3rd Annual Opelika Songwriters Festival Announces Initial Lineup for 2022

Over the past four years, the Opelika Songwriters Festival attracted die-hard live music fans across the Southeast to hear original songwriters spanning many genres of music perform their songs. Restaurants, bars, a distillery and an inn in historic downtown Opelika become music venues for two nights and a third day for dozens of solo, band and round performances throughout long weekend of October 14-16, 2022. Tickets are on sale now HERE.

The Opelika Songwriters Festival will celebrate its 3rd year with performances on the Main Stage on 1st Avenue in downtown Opelika on Saturday afternoon October 15 with headline performances by renowned artists Indigo Girls and Rickie Lee Jones. Shawn Mullins and John Paul White perform two evening shows during the Festival weekend. Other artists performing include Leigh Nash, Jeff Black, Dan Navarro, Kim Richey, Peter Bradley Adams, Paul McDonald, Adam Hood, Larry Mitchell, Abe Partridge, Meaghan Farrell, Katie Martin, Bradley Cole Smith, Martha’s Trouble, Haraway Brothers, Grayson Capps, Mark True, Stephanie Jeck, Dave Potts, Mutt Cooper and many more.

In addition to music, the Opelika Songwriters Festival is the ideal event for people who like to combine music, sport and relaxation in a world-class spa. The official festival hotel is the Opelika Auburn Marriott Resort and Spa at Grand National, which features three 18-hole Robert Trent Jones Golf courses with scenic views, driving ranges, putting greens and golf lessons. Plus, there are elaborate resort-style pools with bar service, plus eight tennis courts and an award-winning spa.

“Amy and I look forward to returning to the Opelika/Auburn area where we have played many fun shows over the years. We are especially thrilled to share the stage with Rickie Lee Jones whom we admire so much as a singer and songwriter,” says Emily Saliers of Indigo Girls.

Shawn Mullins, a 30A Songwriters Festival veteran, has performed at Opelika’s first two Songwriters Festivals and says the historic city offers something special for music lovers. “Opelika’s city center stands out for its authenticity,” he says. Years ago. Having these venues – all within walking distance – used as listening rooms for the Festival makes for a fun and intimate gathering.

Indigo Girls’ debut album sold over two million units under the power of singles “Closer to Fine” and “Kid Fears” in 1989 and established Indigo Girls as one of the most popular folk duos. most successful in history. Over a thirty-five-year career that began in clubs around their native Atlanta, Georgia, the Grammy-winning duo recorded sixteen studio albums (seven gold, four platinum, one double platinum), sold over 15 million records and built a dedicated and lasting following. Their critically acclaimed latest album, Look Long is a moving and eclectic collection of songs that finds the duo of Amy Ray and Emily Saliers reunited in the studio with their strongest backing band yet as they recount their upbringing. personal with more specificity and focus than them. have on any previous song cycle.

Rickie Lee Jones will make his debut at the Opelika Songwriters Festival right after the release of his memoir, Last Chance Texaco, released in spring 2021. His chronicles are “as rich and colorful as Jones’ best lyrics”, writes the New York Times. The two-time Grammy winner, known for her haunting voice that ranges from deep longing to sultry late-night, first burst onto the Los Angeles scene in the mid-1970s penning instant classics like ” Chuck E.’s In Love”, “Danny’s All-Star Joint”, and the pivotal break-up album Pirates.
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“I was drawn to the concept of the Rob and Jen Festival with Sound Wall proposed in 2019, the first year of the Opelika Songwriters Festival, because my grandfather ran the Opelika factory when I was a young child and my father was born and raised,” says Festival co-producer Russell Carter. “I was thrilled to meet in downtown Opelika and experience firsthand the preservation, of the revival and innovations that have taken place over the past few years.The restaurants, bars, distillery, pubs, galleries, boutiques, hostel and record store create a bespoke setting for a music festival. unique music of several days in a small town.” Co-producers Rob and Jen Slocumb add: “We are pleased to join in collaboration with partners in downtown Opelika in 2022 including John Emerald Distillery, Heritage House, Irish Bred Pub, Jail of the Rock n Roll Pinball and our studio, The Wall of Sound. After the success of the 2020 event which was postponed to Fall 2021 due to the pandemic. Music fans are now very eager to enjoy up close and personal. personality of public musical performances!”

Festival weekend passes are currently available at www.opelikasongwritersfestival.com. VIP tickets including a VIP area on the main stage with private bathrooms and bar, a whiskey tasting at the John Emerald Distillery and a Sunday brunch including a round performance with (3) festival songwriters.