“Songfest,” the Sandy Lee Watkins Songwriters Festival in Henderson
HENDERSON, Kentucky – The fourth entry in Henderson’s “Songs of Summer” series of five summer music festivals is scheduled for July 24-27.
It’s the Sandy Lee Watkins Songwriters Festival. Here are a few things to know about the four-day event in downtown Henderson.
What is the Sandy Lee Watkins Songwriters Festival?
“Songfest,” as it is commonly called, features four nights of intimate, live acoustic performances by Nashville songwriters, many of whom have written or co-written some of the most well-known hits.
Under the slogan “Storytellin’ in 42420,” the festival presents songwriters who play “in a circle” and talk about the songs they perform during each round. They may also talk about the inspiration, the writing process, the road to recording and the challenges of the music business.
Where is Songfest?
This year, there are six shows at two venues: Rookies Banquet Hall at 117 Second St. and The Elm, 120 N. Elm St.
There are no reserved seats. Seats are allocated based on availability and on a first come, first served basis.
Tickets will allow you entry to the venue of your choice, provided it is not already full. We recommend that you arrive early and reserving seats is not recommended.
Who can I hear at this year’s Songfest?
At Wednesday, July 24 This year there is something new with just one show from 6pm to 9pm. It starts with the first Local Talent Showcase, followed by successful songwriters.
Local artists include Maggie Hollis, Lindsey Williams, Josh Merritt and Tyler Garrett. Hit songwriters include Johnny Balfour, Dave Pahanish, Jason Duke and David Tolliver.
At Thursday, July 25 Both venues have shows from 7-9pm. Songwriters for Rookies are: Heidi Bulford, Jami Grooms, Lance Carpenter and David Pahanish. Songwriters for The Elm are: Don Sampson, Rusty Tabor, Joel Shewmake and Ronny Criss.
At Friday and Saturday, 26-27 JulyBoth venues feature Early Bird and Night Owl sets.
Friday — Rookies, 6 p.m.: Anthony Peebles, Jamie Teachenor, Joel Shewmake, Jami Grooms. The Elm, 6 p.m.: Tony Arata, Annie Mosher, Buddy Owens, Chris Canterbury. Rookies, 8:15 p.m.: David Tolliver, Johnny Bulford, Heidi Bulford, Bobby James. The Elm, 8:15 p.m.: Don Sampson, Rusty Tabor, Reed Foley, Jason Duke.
Saturday — Rookies, 6 p.m.: Leslie Satcher, Buddy Owens, Reed Foley, Roxie Dean. The Elm, 6 p.m.: Bobby James, Anthony Peebles, Ronny Criss, Chris Canterbury. Rookies, 8:15 p.m.: Tony Arata, Leslie Satcher, Jamie Teachenor, Don Sampson. The Elm, 8:15 p.m.: Johnny Bulford, Heidi Bulford, Roxie Dean, Lance Carpenter.
The schedule is subject to change and will be announced on the festival’s Facebook page.
Have I heard any of her songs?
Here are some possibilities: “The Dance” recorded by Garth Brooks (writer Tony Arata), “Waitin’ On A Woman” recorded by Brad Paisley (writer Don Sampson), “Without You” recorded by Keith Urban (writer Dave Pahanish), and “Dibs” recorded by Kelsea Ballerini (writer Jason Duke), to name a few.
Where can I get tickets for the Songfest?
They are available online at SandyLeeSongfest.com and cost $20 per session. There is also a Sandy Bundle Pass that is valid for all six shows.
Proceeds from the show will be distributed to local nonprofit organizations selected by the planning committee.
Workshop for songwriters takes place on Saturday
A free songwriting workshop will be held at 9 a.m. on Saturday, July 27, in the Gatsby Room, adjacent to Hometown Roots restaurant, 136 Second Street. At the workshop, participants will hear tips and stories from pros on writing a hit song and navigating the music business.
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