Get ready to experience an unforgettable weekend of storytelling and music! The 2025 Corpus Christi Songwriters Festival is proud to present an incredible lineup of talented singer-songwriters from across the country. Each artist brings their unique voice, perspective, and passion for original music, making every performance a journey through heartfelt stories and melodies.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of live music or discovering the magic of a listening room for the first time, this lineup will inspire, move, and captivate you. Explore the artists, mark your must-see performances, and get ready to be part of a weekend where the song is everything.
Meet the Storytellers Behind the Music
Headlining Songwriters
CMA of Texas Songwriter of the Year Thom Shepherd is a San Antonio, Texas-based touring artist who spent many years as a songwriter in Nashville. Recent years have found him traveling across the country, telling stories, and captivating audiences with his wife, artist Coley McCabe.
He is the writer of five #1 singles – “Redneck Yacht Club,” recorded by Craig Morgan, “Riding with Private Malone” recorded by David Ball, and three Texas music number ones.
Thom and Coley present the Lone Star Luau, a 4 day music festival at Margaritaville Lake Resort near Conroe, TX. The seventh annual event happens Mar 21-24, 2024
Thom, along with his Radio Margaritaville hit “Always Saturday Night,” are featured in the “The Parrot Heads Documentary” with Jimmy Buffett.
In total Thom has written over 10 singles and had over 100 songs recorded by other artists.
His music has taken him on 10 tours performing for our military in 20 different countries. He was born in St. Louis, Missouri and spent his high school years in Stephens City, Virginia. He graduated from George Mason University and one week later moved to Nashville. He is a two time cancer survivor, a father of two, recipient of the TRMA “I Can” Humanitarian Award, winner of TRMA “Best Radio Show” for “Live From The Redneck Yacht Club,” and has received three TropRockin.com People’s Choice Songwriting Awards.
Heather Little is a songwriter’s songwriter who creates from the truth of her own experiences. Raised in Texas on artists like Rickie Lee Jones, her voice has drawn comparisons to Patty Griffin and Lori McKenna, with a writing style similar to Gretchen Peters and Kris Kristofferson. Her songs have been recorded by some of the biggest names in country music, but her own delivery is arrestingly vulnerable and accessible. She is the recipient of two BMI awards for songwriting. Heather released her first full-length album, “Wings Like These”, produced by Greg Hunt, in 2013. In 2022, she released a live album to vinyl recorded at the legendary Old Quarter Acoustic Cafe in Galveston, produced by Joel Mora. Heather is excited to release her new album “By Now” on April 19, 2024. “By Now” was produced by Brian Brinkerhoff and Frank Swart and features background vocals and instrumental parts from some of the greatest talents in the folk, bluegrass, and country music community.
Featured Songwriters
Stephanie Sammons is a folk-leaning Americana artist who also has a long-standing career as a Certfied Financial Planner®. The Dallas Observer dubbed Sammons’ songs as “the textbook definition of soulful”. Named as a 2024 Kerrville New Folk Finalist, Sammons debut album, Time and Evolution, was produced by folk eminence Mary Bragg. The album is a tender, inquisitive, and often profoundly moving journey through complex subjects. Sammons has studied extensively under songwriting masters Mary Gauthier, Emily Saliers, Beth Nielsen Chapman, and other Grammy-nominated artists.
Claude “Butch” Morgan is a celebrated Texas songwriter, storyteller, and guitarist whose musical journey began during the Vietnam War, playing in USO bands. Known for his lead guitar prowess and engaging performances, he became a fixture in the Texas music scene, earning recognition as a New Folk Finalist at the Kerrville Folk Festival (2005, 2008) and winning the Wildflower Songwriting Contest in 2004. He was also a Texas Music Awards “Singer/Songwriter of the Year” nominee in 2012.
His 2013 album Dry—co-produced with Chris Gage—showcased his personal storytelling with a raw, live sound, blending humor, heartbreak, and memorable melodies.
Morgan continues to tour, captivating audiences with his powerful songwriting and masterful guitar work, ensuring his enduring influence on Texas music.
George is a veteran of the 1960s Houston folk scene, where he shared stages with legends like Townes Van Zandt, Guy Clark, and Billy Joe Shaver. For over five decades, he has upheld the folk tradition of storytelling through song, releasing 15 albums in the U.S. and Europe.
George’s accolades include inductions into the Houston Folk Music Archives, Corpus Christi Songwriters Hall of Fame, and the South Austin Pop Culture Museum. He has received grants for “Artist in the Schools” programs, publishing two books of student work. His song “Build A Bridge” was adopted by the Build A Bridge Foundation, and his collaborations with children at the Hill Country Youth Ranch led to songs featured on their Brand New Start CD.
Creator of PortraitSongs, George also works with Swan Songs to craft custom songs honoring the life stories of hospice patients. His songwriting has earned top honors at the Kerrville Folk Festival, American Songwriter Festival, and Texas Heritage Songwriters Association Songwriter U.
As a member of the Texas Arts Commission Touring Roster, George leads songwriting workshops in schools, libraries, and for veterans through Soldier Songs and Voices. His performances blend wit, grit, and hope, accompanied by intricate fingerstyle guitar, resonator, and piano, leaving audiences moved and inspired.
Andrew Delaney is an unorthodox songwriter, storyteller, and producer from Arlington, TX, known for his dark humor and cinematic songwriting style. Dubbed “The Alfred Hitchcock of singer/songwriters” by folk DJ Rich Warren, Delaney blends the lyrical depth of Tom Waits and James McMurtry with the playful audacity of The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
A prolific artist, Delaney has released standout albums such as Whatever Still Remains (2018), The Escape Artist (2017), and Stricken, Smitten, & Afflicted (2015). His 2021 album, The Villain is Right!, co-produced with Justin Farren, embraces sweeping strings, electric guitars, and absurdist charm, recorded remotely with musicians during the Covid-19 quarantine.
Delaney’s heavy-to-hilarious storytelling captivates audiences at festivals, listening rooms, and house concerts across the U.S. Beyond music, he’s also a filmmaker and stand-up comedian, with his short horror film Howard featured at the H.P. Lovecraft Film Festival.
Rachel Laven is a dynamic American Roots songwriter known for her honest storytelling and commanding stage presence. Hailing from a family of musicians, she grew up immersed in the craft of songwriting and honed her unique ability to blend heartfelt lyrics with intricate guitar work. Her songs cut straight to the heart, delivering complex emotions with clarity and warmth.
Laven’s music is infused with personal stories, including her immigrant grandmother’s legacy, celebrated in her acclaimed song Love and Lucchese’s. Her ability to create vivid imagery and relatable characters sets her apart as an artist who invites listeners to step into her world.
A Grassy Hill New Folk Finalist in 2016, Laven’s performances are both joyful and precise, showcasing her vocal strength, rich with a Texan lilt. Influenced by icons like Susan Gibson, Slaid Cleaves, and Ani DiFranco, she channels their raw authenticity while maintaining her distinct sound.
Whether captivating audiences at festivals or intimate house concerts, Laven’s music radiates authenticity and passion. Her dedication to her craft and fearless songwriting make her a standout in the folk and Americana scene—a positive force who inspires audiences to listen deeply and dare greatly.
Winner of the 2017 Kerrville New Folk songwriting competition, Chris Moyse is a Nashville-based folk songwriter. He has shared the stage with troubadours like Joe Ely, Mary Gauthier, and members of Old Crow Medicine Show. Recently, Chris released his debut album Bitter Ballads & Cynical Prayers, garnering critical acclaim with American Songwriter calling it “roots-thick and shadowy.. guided by velvety vocals. A delicate ebb and flow.”
Lost Patterns is an American roots duo based in Austin, TX, featuring songwriters and multi-instrumentalists Beth Chrisman and Silas Lowe. They bring an earthy grit to the lonesome, lowdown backroads of acoustic Americana, that is always moving and evocative.
Chrisman and Lowe have been sharing stages together since 2006 when they met during a bluegrass jam at a BBQ joint. The duo plays songs culled from the depths of the American musical tradition as well as writing new classics shaped by those musical landscapes.
As a member of the Carper Family and High Plains Jamboree, Chrisman has performed at Merlefest, A Prairie Home Companion, Augusta Heritage, and Mountain Stage. She is an in-demand side player as well, with notable performances alongside Bobby Bare, Alice Gerrard, John C. Reilly, and Willi Carlisle.
Lowe was a member of the Atomic Duo and has performed at the Kennedy Center, the Winnipeg Folk Festival, the Vancouver Folk Festival, the John Hartford Memorial Festival. His songs have been covered by numerous bands, and recently a song he co-wrote with Brennen Leigh was featured on the Grand Ole Opry.
Natalie Price describes her music as “Ameri-kinda”—a blend of catchy Americana melodies, indie-folk quirks, and smooth, clear vocals. Her confessional storytelling and relatable lyrics, filled with emotional depth and memorable melodies, have earned her a reputation as one of Austin’s rising singer-songwriters.
Born in Fort Worth, Price grew up surrounded by church gospel and contemporary Christian music but found her voice by writing songs that reflect life’s unresolved complexities. Moving to Austin solidified her path as a musician, connecting her with a vibrant community that encouraged her to pursue music professionally.
Her music resonates with audiences by pairing personal reflection with universal truths, creating songs that stay with listeners long after the final note. With a growing following, Price continues to captivate audiences with her authenticity and unforgettable performances.
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.”
Supporting Songwriters
Raised on the central coast of California and currently based out of Lafayette, LA, Elise Leavy has a distinctly unique voice as a singer and songwriter. Often likened to Joni Mitchell and Judee Sill, Elise says it must be the California seawater getting inside her head and heart from an early age.
She has been writing songs since she was 8 years old, and recently was selected as a New Folk Finalist at the Kerrville New Folk Songwriting Competition. She has studied the art of singing and harmony for the better part of her 26 years, graduating from the New England Conservatory of Music at the tender age of 19, and moving to New York City to pursue music. She released her first studio album just last year, a group of songs written and recorded in Brooklyn, NY with producer and engineer Robin MacMillan, and a full band of local musicians, and was on the road touring for most of 2023 and 2024, alongside Viv and Riley, Eamon O’Leary, Sami Braman, and Love, DEAN. She is thrilled to be touring an even newer record in 2025, released in September of this year, called “Memorandum”
Emma James is a Texas-born singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who has been crafting songs since childhood. At just 16, she has written over 200 original songs and honed her talents on piano, guitar, and ukulele. Her performances, ranging from farmers markets and festivals to private events, blend engaging covers with her heartfelt originals.
Emma’s true passion lies in storytelling through music, and her lyrics reflect a journey of self-discovery and emotional depth. Currently working on a multi-song project, she aspires to build a career as a Nashville singer-songwriter, sharing the healing power of melody and words with the world.
The Bard of Saint Cloud, the songwriter, the song finder, the consummate showman, the man of 1000 songs, the storyteller, the world-traveling troubadour, the recording artist, Charlie is all these and more. He has been honing the craft of singing and playing guitar and harmonica for over 40 years and still having a great time doing it. He plays and sings from his heart and can make you recall good times, laugh, and cry, often in the same set. His music has healing qualities.
Guy Le Roux came to Corpus Christi in 1988 as a Windsurfing/Sailing Editor and Journalist. It wasn’t long before his other life-long love, that of playing and writing music came to the fore. Since the early 90’s he has been a fixture in the Corpus Christi music scene, initially as a guitar accompanist for songwriters JB Braden and Michael O’Connor. He also served as a country guitarist for Dennis Gilley. And he played many blues guitar gigs with Dicky Neely, Silent Slim and the Locomotives, and with Howard McLaughlin. Since 2000 his interest and musical expression has branched out songwriting, Jazz and the Great American Songbook. As a result Guy’s musical style is not easily defined. His songs range from 50’s folk, country and Soul to 60’s pop, to 70’s rock and also jazz ballads. He injects word play and humor into many of his lyrics. Most of all he focuses on melody and interesting chords. For Guy, it’s all about melody. You never know what you’re going to get when listening to Guy Le Roux, but you can be sure you’re going to hear a melody!
Steve D. Wilson is an award-winning singer-songwriter and veteran of both the Army and Air Force, with 16 years of service as an Army paratrooper and B-52 Electronic Warfare instructor, including two combat deployments.
Blending driving rhythms with authentic, autobiographical lyrics, Steve’s music reflects a life shaped by resilience and a passion for storytelling. His powerful voice and poetic songwriting captivate audiences, taking them on a soulful, introspective journey.
In addition to his solo acoustic work, Steve leads the Texas rock bands The Black Doves and Matte Blacke and produces original music for emerging artists, further showcasing his versatility and dedication to his craft.
Michael Angel Villarreal started writing music when he was 19 years old. Songwriting has been his peace ever since. He’s now 27 and as a singer/songwriter he hopes to reach the right people along the way with his lyrics and the stories told through them
Raised in Corpus Christi, Texas on music ranging from many different genres and even a couple of different languages, there was always a sense of comfort in finding lyrics that resonated with him. After countless “it’s not just a phase, mom” moments, in recent years Michael’s found himself gravitating toward indie, alternative rock, folk, and acoustic music more than anything
Michael released his first single in 2023 on all platforms titled “Bullet Train”. In 2024 through a collaboration project, he also released “Clavado” with Sonido Americano as his first ever reggaeton song.
Garrett Wieland is a singer-songwriter living in Corpus Christi, Tx, and one part of the Americana group The Independent Thieves, former radio host of the long-running folk show “Some Call it Folk,” a co-founder of the Corpus Christi Songwriter’s Festival, and former staff member and host of local listening room The Churchyard. He has two albums recorded, 2015’s “Letter from the End of the World” with his band, and 2021’s “What Keeps the Heart Afloat,” his first solo album, and is currently working on a new one. His songs are inspired by the old west, literature, mental health and love, and not always in that order but sometimes in the same song.
Stefan Prigmore has been creating and performing music since his teenage years, following his father into the business in the same way he learned from his father in the woods and the river. The joy Stefan finds in the outdoors and the gratitude he shows on the stage are part of the same values that persevere 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.
Brian Wolff is a dynamic guitarist and singer-songwriter based in Austin, Texas, known for his blend of classic rock, ’90s alternative, and Americana influences. Originally from upstate New York, Wolff moved to Austin in 2012 and quickly established himself with his powerful guitar work, driving rhythms, and introspective lyrics. In 2021, he formed Brian Wolff & The Howlers and teamed up with renowned producer Frenchie Smith to release The Punch EP in 2022, earning multiple features on KUTX’s “Song of the Day.” Their follow-up EP, The Golden Age, debuted to a packed house at The Pershing in 2023, with the single “Talk to Me” receiving global airplay and a spot on Sun Radio’s regular rotation. In 2024, the band toured nationally, with highlights including a performance at Spiedie Fest in New York and receiving a grant from Austin’s Live Music Fund. Now working on their debut LP set to release in 2025, Brian Wolff & The Howlers continue to gain momentum, delivering electrifying performances and making waves in the music scene.
Ryan Biter is a Flagstaff, Arizona-based singer-songwriter whose music takes listeners on an emotional journey, blending soul, blues, and rootsy Americana with indie rock energy. Known for his masterful guitar work and a powerful voice that cuts straight to the heart, Ryan’s songs soar from joyful highs to poignant depths, amplifying a deep, spiritual resonance.
A nationally touring artist, Ryan has earned accolades as a 2022 Kerrville New Folk Finalist, 2022 Songwriters Serenade Finalist, and 2023 Wildflower Festival Al Johnson Songwriting Competition Finalist. His captivating live performances have led him to share the stage with acts like the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and gain recognition on nationally syndicated radio.
With three studio albums to his name, including his ambitious 2023 release Training Wheels, Ryan continues to draw audiences into his storytelling at house concerts, listening rooms, and festivals across the U.S. His authentic connection with listeners and commitment to his craft make him a standout in the Americana and indie music scene.
Jules Taylor is a Texas-born singer-songwriter and producer whose music captures the grit, heartache, and triumphs of the human experience. After two decades performing and producing in Nashville and New York, he returned to Corpus Christi, bringing with him a rich blend of ambient Americana, rock, and folk influences. With a voice described as “weathered and inviting,” Taylor’s songs evoke comparisons to Wilco, Neil Young, and Drive-By Truckers, delivering layered, cinematic soundscapes that feel at home in a modern Western. His thoughtful storytelling and dynamic performances make him a standout in the Texas music scene.
Sarah Golden is a Houston-born folk singer-songwriter whose soulful storytelling and heartfelt performances have captivated audiences since the release of her debut album Truth in 2002, which earned her a spot as a Kerrville New Folk semi-finalist. A standout on NBC’s The Voice (Season 2) as a top 36 national finalist on Team Cee Lo, Golden has also earned multiple awards, including Best Folk/Roots/Country Song for “The One I Love” and Adult Contemporary Song of the Year for “Who Gives a Damn.”
Known for her rich vocals and meaningful lyrics, Golden has shared the stage with acclaimed artists such as Amy Ray, Shawn Colvin, and Ruthie Foster. Her Sessions EP showcases her signature sound and builds anticipation for her forthcoming sophomore album. Folk fans can experience her live performances at festivals and intimate venues across the country or join her interactive “You Call Its” on YouTube, where she performs fan-requested covers and originals.
Claudia Gibson’s style runs the gamut of her musical past – primarily Folk/Americana with touches of Rock, Classical, Celtic, R&B and blues – creating a sound uniquely her own. Her 2024 album The Fields of Chazy – produced by Walt Wilkins – has been called “a heady mixture that conjures the ghosts of John Steinbeck and Townes Van Zandt.” Claudia has been a Kerrville New Folk finalist and her song “Dreamers” won 1st place in the Woody Guthrie Songwriting Contest.
The daughter of a music-loving farmer and a spunky ballerina, Jenna Ivey grew up surrounded by the arts. In 2017 Jenna joined her family band, The Iveys, as a co-writer and vocalist, releasing the EP Colors of Honey in 2019. In college she studied acting and earned a degree in Theatre Arts from New Mexico State University. Since graduation, Jenna has continued to work in the creative fields between New Mexico and El Paso as an actress, filmmaker, and recently as a songwriter performing solo.
Jimmy Willden, singer-songwriter, journalist, filmmaker and performer, is a co-founder of Corpus Christi Songwriters, focused on promoting, fostering, and nurturing original music in the Coastal Bend with songwriting nights, workshops, retreats and the annual Corpus Christi Songwriters Festival every February
Willden is also one-half of the Texas-based indie-folk duo, Yosh & Yimmy, which has been releasing music and touring nationally since 2017. In 2022, Yosh & Yimmy released their debut full-length studio album, “Three Rivers,” toured the Midwest, and found their lead single, “Down & Out” moving up the folk charts.
Previously, Willden released multiple solo albums, including 2018’s “So Much Stuff. So Many Things.” — which featured lead singles, “Hey Lover” and “Barefoot & Naked.”
Currently, Willden is planning his first solo record since 2018, while simultaneously shaping a new Yosh & Yimmy album, planned for a 2025 release.
Ella Reid is an Austin-based singer-songwriter whose music blends Americana, neo-soul, and folk-rock into a sound that’s both raw and tender. Her evocative lyrics and soulful melodies create stories that linger long after the music ends.
In 2019, Ella’s resilience was tested when a car accident left her with a broken back and pelvis. Defying the odds, she returned to the stage just four months later, turning her recovery into a powerful testament of strength and second chances.
Her 2023 album Gimme a Cowboy showcases her vivid storytelling and signature hooks, earning her a growing place in Austin’s music scene. Since April 2024, she’s captivated fans with an ambitious monthly single release schedule. Whether performing solo or with her trio, Ella’s soaring vocals and effortless charisma remind audiences of music’s power to heal and connect.
For fans seeking heartfelt, unforgettable performances, Ella Reid is an artist who delivers every time.
🎶 Experience the Heart of Songwriting at the Corpus Christi Songwriters Festival 2025 🎶
With intimate, listening-room-style venues, space is limited, and tickets are selling fast! Experience the magic up close as talented singer-songwriters share their stories and songs.
Grab your tickets now and guarantee your place at this unforgettable weekend of music!
👉 Purchase your tickets before they sell out!🎟️
🎶 Get ready for the festival vibe! Listen to our official Spotify playlist featuring songs from this year’s incredible lineup and start discovering your new favorite artists today! 🎧✨