Dripping Springs Songwriters Festival — Day 2 Artist Guide (Saturday, Oct 17)

Your artist-by-artist guide to Day 2 of the Dripping Springs Songwriters Festival — the biggest day of the festival with 8 stages, the Young Artist Stage, Art Lounge, and Saturday night headliner.

Day 2 of the 12th Annual Dripping Springs Songwriters Festival is the big one — Saturday, October 17, 2026. From a morning songwriter session on the patio at Homespun to eight stages of rounds from noon to 8 PM, plus the Young Artist Stage, the Art League Lounge, and the Saturday night headliner concert, this is the fullest day of the festival. Here's your artist-by-artist guide to Saturday — who's playing, what they sound like, and what makes Saturday special. 📅 SATURDAY SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE Special morning event: • 10:00–11:30 AM: Songwriter Session at Homespun Kitchen & Bar (back patio) — three festival songwriters discuss their writing process, not just perform. If you love the stories behind the songs, start here. Main festival hours: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM Same Nashville-style "in the round" format as Friday — songwriters sit in a circle, take turns playing original songs, and tell the stories behind them. Four rounds across 8 stages with 25-minute breaks between. Special Saturday programming: • 12:30–6:00 PM: Young Artist Stage (Songbird Stage at Festival Headquarters) — local young songwriting talent performing two 60-minute rounds, plus an Eddie Ray Band performance. • All day: Dripping Springs Art League Art Lounge — browse and purchase local artwork, watch artists create work live alongside songwriters at select stages. • Evening: Saturday night headliner concert (the only ticketed event of the festival — check the official festival site for ticket info). 8 stages: The Barber Shop Bar, Acopon Brewing, Mazama Coffee Co., Hudson's on Mercer, Warehouse, Winehouse, Haus of Jayne, and Dog & Bone. 🎸 THE SATURDAY ARTISTS 🤠 BEN DANAHER — Country / Americana A native Texan from Huffman who made his name as a songwriter in Texas before relocating to Nashville. Shared bills with Ray Wylie Hubbard and Jack Ingram. His debut album "Still Feel Lucky" (2018) earned critical acclaim, and he's now newly Texas-based again. Ben writes songs like he's lived every line — and most of them, he has. His writing explores family, loss, and personal reflection with a haunting honesty. If you like: Jason Isbell, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Americana with teeth 🎶 ERIC RAMSEY — Blues / Americana / Folk The 2022 International Blues Challenge winner. Arizona Blues Hall of Fame inductee. With soaring vocals and organic arrangements, Eric writes from experience about the human condition — at times sensitive, at times humorous, and always thought-provoking. His songs draw from blues traditions while weaving in Americana and folk influences. If you want to hear a world-class blues voice in an intimate Hill Country setting, this is your artist. If you like: Chris Smither, Eric Bibb, blues with a storyteller's soul 👧 EMILY BARNES — Contemporary Folk A contemporary folk singer-songwriter whose music breathes life into the characters and stories of everyday people. 2026 COMBO Songwriting Contest winner and winner of the 2026 Hey Nonny Songwriting Contest in Arlington Heights, IL. Emily returns to Dripping Springs — she calls it her "most favorite" festival. Her songs are vivid, narrative, and deeply human. If you love the storytelling tradition of folk music, don't miss her set. If you like: Mary Gauthier, Gretchen Peters, story-songs with heart 🎹 KATRINA CAIN — Americana / Pop Texas-rooted artist who recently completed the London Homesick Blues Tour — her debut UK run in 2026. Whether she's on piano or guitar, Katrina brings powerful vocals and emotionally raw songwriting. She's a regular at Austin's White Horse and has performed at festivals across the country. Her sound bridges Americana and pop with a Texas twang. If you like: Kacey Musgraves, Maren Morris, Texas-rooted pop-Americana 💫 KELSI CREEK — Indie-Soul An indie-soul artist based in Austin, TX. Heartfelt songwriting with a soul edge — Kelsi brings something different to the festival lineup. If you're looking for a groove that stands apart from the Americana-heavy roster, seek her out. Her sets blend soul, indie, and heartfelt songwriting into something uniquely hers. If you like: Leon Bridges, Madison Cunningham, soul-infused indie 🎸 RONNY CRISS — Country / Rock Nashville-based singer-songwriter whose music lives at the crossroads of country and rock. His latest album "Hurricane Heart" was released in summer 2026 to critical buzz — available on LP, CD, and digital. Ronny brings a harder edge to the songwriter rounds, with songs that feel like they could fill a stadium but work just as well in a listening room. If you like: Chris Stapleton, Blackberry Smoke, country-rock with swagger 🤠 J. CRUZ — Country / Americana Songs include "Wyatt Earp," "Them Boots," and "Simple Livin'" — J. Cruz writes with a frontier spirit. His 2025 album "DREAMER" features tracks like "Break a Man," "Rage," and "Simple Livin'." Country and Americana with a cinematic, wide-open-spaces feel. If you want songs that sound like a Western movie feels, find J. Cruz's round. If you like: Tyler Childers, Colter Wall, cinematic Americana 🙏 ANANDA MURARI — Devotional Indie-Folk A Southeast Michigan songwriter blending devotional depth with eclectic indie-folk. Having spent much of his youth in a yoga monastery, Ananda's music draws from folk, jazz, and spiritual traditions — 33+ years of writing and performing. His latest album "Ripen On The Vine" is contemplative, beautiful, and unlike anything else at the festival. If you want music that quiets your mind and opens your heart, this is your stop. If you like: Nick Mulvey, Trevor Hall, folk with a spiritual dimension 📜 AARON KONZELMAN — Americana / Storyteller Based in Waco, TX, Aaron has been writing and performing original music for over 33 years. A former church worship leader turned Americana songwriter, his music is rooted in storytelling and tribe-building. He's a professional songwriter, producer, and live sound engineer — and he's recorded live at the Dripping Springs Songwriter Festival before. His sets feel like sitting around a campfire with a master storyteller. If you like: Townes Van Zandt, Ray LaMontagne, master-craftsman Americana 🏆 WEARY RAMBLERS — Americana Duo The festival's heavyweight act. Weary Ramblers (Chad Elliott & Kathryn Severing Fox) are an Iowa-based Americana duo and the 2026 International Blues Challenge winners. Also 2026 Josie Music Awards "Duo of the Year" and Global Music Awards Silver Medalists in "Americana" and "Duo" categories. Iowa Public Radio called them "nothing short of an Iowa-based super duo." Their live show is award-winning — if you only see one round on Saturday, make it theirs. If you like: The Milk Carton Kids, Shovels & Rope, award-winning duo Americana 🎤 CHARLIE SHAFTER — Americana / Bluegrass Shafter's January 2026 release of SAFARI hits multiple feelings and facets of life at once — Prelude, Amsterdam, MO, and Epilogue immerse you in another world. A 27-year-old songwriter who weaves richly-toned narratives, Charlie has been featured on The Texas Music Scene and performed in Jack Ingram's Songwriter Series Sessions. His "Billy Creek" with Starfire Onthemountain is edgy bluegrass at its finest. If you like: Sturgill Simpson, Billy Strings, edgy bluegrass-infused Americana 👨‍🏫 DAVID TRIBBLE — Americana Folk A former middle school teacher based in Fort Worth, TX. David is a winsome troubadour with parables worn on his sleeve — he writes and sings with compassion and conviction. Indie and Americana genres. A singer-songwriter from Texarkana who now calls Fort Worth home, David started writing songs by scribbling thoughts in a journal in college. His rounds feel like wisdom passed down. If you like: John Prine, Greg Brown, folk with a teacher's heart 🌟 RETURNING FROM FRIDAY These artists also performed Friday and may appear in Saturday rounds — check the official festival program for their Saturday times and stages: • Tim Styles — Folk/blues/country/rock troubadour from northern Minnesota • Brian Allison — Nashville Americana, three-time Josie Award winner • Robert Europe — Austin blues/Americana, full-time musician 10+ years • Andy Sydow — Colorado Americana/rock/folk multi-instrumentalist • Will Overman — Virginia/Nashville alt-country/folk rock • Ray Prim — Austin "Singer Soulwriter" • George Ensle — Texas folk legend, shared stages with Townes Van Zandt • Vaughan Segers — Rising Texas songwriter • Charlie Argo — Southern blues/country • Dean Johanesen — Circus swing/American roots • Michelle Raybourn — Americana/bluegrass from Dallas/Nashville 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 YOUNG ARTIST STAGE (SONGBIRD STAGE) Saturday's special feature: the Young Artist Stage at Festival Headquarters, running 12:30–6:00 PM. Local young songwriting talent performs two 60-minute songwriter round sets, sharing the stage with two other young artists during each set. The day includes an Eddie Ray Band performance. This is where the next generation of Texas songwriters gets their start — come support them. 🎨 ART LEAGUE ART LOUNGE For the third year, the Dripping Springs Art League brings visual art to the heart of the festival. The Art Lounge is open Saturday and Sunday — browse and purchase local artwork, watch artists create work live alongside songwriters at select stages, and see completed pieces displayed and sold. The festival isn't just about music — it's a celebration of all creative arts in Dripping Springs. 🎤 SONGWRITER SESSION AT HOMESPUN (10 AM) Before the main rounds begin, three festival songwriters will hold a special session on the back patio at Homespun Kitchen & Bar (131 E. Mercer Street) from 10:00–11:30 AM. This isn't a performance — it's a discussion about the songwriting process. If you're a songwriter yourself, or if you just love hearing how songs come together, this is a can't-miss Saturday morning event. Grab breakfast and coffee and settle in. 🧭 HOW TO PLAN YOUR SATURDAY **The early bird start:** Begin at 10 AM with the Songwriter Session at Homespun. Grab breakfast, hear how songs are written, then step outside as the main rounds kick off at noon. You'll have a two-hour head start on everyone who shows up at lunch. **Follow the award winners:** Weary Ramblers are the 2026 International Blues Challenge winners. Eric Ramsey won the 2022 IBC. George Ensle is a Texas folk legend. If you want to hear the best of the best, build your day around these three. **The Young Artist Stage:** Take a break from the main rounds and visit the Songbird Stage at Festival Headquarters. These young songwriters are the future of Texas music — and the sets are just as intimate and powerful as the main stages. **Saturday night headliner:** The only ticketed event of the festival. Check the official DSSF site for ticket info and headliner details. This is your Saturday night capstone. **Art Lounge between rounds:** Use the 25-minute breaks between rounds to visit the Art League Lounge. Browse local art, watch artists work, and support Dripping Springs' creative community. 🍺 WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK BETWEEN ROUNDS 📍 Mazama Coffee Co. — Coffee, pastries, and a festival stage all in one → https://driptx.com/destination/mazama-coffee-co 📍 Acopon Brewing — Cask ale brewpub, intimate stage, great between-rounds pint → https://driptx.com/destination/acopon-brewing-co 📍 Homespun Kitchen & Bar — Farm-to-table, hosts the morning Songwriter Session → https://driptx.com/destination/homespun-kitchen-and-bar 📍 The Grawlix Cocktail Lounge — Craft cocktails, a festival stage, and an arcade side → https://driptx.com/destination/grawlix-cocktail-lounge 💡 SATURDAY TIPS • Saturday is the busiest day — arrive early, especially for parking. The festival recommends checking their parking guidance. • All downtown rounds are FREE — only the Saturday night headliner concert is ticketed. • The Songwriter Session at Homespun (10 AM) is a unique Saturday-only event — don't miss it if you love the craft of songwriting. • The Young Artist Stage is worth your time — these are talented young writers performing in the same round format. • Bring cash for tips, merch, and the Art Lounge. • Seating fills even faster on Saturday than Friday — arrive 30 minutes before popular rounds. • The festival is a listening-room environment — keep conversations for the breaks. • Park once, walk everything — all 8 stages are on or near Mercer Street. • Bring a folding chair for outdoor stages and the Songbird Stage at Festival HQ. 🗺️ VENUE MAP All 8 main stages are walkable in downtown Dripping Springs: • The Barber Shop Bar — Mercer Street • Acopon Brewing — Mercer Street • Mazama Coffee Co. — Mercer Street • Hudson's on Mercer — 381 W Mercer St • Warehouse — Downtown • Winehouse — Downtown • Haus of Jayne — Downtown • Dog & Bone — Downtown • Songbird Stage (Young Artists) — Festival Headquarters • Art League Art Lounge — Downtown 🎸 FULL FESTIVAL GUIDE Looking for the complete 3-day schedule and festival overview? → https://driptx.com/destination/dripping-springs-songwriters-festival-guide 📅 DAY 1 GUIDE (FRIDAY, OCT 16) Missed Friday or want to see who played Day 1? → https://driptx.com/destination/dssf-day-1-artist-guide-friday-october-16 🍷 MORE TO EXPLORE IN DRIPPING SPRINGS 🍷 Wine Trail Guide — 12+ wineries along US-290 → https://driptx.com/destination/dripping-springs-wine-trail-guide 🍺 Breweries & Distilleries Guide — Twisted X, Jester King, Ghost Note, and more → https://driptx.com/destination/dripping-springs-breweries-and-distilleries-guide 🚶 Mercer Street Walking Guide — Park once, walk to every venue → https://driptx.com/destination/where-to-eat-mercer-street-dripping-springs-guide 🗓️ 48 Hours in Dripping Springs — Full weekend itinerary → https://driptx.com/destination/48-hours-dripping-springs-itinerary Dripping Springs, Texas — a designated Music Friendly Community and host of the annual Songwriters Festival. Plan your festival Saturday with DripTX, your guide to Dripping Springs live music, venues, restaurants, wineries, breweries, and things to do in the Texas Hill Country.

Dripping Springs Songwriters Festival 2026DSSF Day 2 Saturdaysongwriter rounds Dripping Springslive music Dripping Springs October 17Ben Danaher Eric Ramsey Weary RamblersAmericana folk bluegrass Dripping SpringsMercer Street music festival Saturdayfree music festival Texasyoung artist stage DSSFDripping Springs festival Saturday guide$

The Direct Line

Dripping Springs, TX

Plan your visit

Keep Exploring

More Dripping Springs Service

Quantum Pilates Studio

Tailored Pilates & movement training for all levels

Copper & Birch

Stunning floral designs in downtown Dripping Springs

Buried Treasure of the Texas Hill Country: A Quest Guide

Your guide to the buried treasure of the Texas Hill Country — outlaw gold, lost Republic of Texas treasure, active geocaching spots, and a free self-guided quest on Mercer Street. Can you find what others have missed?

Petal Pushers

Fresh flowers, plants & gifts in Dripping Springs