Music Festival To Serenade Alpharetta

ALPHARETTA, GA — The sounds of soul and folk will soon fill downtown Alpharetta during the upcoming 13th Annual Wire and Wood Songwriters Festival.

Performers will also bring indie rock and bluegrass to the event, which will be held Oct. 9-10 in the downtown area and include at least 40 artists on six outdoor stages, city officials said.

The City of Alpharetta and the Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau are hosting the event.

Country artist Corey Smith will headline Friday's show, which will be held from 6-10:30 p.m., city officials said.

Rock band Sister Hazel will close Saturday's concert, to be held from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Other performers will be Crystal Bowersox, Blair Crimmins and The Hookers, J.R. Moore of Ingram Hill, Liz Longley, Michael Tolcher and Friends, Kristina Murray, Spencer Thomas (formerly of Futurebirds), Cat Ridgeway, Caleb Caudle and Lily Grace.

“One of the best parts of Wire and Wood is watching people hear a song for the first time and connect with the story behind it,” said Morgan Rodgers, director of recreation, parks and cultural services, in a news release. “We’re fortunate to have a community that appreciates live, original music and this festival is a great way to celebrate the talented artists who make it all happen.”

Organizers will host the Listening Room, a facet of the festival, on Oct. 10 at Roaring Social. The event will feature a songwriter showcase of David Lowery, Angie Aparo and David Ryan Harris.

While admission into the festival is free, tickets cost $30 for the Listening Room. They are currently on sale, and organizers said proceeds will benefit the city's Music Match program.

“Wire and Wood is a celebration of the incredible energy and creativity that is the foundation of Alpharetta Music City,” said Janet Rodgers, president and CEO of the Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau, in the release. “We invite residents and visitors to come downtown, discover new favorite artists and experience the unforgettable atmosphere that makes this festival one of Alpharetta’s signature events.”

Dining will be available at local restaurants, and parking will be available throughout downtown. Organizers asked guests bring lawn chairs for seating.

More information: Wire and Wood Alpharetta, Facebook, and Instagram.