcase!
Sunday, February 18
House of Rock
7:30 pm
George Ensle – Having co-headlined the inaugural Corpus Christi Songwriter Festival in 2018, George Ensle has performed at every once since, and will make his fifth appearance in Corpus Christi in 2024. During the 60’s Houston Folk Music scene, George was sharing stories, songs, and stages with Townes Van Zandt, Guy Clark and Billy Joe Shaver. And after more than five decades he still maintains the essence of that folk tradition, the story song. An inductee into the Houston Folk Music Archives and South Austin Pop Culture Museum, George has released 15 albums in the US and Europe.
Enjoy the illustrious songwriter George Ensle live at the Corpus Christi Songwriters Festival during the Friday Night Showcase!
Friday, February 16
Frida’s
7:30 pm
Claude Butch Morgan – Claude, 2018 Corpus Christi Songwriters Festival Best of Fest winner and 2022 CCSW Hall of Fame Inductee, has also performed at every fest since our inaugural. He is a triple threat on the Texas music scene; he is a songwriter, storyteller, and guitarist who is constantly pushing his limits as a performer. He honed his chops as a guitar player in various USO bands while in the military during Vietnam, then came home to the San Antonio area and became known across Texas for his lead guitar skills and his energetic performance style. His songwriter groove came at The Kerrville Folk Festival and was a finalist for New Folk in 2005 and 2008 and a winner of the Wildflower Performing Songwriters contest in 2004. A “Singer/Songwriter of the Year” nominee at the Texas Music Awards in 2012, Morgan continues to grab audiences with his songwriting and storytelling, punctuated by the taste and tone of a world class guitarist.
Claude Butch Morgan will charm audiences with his live performance at the Corpus Christi Songwriters Festival during the Friday Night Showcase!
Friday, February 16
Frida’s
7:00 pm
Libby Koch – Texas Americana singer-songwriter and Corpus Christi Songwriters Festival alum Libby Koch (pronounced “coke”) is a “country meets soulful” (Free Press Houston), “feisty Texas songbird” (Country Music People) who “sings her story with a little twang, some slide guitar, and a lot of heart” (Texas Monthly). Libby is working on the follow up album to her critically acclaimed 2016 LP Just Move On (Berkalin Records). Working in Nashville with Grammy-winning producer Bil VornDick, she draws on legends from Patsy Cline and Loretta Lynn to Dolly Parton and Emmylou Harris, among others, to craft “true cryin’ and leavin’ country songs.” Combining her country soul with a seventh-generation Texas troubadour’s storytelling skill, Koch fills her songs with intimacy and honesty. Like the most timeless country classics, they’re the kind that make you feel good about feelin’ bad.
Libby Koch brings her incredible storytelling through song to the Corpus Christi Songwriters Festival during the Friday Night Showcase!
Friday, February 16
Frida’s
7:30 pm
Hope Cassity – 2023 Corpus Christi SongwritersFestival Best of Fest winner Hope Cassity’s music transcends genres, capturing influences from rock, blues, and classic country. Her voice has the power to bring audiences to tears, and their feet. She’s not just an artist; she’s a motivational speaker who shares her remarkable journey with humor, honesty, and a contagious spirit. Hope Cassity is more than a name; she’s a symbol of hope and resilience, a living testament to the power of believing in oneself. Witness her heart and soul displayed so beautifully on stage, and you won’t want to miss this remarkable artist who gives others hope… from a girl named Hope.
Get inspired by Hope Cassity and her live performance at the Corpus Christi Songwriters Festival during the Sunday Night Showcase!
Sunday, February 18
House of Rock
7:30 pm
Supporting Artists
Terry Klein – Returning to Corpus Christi Songwriters Festival this year, Terry Klein is a performing songwriter whose growing catalog of finely wrought captivating songs has made him a respected member of the Folk and Americana music communities. Terry has played in some of the most hallowed rooms in the singer-songwriter business: Club Passim, The Bluebird, The Saxon Pub, and Anderson Fair, to name a few. A seasoned performer on the songwriter festival circuit, Klein has won over crowds at the Blanco River Songwriters Festival, the Corpus Christi Songwriters Festival, the Hotel Turkey Songwriters Festival, and the Montrose Music Festival. Before all that, a couple of lifetimes ago, he played in a heavy metal band in Los Angeles, thrashing around on grimy, storied stages like the Troubadour and the Whiskey A Go Go. Somewhere in the middle there, Terry worked in politics and then as a trial lawyer.
Terry Klein performs the during Saturday Afternoon Song Swaps at the Corpus Christi Songwriters Festival
Saturday, February 17
Executive Surf Club
Beginning at 2:00 pm
Stefan Prigmore – Stefan Prigmore, following his father, has been in the music business since his teenage years. He also learned an appreciate for the woods and the river by his father’s side. Stefan’s joy in the outdoors and gratitude on stage reflect enduring values that permeate in his music today. Stefan’s sound is a rustic and approachable blend of Americana, folk, and roots. Audiences comment that his lyrics are stark and sincere, and his voice is dynamic and distinctive. He lists Bob Dylan, Guy Clark, Leonard Cohen, and Richard Buckner among his influences.
Stefan Prigmore performs the during Saturday Afternoon Song Swaps at the Corpus Christi Songwriters Festival
Saturday, February 17
Executive Surf Club
Beginning at 2:00 pm
Shayna Sands – With a voice likened to an untamed Billie Holiday, Shayna Sands guides the listener through vivid soundscapes. Her music blends classical techniques with blues and folk, creating an emotional listening experience through a poetic fusion of elements. Her willingness to slug it out on the road proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that she’s a lifer. The refined aspects of her compositions and her grizzled work ethic garnered attention from publications like STEAM Magazine, The Caller Times and The Bend Magazine. In February of 2020, it led to her recognition by the Corpus Christi Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Shayna Sands performs live during the Sunday Night Showcase at the Corpus Christi Songwriters Festival
Sunday, February 18
House of Rock
7:30 pm
Emma James – 2022 Corpus Christi Songwriter of the Year Emma James is a Texas born and raised singer-songwriter. Singing since as a toddler, Emma frequently put melody to even the most mundane tasks… like her elementary math homework. By nine years old, Emma was putting lyrics to melody and entertaining her family. Now, at only 15 years old, she has penned more than 150 original songs. A multi-instrumentalist (piano, guitar and ukulele) Emma has established herself as a well-rounded musician as she continues to hone her craft.
Emma James performs the during Saturday Afternoon Song Swaps at the Corpus Christi Songwriters Festival
Saturday, February 17
Executive Surf Club
Beginning at 2:00 pm
Carrie Denniston – Carrie Denniston is a singer/songwriter with over two decades of vocal and piano-playing experience. She has played all over the country, from the West Coast to Colorado to the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Now in Corpus Christi, Carrie has doubled-down on her songwriting. She’s been performing her original work throughout the year in the Coastal Bend and beyond. She performed at the fest for the first time during the 2023 Corpus Christi Songwriters Festival.
Carrie Denniston performs the during Saturday Afternoon Song Swaps at the Corpus Christi Songwriters Festival
Saturday, February 17
Executive Surf Club
Beginning at 2:00 pm
Chris Beall – The son of a motorcycle racer from a small town in west Texas, Chris Beall is a singer/songwriter/producer/guitarist whose albums have been featured on numerous Americana radio/music destinations. Along with his solo career, he is a member of the well-established South Austin Moonlighters whose album “Travel Light” went to #1 on the Alternative Country chart in 2019 and reached #61 on the national Americana radio chart. His most recent solo album “Abilene” hit number 16 on the Alt Country chart in 2021. His previous solo album in 2014, “The Gin Mill Hymns”, showed-up at #15 on the Texas Roots Radio chart, #29 on the national Roots Rock Radio chart, and #173 on the national Americana radio chart. He has achieved the #1 position on the Reverbnation Americana chart for Central Texas several times, and #3 in the nation. Influenced by many forms of American music, he did a stint in Nashville, but currently resides in Austin Texas where he writes, performs, and produces music. Chris has also produced and played on several Texas artists’ songs including The Ransom Brothers, Walt Wilkins, Austin Mayse, Denny Herrin’s “Robert E Lee Motel” and Brett Hauser’s “I’m As Good As Gone”.
Chris Beall performs the during Saturday Night Showcase at the Corpus Christi Songwriters Festival
Saturday, February 17
Executive Surf Club
6:30 pm
Brian Wolff – Making his debut at Corpus Christi Songwriters Festival in 2024, Brian Wolff is a guitarist, singer and songwriter based in Austin, Texas. Born in upstate New York, Brian moved to Austin in 2012 and has taken the local music scene by storm. Wolff’s musical style draws influence heavily from Classic Rock, 90’s Alternative, and Blues. His songs are marked by big guitars and impactful rhythms complete with thoughtful, introspective and unique lyrics. Brian was one of the founding members of the band Fair City Fire, a mainstay of Austin performance venues for over 7 years.
Brian Wolff performs the during Saturday Afternoon Song Swaps at the Corpus Christi Songwriters Festival
Saturday, February 17
Executive Surf Club
Beginning at 2:00 pm
Jenna Ivey – Making her Corpus Christi Songwriters Festival debut, El Paso-based Jenna Ivey is a force to be reckoned with. As a multi-talented artist and performer, Jenna is making waves in the music, theatre and film scenes. As a member of The Iveys, she’s touched the hearts of listeners with sincere sounds and captivating lyrics. A wild group of siblings born and raised on the farmlands of the western tip of Rio Grande, The Iveys have a history that is as interesting as their sound: experimenting with harmonies while wandering the dirt roads of the El Paso lower valley, the Ivey siblings have been making music together since childhood. Jenna counts icons like the Beatles and Simon & Garfunkel, Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash as inspirations.
Jenna Ivey performs the during Saturday Afternoon Song Swaps at the Corpus Christi Songwriters Festival
Saturday, February 17
Executive Surf Club
Beginning at 2:00 pm
Tom Meny – Returning to the fest for the first time since 2020, Award-winning songwriter Tom Meny currently calls Buda, TX home. Stationed near the live music mecca of Austin, it can be difficult to stand out in a vast sea of great musicians. But Tom Meny is a voice apart from the rest. With influences ranging from Glen Hansard to John Mayer, Tom uses non-standard guitar tuning, a soulful voice, memorable melodies and direct lyrics that set himself apart and connect with his audiences. Among his accolades are numerous songwriting awards including winning efforts at the prestigious Kerrville Folk Festival’s New Folk Competition (2015), the Wildflower Arts and Music Festival’s Performing Songwriter Competition (2017), The Recording Conservatory of Austin’s Singer Songwriter Competition (2013), and many others.
Tom Meny performs the during Sunday Night Showcase at the Corpus Christi Songwriters Festival
Sunday, February 18
House of Rock
7:30 pm
Brian Kalinec – Brian Kalinec, a first timer at Corpus Christi Songwriters Festival, has been called “a combination of Woody Guthrie, John Steinbeck, James Taylor, and Rodney Crowell in the stories he tells” in a review in music magazine Rootsy. Marilyn Rea Beyer, host of Midnight Special & Folkstage, WFMT describes Brian’s performance and writing as “Down to earth vocals with some “What was that, again?” lyrics.“ Winning events such as the Songwriter Serenade Competition and the Big Top Chautauqua Song Contest, placing second in the Woody Guthrie Song Contest and being chosen as a three-time finalist in the UK Songwriting Contest, has brought Brian significant recognition as a writer. He was nominated for Songwriter of the Year and Musician of the Year in the Texas Music Awards. He has appeared at the Kerrville Folk Festival, and venues such as Uncle Calvin’s in Dallas, The Bugle Boy in La Grange, and as a featured guest on Folkstage on WFMT in Chicago. Brian has also played Houston’s Mcgonigel’s Mucky Duck and Anderson Fair. He has been an Official Showcase Artist at the Southwest Regional Folk Alliance (SWRFA) and appeared as an Alternate Official Showcase Artist at SWRFA in 2023.
Brian Kalinec performs the during Sunday Afternoon Song Swaps at the Corpus Christi Songwriters Festival
Sunday, February 18
House of Rock
Beginning at 3:00 pm
Hollin McKay – Making his second appearance at Corpus Christi Songwriters Festival, Hollin McKay is a performing songwriter from Bandera, Texas. His music, best described as Americana, offers clever storytelling that provides thoughtful insight into the human condition. Hollin was born in Lubbock and raised in the hills surrounding the Medina River. He uses these landscapes as a backdrop for many of the characters in his songs, whether they are travelers simply passing through town or a wrongly accused parolee in Mississippi looking for a little justice. In addition to his solo material, Hollin has written and played with his brother, Noel, for many years. In face, you’ve probably heard Hollin’s songs on radio stations across Texas with his band The McKay Brothers. The stages Hollin calls home include Gruene Hall, Luckenbach, and the legendary John T. Floore Country Store in Helotes, Texas.
Hollin McKay performs the during Saturday Afternoon Song Swaps at the Corpus Christi Songwriters Festival
Saturday, February 17
Executive Surf Club
Beginning at 2:00 pm
Michael Waid – Award-winning songwriter Michael Waid makes his return to Corpus Christi Songwriters Festival for the first time since 2019. As he describes himself, “A while back I was trading slide guitar licks with Ray Wylie Hubbard live on the radio and thinking, “How cool is this?” Mattson Rainer of KNBT, the top-rated Americana station in the country, had called earlier in the week and asked me to play on their “Roots and Branches of Americana” show. So there I was, doing what I love to do best—play music. I know it may sound “hokey” to some but it’s the whole point of me being here. It’s one of the few times I can become totally lost in the moment. It feeds my soul.”
Michael Waid performs the during Sunday Afternoon Song Swaps at the Corpus Christi Songwriters Festival
Sunday, February 18
House of Rock
Beginning at 3:00 pm
Doc Carter – 2017 Corpus Christi Songwriters Festival Hall of Fame Inductee Doc Carter burst onto the music scene with his debut EP, “Blue Eyes” in 2017, and ever since Corpus Christi / Costa Rica-based singer-songwriter has gone on to generate a ton of attention over the years, with most of his releases capturing several hundred thousand plays or more on streaming platforms. After releasing his first full-length LP, “High Tide For Low Times” in 2022, which featured “Heading Out West”, his first song to tally over 1 million streams, Carter is currently writing and recording a slew of new songs to share with his fans worldwide.
Doc Carter performs the during Sunday Afternoon Song Swaps at the Corpus Christi Songwriters Festival
Sunday, February 18
House of Rock
Beginning at 3:00 pm
Dylan Tanner Hink – Dylan Tanner is an award-winning singer songwriter from Bandera, TX. He has released 3 studio albums, was coined Best Singer Songwriter by the San Antonio Current for 2015’s San Antonio Music Awards, won 1st place in the 2019 Corpus Christi Spring Songwriting Competition, was awarded “Lyricist of the Year” at the 2020 Corpus Christi Songwriters Festival, and was included in the “rising star songwriter line-up” for the esteemed 2022 Dripping Springs Songwriters Festival. He has solidified his position in the Texas songwriting community over the last decade by consistently delivering his refreshingly original, heartfelt, and uplifting songs for crowds across Texas. Dylan and his wife Kristian created the annual House Concert Series “Hink House Concerts” to help bring together the only two forces that make this artform a reality: the Creator and the Listener. Dylan has teamed up with producer Mason Shirley of Sound Machine Studio’s to release his latest collection of songs in 2023 centered around the title track “Illuminate”.
Dylan Tanner Hink performs live during the Saturday Afternoon Song Swaps at the Corpus Christi Songwriters Festival
Saturday, February 17
Executive Surf Club
Beginning at 2:00 pm
Yosh & Yimmy – After meeting in 2015, when Josh Glenn opened for Jimmy Willden (a co-founder of Corpus Christi Songwriters Festival) at the final show of his 2015 tour, the two bearded gingers continued playing shows together. Over time, the shows evolved into Yosh & Yimmy, as they performed as a duo, and began writing songs together. Since, they’ve released critically acclaimed EP, “Americana Summer” in 2019, their popular live album, “Yive in Concert” in 2021, and their debut full-length studio album, “Three Rivers” in 2022. They’ve toured nationally and regionally and have reached the indie folk charts. This will be their second time performing at Corpus Christi Songwriters Festival.
Yosh & Yimmy perform during the during the Saturday Night Showcase during the 2024 Corpus Christi Songwriters Festival!
Saturday, February 17
Executive Surf Club
6:30 pm
Garrett Wieland – Garrett Wieland is a singer-songwriter living in Corpus Christi, Texas, and one part of the Americana group The Independent Thieves, radio host of the long-running folk show “Some Call it Folk,” a co-founder of the Corpus Christi Songwriters Festival, and staff member and host of local listening room The Churchyard. He has one album recorded, 2015’s “Letter from the End of the World,” and is currently working on both an album with the Thieves as well as his own solo album. He draws inspiration from the old west, literature, mental health, and love, not always in that order – but sometimes in the same song.
Garrett Wieland performs live during the Sunday Afternoon Song Swaps at the Corpus Christi Songwriters Festival
Sunday, February 18
House of Rock
Beginning at 3:00 pm
Ty Dietz – With a style influenced by Townes Van Zandt and Steve Earle and with the voice of a young Waylon Jennings, 2016 CCSW Hall of Fame Inductee Ty Dietz is a local Corpus Christi songwriter and performer, and though he may be from Corpus, it seems as if he has travelled most all of the Alternative Country Folk and Americana Mecca’s and brought all that magic back from his soul’s travels. Ty’s songwriting and singing about real life experiences captures situations and trials we have all known. Each song speaks to every one of us and for those of us who are going through the motions, dealing with the terror and heartache and tragedies of life the best we know how. Welcome to the truth.
Ty Dietz performs live at the Corpus Christi Songwriters Festival during the Sunday Night Showcase!
Sunday, February 18
House of Rock
7:30 pm
Daniel Brodhag – Daniel Brodhag, one of the original Corpus Christi troubadours, has a well known reputation beyond our city’s borders for putting on Rumble on the River benefit concerts for years and crafting well-known songs. Corpus Christi Songwriters Festival welcomes this local legend for his third performance at the fest.
Daniel Brodhag performs live at the Corpus Christi Songwriters Festival during the Sunday Night Showcase!
Sunday, February 18
House of Rock
7:30 pm
Louie Mandel – Multi-instrumentalist Louie Mandel has taken the Corpus Christi music scene by storm as of late, performing in several local bands, including Heavy Soul. His unparalleled guitar-playing style complements his roots and blues-fueled original songs. He makes his Corpus Christi SongwritersFestival debut in 2024.
Louie Mandel performs live during the Saturday Afternoon Song Swaps at the Corpus Christi Songwriters Festival
Saturday, February 17
Executive Surf Club
Beginning at 2:00 pm
Mattman – Matt Martinez, officially known as Mattman here in the Coastal Bend, is the epitome of a renaissance man, playing nearly any instrument you put in his hands, he finds a way to make music out of it. His looping skills are genius-level, whether he’s performing solo, as part of the Kat & Mattman band, in Tres Matts, or his Pink Floyd tribute band, Any Color You Like. The iconic host of Open Mic at House of Rock for nearly 15 years, Mattman’s launched the local careers of many of our city’s most beloved musicians. The 2024 Corpus Christi Songwriters Festival marks Mattman’s debut at the fest.
Mattman performs live during the Saturday Afternoon Song Swaps at the Corpus Christi Songwriters Festival
Saturday, February 17
Executive Surf Club
Beginning at 2:00 pm
Tom Whitehurst – 2016 CCSW Hall of Fame Inductee Tom Whitehurst has always been a true supporter of the Corpus Christi music scene. Having participated in the Corpus Christi Songwriters “In the Rounds” since its inception in 2014, he has won multiple awards including Lyricist of the Year. He was the longtime opinions editor for the Corpus Christi Caller-Times and now co-hosts PudgeNation every weekday morning at 6am-9am on 95.1 FM and 1230 AM. This will be his third time performing at the fest.
Tom Whitehurst hosts the Late Night Songwriters Open Mic during the Corpus Christi Songwriters Festival
Saturday, February 17
The Exchange
11:00 pm
Rick Hoefel – As one of the best “hook” songwriters we’ve ever met, Rick Hoefel garnered an induction into the Corpus Christi Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2017. Hoefel has co-written numerous songs that have charted on the TropRock charts, including many with his former musical partner, the late-great Gary James Moeller.. We here at Corpus Christi Songwriter Festival credit Hoefel for giving us the original spark in 2017 to finally launch what would become the inaugural Corpus Christi Songwriters Festival the following year. We owe Rick our gratitude, and we can’t wait for you to hear his songs!
Rick Hoefel hosts the Late Night Songwriters Open Mic during the Corpus Christi Songwriters Festival
Friday, February 16
BUS
10:30 pm
John Whipple – Last, but far from least, Central-Texas songwriter extraordinaire makes his triumphant return to Corpus Christi Songwriter Festival this year after his successful debut in 2023!
John Whipple performs live at the Corpus Christi Songwriters Festival during the Friday Night Showcase!
Friday, February 16
Frida’s
7:30 pm
Nathan Evans Fox – Born and raised in western North Carolina, Nathan Evans Fox writes songs that sound the way gas stations feel. When it comes to Nathan’s approach, Americana Highways writes, “It’s not cornpone, it’s not alt-country, country-western, or pop-country. Fox has a solid hold on a serious genre of country seldom covered by many artists. It cuts through the commerciality of country music.”
Nathan Evans Fox performs live during the Sunday Afternoon Song Swaps at the Corpus Christi Songwriters Festival
Sunday, February 18
House of Rock
Beginning at 3:00 pm
Poet Hawkins – The sound of a heart breaking and slowly putting itself back together… It takes bravery to write the kind of threadbare honesty Austinite Poet Hawkins achieves in his songs. His voice is reminiscent of Michael Kiwanuka, Samm Henshaw, Leon Bridges, and Theo Katzman. He approaches music as a man untouched by the current relentlessness of our increasingly fast-paced world; he bids the listener to slow their mind to a pace where it becomes possible to hear, feel, and love.
Poet Hawkins performs live during the Sunday Afternoon Song Swaps at the Corpus Christi Songwriters Festival
Sunday, February 18
House of Rock
Beginning at 3:00 pm
Taylor Kron – Taylor Kron is a singer/songwriter born and raised in western Washington. After fronting several indie-rock bands in the Puget Sound area, he moved to Austin, Texas to sharpen his craft as a solo-artist and songwriter. Weaving folk, country, and rock with a lucid narrative, his second single “Crooked Arrow,” pays homage to the indelible marks people from our past can leave on us. He is currently working on his first EP, which will be released in early 2024.
Taylor Kron performs live during the Sunday Afternoon Song Swaps at the Corpus Christi Songwriters Festival
Sunday, February 18
House of Rock
Beginning at 3:00 pm
Daniel Navarro – Of Navarro & the Creatures, Corpus Christi native Daniel Navarro weaves many different styles and inspirations into a sound all his own, with a buttery soulful voice that melds it all together. He and his band play at countless venues across the Coastal Bend. This will be his debut performance at the Corpus Christi Songwriters Festival.
Daniel Navarro performs live during the Saturday Afternoon Song Swaps at the Corpus Christi Songwriters Festival
Saturday, February 17
Executive Surf Club
Beginning at 2:00 pm
Stephanie Sammons – Stephanie Sammons is a Texas Americana singer-songwriter who splits her time between Dallas and Nashville. Her first full-length album, produced by Mary Bragg at Sound Emporium Studio B in Nashville, is set for release in the spring of 2024. Over the past seven years, Stephanie has studied under Grammy-nominated singer-songwriters Mary Gauthier, Emily Saliers (grammy winner), Beth Nielsen Chapman, Gretchen Peters, Jonatha Brooke (critically acclaimed), Verlon Thompson, and Suzy Bogguss. She has also shared the stage with Mary Gauthier, Jonatha Brooke, and Mary Bragg and performed at the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville, Capricorn Studios in Macon, GA, House of Blues and Sons of Hermann Hall in Dallas, Texas. In 2019, Stephanie received top honors for one of her original songs in the Dallas Songwriters Association International Songwriting Competition.
Stephanie Sammons performs live during the Sunday Afternoon Song Swaps at the Corpus Christi Songwriters Festival
Sunday, February 18
House of Rock
Beginning at 3:00 pm
Whether you’re a devoted fan of the craft or a casual listener eager to discover new voices, our festival promises an unforgettable experience that transcends the boundaries of musical genres. Get ready to immerse yourself in a symphony of stories, as we proudly present the stellar line-up that will set the stage ablaze with the pure essence of songwriting brilliance.
About 2024 CC Songwriters Festival
Discover more about the featured artists at the 2024 CC Songwriters Festival! Download our official Spotify playlist. Check out some live performances for each music blog on our YouTube playlists: Friday Night, Saturday Afternoon, Saturday Night, Sunday Afternoon and Sunday Night.
CC Songwriters Podcast
Take a deep dive in to some great conversations with some of the headliners at the 2024 CC Songwriters Festival. Find the podcast on Spotify, Amazon and YouTube.