OCEAN SPRINGS, Miss. (WLOX) — The 17th annual Mississippi Songwriters Festival is now in the books. For four days, about 150 singers and songwriters gathered on the Gulf Coast.
Students learn songwriting through festival program
Educational coordinator Trailand Eltzroth said working with students through the Mississippi Music Empowerment Program was one of his favorite parts of the weekend.
“Just helping the kids learn that and seeing the joy on their face when they can put that together with music, you know. So they all left as songwriters and that’s kind of my favorite thing about the festival. That is my favorite thing about the festival,” Eltzroth said.
Veteran and international songwriters take part
Cary Hudson has been part of the festival for seven years. He calls it a dream come true.
“I mean, there’s a lot of songwriters festivals and a lot of stuff. But the fact that this is established to help Mississippi songwriters, that’s the special thing about it,” Hudson said.
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Bjørn Nilsen traveled from Norway for his third festival and wrote a song with Hudson.
“I also get to meet people I’ve been listening to back home in Norway years ago. You know, I get to meet them and be friends with them and even write with some of them. And that’s huge for me,” Nilsen said.
Hannah Brewer has photographed the festival for 13 years. This year, she met her favorite band.
“I think, like, this year is kind of cool to me. But, like, Thursday night, that was pretty cool. Was that your favorite night? Yeah, definitely,” Brewer said.
“She likes 3 Doors Down. She’s a big fan,” George Cumbest said.
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Alliance highlights songwriting legacy
Mississippi Songwriters Alliance President George Cumbest said the festival honors the state’s songwriting legacy while training the next generation.
“I think one of our big thing is to let the public understand what Mississippi’s done from a songwriting perspective when you look at what is accomplished. And then more of an appreciation for it and understanding the process of songwriting,” Cumbest said.
Cumbest said the alliance held about 28 workshops this weekend and will continue mentoring young songwriters through the Mississippi Music Empowerment Program.
The Mississippi Songwriters Alliance hosts a Songs and Stories showcase every third Thursday at the Mary C. O’Keefe.
For more information on the alliance, visit msafestival.org.
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