Music will be in the air all weekend from Ocean Springs to Gautier!
The 14th Annual Mississippi Songwriters Festival will be held Thursday, September 21 through Sunday, September 24 with multiple stages across 13 popular venues. All the shows are open to the public with no admission fee and will host over 100 songwriters performing live. This year, make sure to be on the lookout for added day and evening performances.
The festival takes place at many favorite hot spots in Ocean Springs and Gautier including Neon Moon, Murky Waters, Julep Room Lounge, The Lady May, The Roost Hotel, Knuckleheads, River Oaks (Gautier), and Aztecas (Gautier). If you prefer to be outside in an open area, bring a blanket and beach chair and head to Fort Maurepas City Park across from Front Beach for the Friday evening performances starting at 6 p.m. or attend The Mary O’Keefe front lawn music starting on Saturday at 1 p.m.
There will be something for everyone, with local favorites and new artists. Musicians will travel from Nashville and Mobile to bring their talents to the festival. A few of the favorites include Double D, Tommy Barnes, Grayson Capps, Sean Gasaway, and the husband-and-wife duo Blue Mother Tupelo.
The festival offers special events such as the writer’s workshop, “Eight Ways to Improve Your Song” with Hall of Fame artist Clay Mills. The workshop will held on Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Mary C. Please register if interested in attending. Also, each year the festival hosts a Youth Showcase highlighting talented young music artists. Catch the live music from future generations of songwriters at Murky Waters on Saturday starting at 2 p.m.
This year’s festival is set to be one of the biggest and best yet. The annual festival offers the writers an opportunity to share their behind-the-scenes stories, give a sneak peek into the creative process, and entertain with experiences from working in the music business. The stage is set for a weekend of non-stop fun, music, and entertainment.
Mississippi Songwriters Event Schedule
Thursday, September 21
7 p.m. – The Mary C O’Keefe Cultural Arts Center – Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
9 p.m. until midnight – Neon Moon – Kick-off Party with multiple performances
Friday, September 22
6 p.m. until 10:30 p.m. – 12 Locations including Ocean Springs and Gautier (click here for details)
9:15 p.m. – The Mary C O’Keefe Cultural Arts Center – Friday Night Showcase
Saturday, September 23
1 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. – The Mary C O’Keefe Cultural Arts Center – Daytime Performances on the front lawn
2 p.m. until 4 p.m. – Murky Waters – Youth Showcase
5 p.m. until 10:30 p.m. – 10 Locations including Ocean Springs and Gautier
9 p.m. – The Mary C O’Keefe Cultural Art Center – Saturday Night Showcase
Sunday, September 24
10 a.m. – Murky Waters – Gospel Finale and Devotional with Brother Gary Night
12 p.m. – Murky Waters – Grand Finale with live performers
Come support the Mississippi Song Writers Alliance and hear some talented songwriters as they perform live. For more details on locations and performers, see the Mississippi Song Writers Alliance Website.