Opelika Songwriters Festival: Where Songwriters Listen, Jam, and Shine
Ok, this is not about Deming; but I had to put it somewhere….
Located in the heart of a small town in Alabama, the Opelika Songwriters Festival is quickly becoming a must-visit event for music enthusiasts and songwriters. This unique festival offers more than just a stage for songwriters to display their talents; it creates an intimate setting where young and old can connect, collaborate, and draw inspiration from one another.
A Haven for Songwriters
The Opelika Songwriters Festival is unique because it creates a community atmosphere where songwriters gather to listen to one another. Unlike many music festivals that prioritize performing for an audience, this festival focuses on exchanging ideas and appreciating the art of songwriting. Attendees can anticipate seeing artists perform and interact with each other, share the stories behind their songs, and provide insights into their creative processes. One of my favorite stories is about how Dan Navarro almost didn't write "You Belong" because he had gotten into an argument with his songwriting partner. He told us how different his life would have been if he hadn't answered the phone, and we would have never heard that beautiful song.
Midnight Jams: A Collaborative Celebration
One of the festival's most cherished traditions is the midnight jams (actually 11 pm, midnight for us old folks.) These sessions are special moments where songwriters come together after a day of performing. The midnight jams are a testament to the collaborative spirit of the festival. It's common to see well-known artists and emerging talents jamming together, blending their unique styles into unforgettable musical experiences. These late-night sessions at a local whisky distillery are where the true essence of the festival shines, showcasing the fellowship and shared passion of the songwriting community. While standing at the bar waiting for my bloody-mary, Vicki Peterson, former lead guitarist for the Bangles, stands beside me. She even chuckled at one of my stupid bar jokes. I wouldn't have known it was her except for when she got on the stage to jam with her husband John Cowsil, former drummer for the Beach Boys and brother of the famous Cowsills, the '60s band... yes, I'm that old.
Great Value in a Charming Setting
Attending the Opelika Songwriters Festival is a great value, offering access to various talented artists at a fraction of the cost of more noteworthy events. In addition to the music, visitors can enjoy Opelika's charm, its historic downtown, vibrant arts scene, and friendly locals. The small-town atmosphere enhances the festival experience, making it a relaxing and enjoyable getaway.
It's amazing when you listen to an artist and recognize a song you've heard countless times, even though you never knew who the artist was. When KT Tunstall performed, she sang "Suddenly I See." I knew it was from a movie, but I couldn't remember which one. Give the song a listen, and eventually, you'll figure it out, just as I did. The same thing happened repeatedly. I must admit that I didn't know Sister Hazel sang "All for You." I love that song.
The list of my new favorite artists is endless. Check out the following artists who performed throughout the weekend.
Ending the show was a young 16-year-old who is not from this earth. Jake Barksdale is a prodigy who has performed since he was 12. I try never to use the word "angelic," but listen to this video of him from 4 years ago, and you will be the judge.
Nothing is Ever Perfect
The festival organizers do a really cool thing by providing workshops. This year, Livingston Taylor gave a songwriting workshop. I didn't know who he was, but it turns out he's actually James Taylor's brother. The workshop was very informative about songwriting, but I felt a bit uncomfortable when he was a tad bit rude when I asked a question about some of his ideas. Despite his brother's success, Livingston is a Berklee College of Music professor. I guess professors are going to be professorial.
A Festival Not to Miss
The Opelika Songwriters Festival is an event you won't want to miss, whether you're a songwriter looking to connect with peers or a music lover eager to discover new talent. It's a place where music is performed, lived, shared, and celebrated. Come for the incredible music, stay for the midnight jams, and leave with memories of a beautiful town and a festival that truly values the art of songwriting.
Conclusion
The Opelika Songwriters Festival offers something unique in the realm of music festivals. It's a place where songwriters listen to each other, collaborate in spontaneous jams, and revel in the beauty of a small Alabama town. This festival is a hidden gem worth exploring for anyone passionate about songwriting and great music.
