26th Annual Southwest Regional Folk Alliance Conference 2025
“Let solid friends and activities support you like a cocoon.” - Kim Krans Inspirational .G enerous...Expansive... Radiant anIncubato r for Growth...Community... E ffortlessWork ... SWRFA is .
AUSTIN, TX Sept. 24-28, 2025
Artwork: “Iridescent Chrysalis” by Vanessa Lively
Folk Alliance International is a 501c3 registered US charity with 5 regional affiliate organizations, which includes SWRFA, that also presents conferences and other programming in support of its membership.
FOLK ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL (FAI) MISSION STATEMENT
To nurture, engage and empower the international folk music community - traditional and contemporary, amateur and professionalthrough education, advocacy and performance.
GOALS OF THE FOLK ALLIANCE
FAI has six areas of concentration to achieve the above mission. It seeks to strengthen and advance organizational and individual initiatives in folk music and dance through education, networking, advocacy, professional and field development, and consumer development.
1. Education - To increase understanding of the rich variety, artistic value, cultural and historical significance, and continuing relevance of folk music and dance among educators, media, and the general public.
2. Networking - To provide a bridge to and from folk music and dance organizations and needed resources, and to help those organizations link with their constituencies.
3. Advocacy - To influence decision makers and resource providers on the national, state, provincial, and local levels, insuring the growth of folk music and dance.
4. Field Development - To support and encourage the development of new and existing grassroots folk music and dance organizations.
5. Professional Development - To strengthen the effectiveness of folk music and dance organizations by providing professional development opportunities.
6. Consumer Development - To build a stronger consumer base by identifying and involving current and potential folk music consumers and players through programs, marketing, and outreach.
Welcome to SWRFA 2025
We are so glad that you chose to join us this year! This is a brief overview to remind us all of how this works. Very similar to last year’s reminders as the goals remain much the same, just some of the names, faces and topics change each year.
Some of us have been to many Folk Alliance International and other Regional Conferences since the organization began and have a pretty good idea of what to expect from this weekend. Other people are here for the first time. EVERYONE can benefit from the 1st Timers Advice panel offered on Friday morning at 9AM. Plus it is just fun with Hilary and Paul!
Regional Conferences do differ from the International Conference as they have the ability to offer more personal attention and more focus on regional issues. Also, although we are here to primarily do business, the schedule for the conference is intentionally lighter than the big conferences. And certainly, one of the most important things you bring home from a gathering of this sort are all the contacts and new friends you make; at a scheduled function, a jam session, or sitting by the pool. The person you sit next to at lunch might be the very one you had been hoping to meet. All this takes some of the ‘pitching’ aspect out of the connecting. It is a good idea to get out there and network, but the relationships you build may carry you further than you could ever have planned.
SEMINARS, MENTORING & PANEL DISCUSSIONS
Our programming committee has attempted to formulate a program with something for everyone. Please get to the seminars ON TIME! Our facilitators have very full programs to offer, and they will have no choice but to start and end exactly as scheduled.
OPEN EXHIBIT HALL
Here at SWRFA, we have embraced an open concept for the exhibit space. Everyone can participate by putting your schedules on the tables provided, listing gigs for the foreseeable future or just for the SWRFA Conference; touring schedules for artists or schedules for shows at venues. This area is for artists, venues, CD manufacturers, magazines that feature the music biz, all are welcome that have stepped up to be a part of the conference.
Please don’t take a CD unless you are a venue interested in that artist’s music. If you want to trade CD’s with another artist, please ask them directly. The items on the tables are to present and promote each and every one that leaves them there. This area is to provide a space to meet and talk about what you do and who you are, and what you are looking to accomplish at this conference and beyond. And to offer your products to the other attendees. Obviously, the schedules and stickers and smaller promo items are for everyone, and you are encouraged to take them. But please, be very aware of the value of artist CD’s.
Absolutely use this area and the time allowed to gather there, to do business. Mostly though, take home a feeling of the greatness in connecting.
We share meals for lunches, dinners and Sunday Brunch. This is a great way to meet new folks and care for your health and well-being without missing any of the conference.
Thanks for being a part of the Southwest Regional Folk Alliance Conference (SWRFA)!
SWRFA ACTIVITIES
Wednesday Sept. 24 - Kick Off Party & Open Mic Night
NeWorlDeli, 6:30pm
Join us for music, food & fun! Each registered artist may put their name in the ‘hat’ to do a song.
Thursday Sept. 25 - Dinner by the Pool
Hotel Pool, 5pm
Food - A buffet of great food sponsored by Rockport Songwriters Association. SO eat, drink and be merry!
Thursday Sept. 25 - Open Mic by the Pool
Hotel Pool, 6-9pm
Hosted by John Whipple and Parke Hedges. Registered artists can put their name in the jar at the Registration Table.
Friday Sept. 26 - First Timers Advice
Elm Room, 9am
A panel for first time attendees with Paul Barker, Hilary Adamson, and Roxi Copland. Second and third timers welcome!
Friday Sept. 26 - SW RFA Welcoming Party
Elm Room Bar, 5pm
DJ reception for you to meet radio personalities face to face and use the FREE drink ticket that you got at registration!
Saturday Sept. 27 - Open Mic
Hotel Pool, 3:30-5:30pm
Sunday Sept. 28 - Brunch & Song Assignment Performances
Dining Hall, 11:30am-3pm
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
***Note all events are subject to change***
WEDNESDAY September 24
6:30-10PM: Meet and greet at NeWorlDeli for our conference kickoff meetup and open mic. Registered artists can drop their name in the jar to play, or just listen. NeWorlDeli is located at 4101 Guadalupe St. Austin, TX.
THURSDAY September 25
2-6PM: Registration Open - Lobby
When you check in, be sure to drop your name in the jar to be drawn for a spot at the Open Mic and draw your Song Assignment out for a spot at the Sunday Brunch. Also put your name in the drawings for all of the great RAFFLE ITEMS! Only $1 per ticket for some great opportunities like Folk Alliance conference registrations.
2-10PM: General Exhibit Area open. This is free space for all registrants to display schedules, CD’s, stickers/promo and visit with other attendees.
2:30-4:30PM: Concurrent Afternoon Seminars and Educational Panels
5PM: Dinner by the pool - A buffet of great food sponsored by Rockport Songwriters Association. Eat, drink and be merry!
6-9PM: Open Mic by the Pool - Hosted by John Whipple and Parke Hedges. Be sure to put your name in the jar at the Registration Table to be included in the Open Mic.
9:30-11:30PM Alternate Official Showcase - Elm Room. Sound: John Whipple and Parke Hedges. Emcee: Martin Gilmore
FRIDAY September 26
9AM-11PM: Registration - Lobby / OPEN EXHIBIT AREA - If you have materials to put out on the information tables in the registration area now is the time to do it. This is an ‘open exhibit’ area available to all registrants, artists and venues, to display your schedules for the year or just at SWRFA, display your CD’s for venues to take with them and to visit in person with the folks you wanted to meet while you are here. Also, if you haven’t already, be sure to draw your Song Assignment for a spot at the Sunday Brunch.
9AM: First-Timers Orientation - Elm Room. Learn how to get the most out of your Conference experience, not just for First Timers really...HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! Presented by Paul Barker of Barker House Concerts and Hilary Adamson from the Flyin’ A’s, and Roxi Copland.
10-11:30AM: Concurrent Morning Seminars and Educational Panels
11:45AM-12:45PM: Lunch - Hill Country Ballroom A-B
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
12:45-1:15 PM: Free Time - Nap, work on your song assignments, visit the information tables by registration or schedule an early One-On-One with industry professionals via the list at the Registration Table or by personal appointment.
1:30-3PM: Concurrent Afternoon Seminars and Educational Panels
1:30-3PM: First-Timers Showcases - 9th Floor. Here’s your chance to check out all registered artists who are at SWRFA for the 1st time. See the In–Room schedule pages for the lineup.
3:20-5PM: Sponsored Showcases - Hosted by Attendees on Floors 7-8-9
4-6PM: Folk DJ Reception - Elm Room
5-6PM: Welcoming Party - Red Pepper Bar & Elm Room (redeem SWRFA free Drink ticket here)
6-7:15PM: Dinner - Hill Country Ballroom A-B
7:30-10PM: Official Showcase Concert - Hill Country Ballroom C-D
10:30PM: In-Room Showcases - Hosted by Attendees on Floors 7-8-9
SATURDAY September 27
9AM-11PM: Registration Table and Open Exhibit Area. If you have not already put materials out on the information tables in the Registration area, now is the time to do it.
10-11:30AM: Concurrent Morning Seminars
11:45AM-12:45PM: Lunch - Hill Country Ballroom A-B
12:45-1:15PM: Free Time - Nap, work on your song assignments, visit the information tables by registration or schedule an early One-On-One with industry professionals via the list at the Registration Table or by personal appointment.
1:30-3PM: Concurrent Afternoon Seminars
3:30 – 5:30PM: Pool Party & Open Mic - Hosted by John Whipple and Parke Hedges. (Names will be drawn from registered performing artists that signed up at the main registration table.)
6-7:15PM: Dinner - Hill Country Ballroom A-B. The drawings for raffle prizes will happen at this meal.
7:30-10PM: Official Showcase Concert - Hill Country Ballroom C-D
10:30PM: In-Room Showcases - Hosted by Attendees on Floors 7-8-9
SUNDAY September 28
11AM: Brunch - Hill Country Ballroom A-B
11:30AM: Song Assignment Performances. All registered artists will be given a song topic to write during the weekend. Those who have taken part in this assignment may present their songs at Sunday Brunch. A conference highlight!
THURSDAY PANEL DISCUSSIONS
Thursday September 25
2:30 – 4:30PM Multiple Capos, Altered Tunings and the Simplified Songs Project (Magnolia Room) Workshop led by: Bill Nash
This workshop is about expanding musical possibilities on the guitar and will introduce you to the magical world of multiple 3 string capos with altered tunings! The focus of the workshop is to begin to open up your musical thought processes to experimentation. There will be a packet of charts available of preferred places to put the 3 string capo in all altered tunings for students who attend. It starts here and continues throughout the weekend. There will be a signup sheet at the mentoring table across from Registration.
2:30 – 4:30PM Open Discussion with Martin Gilmore (Oak Room)
Panelist: Martin Gilmore
In a rapidly shifting cultural and economic landscape, what does it mean to be an independent artist today? Join us for a candid, community-led conversation that explores the evolving realities of the indie music business.
This panel invites artists, managers, presenters, and other stakeholders to openly share perspectives on the challenges we face, including rising costs, oversaturated markets, and algorithm-driven discovery as well as the emerging opportunities in community building, fan support platforms, and regional collaboration. Together, we’ll examine key trends shaping our ecosystem, identify ways to support one another, and ask the big question: where do we go from here? Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just beginning your journey, come ready to share, listen, and imagine what’s next for our independent music community.
This session will be focused on exploring the potential of narrative songwriting. We will cover some great examples of narrative writing in songs, literature and cinema and explore the techniques that are being employed to turn a sequence of events into an engaging emotional experience, focusing on perspective, negative space and form as well as other considerations. We’ll also explore pathways for developing narratives that seem un-singable and for generating stories from scratch.
Aaron Smith, Award winning songwriter with Influences like Flannery O’Connor, John Prine, and John Hartford explores the mystery of human experience, searching for the meaning of love, family, heritage, kindness, doubt, and grace. In vignettes infused with an infectious sense of hope and humor, the unlikely heroes of his songs -grandmothers and grandfathers, street preachers and neighbors, the forgotten and lonely -- find courage, salvation, and more than a few laughs.
FRIDAY PANEL DISCUSSIONS
Friday September 26
9AM FIRST TIMERS PANEL (Elm Room)
Panelists: Hilary Adamson, Paul Barker, and Roxi Copland
Hilary Adamson - grassroots marketing, creating meaningful & authentic connections in the music business, and tips on how to book tours in the US & EU
Stephen Bond Garvan - building your indie team, artist management, artist setting & implementing realistic goals
John Porter - artist management - when is it time? being your own record label
Martin Gilmore - guitar techniques, songwriting, teaching, album production, music arranging, alternate gig ideas, the business of music...
Teresa Suydam - sync licensing and how it relates to music business and artistry
Tisha Naipaul - Folk Alliance International membership coordinator. “How to optimize your Folk Alliance membership?”
Patrick Nadon - an introduction to touring in Canada
Bill Nash - capos continuing in Magnolia Room
More to be added. Please check at the table across from Registration.
10 – 11:30AM Writing in Other Ways (Sycamore Room)
Panelists: Amy Speace, Jim Jones, Chick Morgan, and Bob Livingston
Writing in other ways - You’re good at songwriting, how else could you express that talent? Here’s some great ideas from those who are doing it!
Amy Speace - songwriter, poet, memoirist, and essayist
Jim Jones - Western storyteller, award winning songwriter, children’s book series
Chick Morgan - memoirist, novelist, cabaret singer, songwriter, radio host, storytelling festival director
Bob Livingston - his concerts are like a fun history lesson as he takes us musically through the amazing stories from his life. They are now on the written pages. His memoir is out!
FRIDAY PANEL DISCUSSIONS
Friday September 26
10-11:30A M FOUNDATIONS PANEL (Oak Room)
Panelists: Billy & Dodee Crockett, John Macy, Craig Griffin, Sandy Jumper, Don Richmond, and Teri McCartney
Foundations - Blue Rock Foundation, Rockport Songwriter Association, and Howlin’ Dog Music Group
Continuing the conversation begun at the 2024 FOLK + online conference and last year’s conference panel, a look at what these amazing organizations are doing and how they are helping artists.
Billy & Dodee Crockett - Blue Rock Studio and Foundation
John Macy, Craig Griffin, and Sandy Jumper - Rockport Songwriters Festival and Association
Don Richmond and Teri McCartney - Howlin’ Dog Music Group
1:30-3PM Industry Engagement (Oak Room)
Panelists: John Porter, Stephen Bond Garvan, Patrick Nadon, Skyla Lowery, Scott Hartley, Brandon DeMaris, Jonathan Bolton, and Teresa Suydam
Industry Engagement - agents, managers, venues, music supervisors/sync licensing, ticketing services, publicists. They are all a part of what makes a career work successfully. How do you get them to work together for you?
John Porter - Mood Indigo Entertainment
Stephen Bond Garvan - Garvan Media, Management & Marketing and FARWest board ambassador
Patrick Nadon - Agent de spectacles - booking agent, musician
Skyla Lowery - 04 Center (Austin, TX) and musician
Teresa Suydam - musician and songwriter with extensive advice on sync licensing
1:30-3PM Performance (Sycamore Room)
Panelist: Amy Speace
This is a comprehensive performance workshop to shake what you already do well up a bit and challenge you to go deeper, connect more authentically. It’s a very simple method of questioning the performance in the moment to bring the performer to a new level of commitment. I’ve been teaching this class for over 20 years at The Rocky Mountain Folks Festival Song School, Kerrville Festival Song School, as Master Classes at Berklee College of Music and Northeastern University and privately to many coaching clients. I will work with as many as I can in the time given. Come with a song you know by heart and your guitar tuned. Not everyone will work. (I will also have copies of my new book To The Performer: A Singer-Songwriter’s Handbook for sale at this workshop).
SATURDAY PANEL DISCUSSIONS
Saturday September 27
10-11:30AM Songwriting as Service (Oak Room)
Panelists: Carl Solomon, Deb Wesloh, Amy Speace, George Ensle, and Mark J Stine
Soldier Songs & Voices is a nonprofit organization that provides free instruments and songwriting lessons to veterans as a form of post-conflict care. Through music education and community-based outreach, we provide veterans with tools to turn their stories into songs. Our goal is to create communities that honor veterans of all generations. We do not just support veterans--we invest in them.
These Panelists are the songwriters that help to make this work. You too can be a part of the community.
10 – 11:30AM Studio Production and Engineering - Why or Why Not? (Sycamore Room)
Panelists: John Macy, Bradley Kopp, Don Richmond
Discussion with studio professionals about the ins and outs of doing a project with studio production and engineering and when you know if it is the right fit for your project.
John Macy - Coastal Bend Studios
Bradley Kopp - Redboot Ranch Studio
Don Richmond - Howlin’ Dog Records
1:30-3PM Podcasts(Sycamore Room)
Panelists: Andy Sydow and Bob Livingston
Starting off with “how to” podcast with musician and Middle Class Rock Star host, Andy Sydow, then moving into a ‘live’ podcast with Bob Livingston, one of the Original Cosmic Cowboys!
1:30-3PM Where Do We Go From Here and What are the Different Ways of Getting There? (Oak Room)
Panelists: Rich Warren, Andrew Delaney, Natalie Price, and Amy Speace
A Discussion of the ‘Future of Folk Music’ with artists who have each done it successfully in their own way
Rich Warren - moderator
Andrew Delaney - touring songwriter, producer
Natalie Price - touring songwriter
Amy Speace - touring songwriter, author
Song Assignments
Pick a topic when you arrive
The jar is at Conference Check-in
Write a song while at SWRFA, then share it at the Sunday Brunch! This is a favorite event at SWRFA!
ROCKPORT SONGWRITER ASSOCIATION
Promoting and nurturing the art of songwriting throughout the Coastal Bend and the State of Texas.
The Rockport Song Cast is a unique, peer-nominated program that pairs younger Texas songwriters with a producer and studio to create a full length recording/cd package at no cost to the artist. Current Song Cast members include Emma James, Austin Atiee, Marcy Grace, Macy Dot and Jimmy Willden/Jenna Ivey.
THE 4TH ANNUAL
ROCKPORT SONGWRITER FESTIVAL
NOVEMBER 5-9, 2025
The Harbor Tent at Charlotte Plummer’s, Fulton, TX
PRESENTED BY:
Featuring Rodney Crowell, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Jimmie Dale Gilmore/Butch Hancock, Jay Boy Adams, Beat Root Revival, Shawn Camp/Verlon Thompson, The Resentments, Paack, The Rifters/Shake Russell, Keith Sykes, Richard Leigh, Barbara Nesbitt, Larry Joe Taylor, Presley Haile, George Ensle, and performances from the Rockport Song Cast artists.
CONFERENCE MENUS
Meals are in the ballroom on the 1st Floor - buffet style. The line gets long, so come early. Prizes and announcements are given at dinner.
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 26
LUNCH
Healthy Buffet Soups: -Roasted Poblano and Corn Chowder -Chicken Tortilla Soup Salads: -Fresh Field Green Salad w/ assorted Salad Bar Toppings, and Dressings -Fresh Seasonal Fruit Salad Served with Warm Rolls and Butter Double Chocolate Fudge Brownies All Buffets include Freshly Brewed Regular and Decaffeinated Coffee and Freshly Brewed Iced Tea with Lemon
DINNER
Little Italy Buffet. Home Baked Meat Lasagna. Vegetarian Lasagna - Lasagna Noodles Stacked with Garden Vegetables, and Topped with a Zesty Tomato Sauce. Served with: Fresh Italian Green Salad w/ 2 dressings Romaine Lettuce, Cherry Tomatoes, Olives, Red Bell Peppers, Cucumbers and Carrots. Sprinkled with Parmesan Cheese. Ratatouille, Warm Garlic Bread Sticks. Dessert - Tiramisu. All Buffets include Freshly Brewed Regular and Decaffeinated Coffee and Freshly Brewed Iced Tea with Lemon Wedges
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 27
LUNCH
Build Your Own Sandwich Buffet Selection of Assorted Thin Sliced Deli Meats (Roast Beef, Smoked Turkey Breast, and Sugar Cured Ham) Sliced Deli Cheeses, Tomatoes, Leaf Lettuce, Red Onions, Pickle Spears and Assorted Condiments Served with a Fresh Field Green Salad, Southern Potato and Pasta Salad, and Texas Potato Chips Assorted Bakery Breads and Rolls and Assorted Freshly Baked ‘’Texas Size’’ Cookies All Buffets include Freshly Brewed Regular and Decaffeinated Coffee and Freshly Brewed Iced Tea with Lemon Wedges Vegetarian Option - Grilled Mixed Vegetable Plate
DINNER
Fresh Field Green Salad, Vegetable Medley, Mashed Potatoes (vegetarian), Meatloaf. Served with: Warm Rolls, Chefs Choice of Dessert. All Buffets include Freshly Brewed Regular and Decaffeinated Coffee and Freshly Brewed Iced Tea with Lemon Wedges. Vegetarian Option - Mixed Vegetable Stir Fry. Set on Separate Buffet tables
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 28
BRUNCH
Omelet Station with assorted condiments, Scrambled Eggs also on the line for those not interested in Omelets Fresh Seasonal Sliced Fruit and Berries Biscuits and Gravy Crisp Bacon Cottage Fried Breakfast Potatoes Assorted Rolls, Croissants, Muffins and Danishes Butter and Preserves Freshly Squeezed Orange & Grapefruit Juice Coffee, Decaf and Specialty Teas
VEGETARIAN AND GLUTEN FREE OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE AT ALL MEALS. NOTE: ALL MENUS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
ALTERNATES SHOWCASES - Thursday September
25
The Alternates Showcase is Thursday night after the Pool Party beginning at 9:30PM in the Elm Room.
Emcee Martin Gilmore. Sound by John Whipple and Parke Hedges.
Barbara Jarrell
Kamica King
The Flyin’ A’s
Nathan K.
Kim & Mary McDowell
BERKALIN RECORDS
Brian and Pam Kalinec
Thank You for 15 years sponsorship of our Thursday Dinner!
Southwest Regional Folk Alliance (SWRFA) Board Members
Andrew Delaney, PRESIDENT
Natalie Price, VICE-PRESIDENT
Rachel Laven, SECRETARY
Jackson Emmer, TREASURER
Martin Gilmore
Jim Jones
Brad Raley
David Broyles
Dalis Allen, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
The newly elected board members for 2026 will be seated during this Conference at the Annual General Meeting on Saturday.
EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION
SWRFA 2026 ONLY $175*
Stop by the registration table and sign up for 2026. *$175 Early Bird Special! LIMITED TIME OFFER.
2025 OFFICIAL SHOWCASES
The Official Showcases are in the Ballroom at the Holiday Inn Midtown from 7:30PM – 10PM and are open to the public for a $20 cover each night.
Sound by rche, emcee Rich Warren
Friday September 26
Sara Beth Go
Andy Sydow
Natalie Price
Hudson Mueller
Rj Cowdery
Grouchy Like Riley
Sarah Golden
The Blue Fiddles
Saturday September 27
Racyne Parker
Dan Radin
Great Aunt
Grace Morrison
George Ensle
Abbie Gardner
AJAYE
Lisa Sanders & Brown Sugar
2025 OFFICIAL SHOWCASES - FRIDAY
SARA BETH GO
With the panoramic perspective that comes from making it to your forties alive, songwriter-turned-mental-health-therapist Sara Beth Go uses healing magic in her therapeutic songwriters pen in every pop-y folky hook and chorus—a truth sampled on Tim McGraw’s quiet anthem “Hurt People.” Sara Beth found herself honored and sweaty in Kerrville Texas as a 2025 Kerrville New Folk winner, then delighted and chilly in the breathtaking mountains of Montana as a top five winner of the Rocky Mountain Songwriting Contest in June, 2025.
NATALIE PRICE
Texas-born, Nashvillebased Natalie Price is a singer-songwriter whose music blends Americana, indie folk, and melodic pop in what she calls “Ameri-kinda.” On the heels of her self-titled fulllength debut, she’s released several singles that explore themes of friendship, empowerment and love, highlighting her ability to connect through both vulnerability and resilience. With a gift for transforming deeply personal experiences into songs that feel universal, Natalie is quickly becoming a fan favorite.
ANDY SYDOW
is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist whose music blends Americana, folk, and roots rock. His live shows shift between acoustic ballads and piano-driven grooves, with playing compared to Bruce Hornsby and vocals recalling Elvis Costello and Jackson Browne. Whether solo or with his band, Andy Sydow & The Minor League, he delivers poetic yet grounded stories. He has toured extensively, released multiple albums, earned Triple-A and AMA airplay, and been a two-time Kerrville New Folk finalist. His 2024 album Night Skin, produced by Anders Osborne, marked a career milestone, alongside his orchestral project Measure 1.
HUDSON MUELLER
has always been something of an outlaw philosopher. Like his spirit guide Willie Nelson, he follows his musical instincts wherever they lead – even when those paths aren’t particularly convenient or commercially strategic. On his stunning debut solo album Welcome to Earth, Mueller delivers a collection of songs that showcase his gifts as a storyteller while expanding the sonic possibilities of the Americana genre.
2025 OFFICIAL SHOWCASES - FRIDAY
RJ COWDERY
is an acclaimed singersongwriter from southeastern Ohio whose music blends introspective storytelling with soulful, folk-rooted melodies. Influenced by the cultural richness of Appalachia, her songs are known for their emotional honesty and quiet power. With critically praised albums like In This Light (produced by Billy Crockett and What If This Is All There Is produced by Amy Speace, she has earned recognition from The Kerrville Folk Festival, Mountain Stage New Song, and Sisters Folk Festival, building a loyal following among folk fans and fellow musicians alike. Her music feels like home— familiar, reflective, and authentic.
SARAH GOLDEN
Houston native, Sarah Golden, is a folk singer-songwriter whose rich vocals, 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 finalist. Since then, Golden has gone on to become a top contender on NBC’s The Voice, America’s Got Talent, and earned multiple awards and nominations, including the 2025 InterContinental Music Awards’ Best of North America, for her co-write with SWRFA alum, Nathan K. on “Who is Gonna Rebuild LA?”. Her forthcoming full-length album will highlight her sociopolitical activism and human rights advocacy and is slated for launch in early 2026.
GROUCHY LIKE RILEY
is Danny Britt, Marvin Dykhuis, and Chip Dolan, all based in Austin, TX. They perform as a trio and with a band. They have performed separately and together around the USA and abroad. Recently returning from tours in New England, the Midwest and Switzerland.
They have 9 CD releases between them with 2 under the name Grouchy Like Riley. The 3rd Grouchy Like Riley CD is in the works now with a release in the spring.
THE BLUE FIDDLES
are shattering expectations of what fiddle should be. Blending the raw soul of blues, the grit of southern rock, and the heart of folk and country, their sound has carved out a powerful new genre for music fans of all kinds: Texas Rock Fiddle. At the helm is Victor Vas, a classically trained virtuoso and roadtested blues-rock lifer whose journey has taken him from symphony halls to packed rock clubs. But across countless stages and captivated crowds, one demand rang louder than the rest: “We want more fiddle.” With that, Victor stepped into the spotlight to create a worthy identity for the modern fiddle.
2025 OFFICIAL SHOWCASES - SATURDAY
RACYNE PARKER
is a Seattle-based singer-songwriter whose music blends country, folk, and Americana with heartfelt storytelling and emotional authenticity. Raised in small-town southern Oregon, she found early inspiration singing with her dad’s country-rock band, dreaming of becoming an artist in her own right. A finalist in both the Telluride Troubadour and Kerrville New Folk competitions, Racyne draws influence from artists like Kacey Musgraves, Keith Urban, and Lord Huron. Her debut album, Will You Go With Me?, explores themes of smalltown roots, chasing dreams, and finding joy in the journey.
GREAT AUNT
is an award-winning Australian folk duo known for their soaring harmonies, unique instrumentation, and heart-felt live performances. Winners of the 2024 Folk Alliance Australia Duo of the Year, Megan Bird and Chelsea Allen blend folk, country and roots music with influences from their backgrounds in punk, jazz, soul, and rock to create a sound that is at once familiar and entirely their own. With four U.S. tours under their belt and a debut full-length album, It’s All Downhill From Here, due in 2025, the duo will return to North America on multiple occasions this year.
DAN RADIN
is a singing cellist and indie-pop artist from Austin, TX. A classically-trained performer turned songwriter-frontman, he blends cinematic strings and candid lyrics into a hook-driven folk/rock fusion. His new self-produced album, PLAY, captures the chaos of youth, sobriety, and self-discovery- solidifying Radin as a rising voice of reinvention in modern music.
GRACE MORRISON
If nerditude had a formal name, it would be Grace Morrison. She’s a little bit of everything—pianist, accordion player, Renaissance Faire performer, cranberry grower, reader of historical nonfiction, coffee devotee and an unapologetic expert on all things New England. And somehow, all these quirks weave seamlessly into the fabric of her music, making her one of the most unique and endearing songwriters around. Her music carries the storytelling of country “the twang” and also the raw, unshakable spirit of a Swamp Yankee. She is her own genre. She is Saltwater Country.
2025 OFFICIAL SHOWCASES - SATURDAY
GEORGE ENSLE
is a songwriter, performer, educator, and producer. Since the 60’s Houston Folk era when he was sharing stages with TownesVan Zandt and Guy Clark, George has kept the storysong alive and well. A believer in the healing power of songs, George teaches songwriting and performs for the special needs community through the Texas Arts Commission, while maintaining a robust touring schedule. He’s released 16 albums in the US and Europe, had songs featured in movies, produced albums for Artists, and created PortraitSongs, a custom songwriting service. His concerts are filled with wit, warmth, and always hope, delivered with edgy vocals and powerful fingerstyle guitar and keyboard.
AJAYE is a Canadian-born, Nashville-based Americana artist whose heart-centered songwriting blends folk and country roots with grounded storytelling. A 2025 Kerrville New Folk Finalist with four European tours and features in Rolling Stone Australia, American Songwriter, and AmericanaUK, her music explores themes of self-discovery, resilience, and emotional clarity. With an evocative voice and poetic lyricism, AJAYE crafts performances that feel like soul-deep conversations—earthy, honest, and unforgettable.
ABBIE GARDNER
is a fiery dobro player with an infectious smile. Her performances feature the dobro as a solo instrument, bouncing between a solid rhythmic backbone and ripping lead lines, all in support of her voice and songs. Her latest recording DobroSinger hit #11 on the Billboard Blues Chart. “DobroSinger is a naked little roller coaster of an album, when we get to hear how good Abbie Gardner really is. By turns awkward, raucous, fragile, and forceful, it sounds like Abbie is in the room with me, maybe sharing a stage and, honestly, I don’t want to follow her. Nobody wants to follow her.” - Jonathan Byrd, Songwriter & Performer
LISA SANDERS
& BROWN SUGAR is a MN born, Tulsa-based singer-songwriter who weaves together elements of soul, rock, and folk-pop. Casii’s “gorgeously emotive voice inspires comparisons to alt-pop artists like Florence Welch and Fiona Apple with a writielationship Status EP”, produced by Ben Tanner (Alabama Shakes, St. Paul and the Broken Bones) releases September 2024.
2025 CONFERENCE REGISTRANTS
NAME AFFILIATIONS EMAIL LOCATION
Elizabeth Abrahams vieau@live.com
Hilary Claire Adamson Performing Artist theflyinas@gmail.com Austin, TX
Stuart Adamson Performing Artist theflyinas@gmail.com Austin, TX
AJAYE Performing Artist ajayeismyname@gmail.com Nashville TN
Chelsea Allen Performing Artist hello@greatauntmusic.com Australia
Dalis Allen SWRFA Staff dalis@dalisbooks.com Kerrville, TX
Marghi Allen Performing Artist marghiallen@yahoo.com Austin, TX
Riley Amanda Performing Artist mindycurnutt@hotmail.com Wimberley, TX
