Wire & Wood Songwriters Festival Returns Oct. 12-13

ALPHARETTA, GA — The Wire & Wood Alpharetta Songwriters Festival will return to the downtown area for its sixth year in October.

The festival, set for Oct. 12-13, will include headliners such as Robert Randolph and The Family Band, Justin Townes Earle, Dan Wilson (Semisonic) and Glen Phillips (Toad the Wet Sprocket). The 2-day event, which runs from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. each day, will be free to the public this year.

Alpharetta's Wire & Wood Festival brings nationally and locally recognized singer-songwriters together, giving music lovers a behind-the-scenes look at the stories that have inspired many musical genres. The two-day event takes places at multiple indoor and outdoor venues throughout downtown Alpharetta, making this a beloved, family-friendly weekend event. Attendees will experience renowned veteran songsmiths and local up-and-coming talent as music fills the streets.

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Robert Randolph, who has been called the Jimi Hendrix of pedal steel guitar, will perform Saturday night on the main stage. Justin Townes Earle’s songwriting pedigree is undeniable; he is Steve Earle’s son and is named after Townes Van Zant.

Dan Wilson will perform his show “Words & Music by Dan Wilson” featuring an evening of songs and stories that pull back the curtain on the art of songwriting including his three modern classics: “Closing Time,” which he wrote for his band, Semisonic, “Not Ready to Make Nice” (co-written with Dixie Chicks) and “Someone Like You” (co-written with Adele).

Glen Phillips formed Toad the Wet Sprocket in high school which became internationally famous for hits including “Walk On The Ocean” and “All I Want” which festival goers will be sure to hear among many others from his inestimable solo songwriting catalog.

“Wire and Wood is one of my favorite events, and I am thrilled that we are able to make this event free to the community this year, through the generous support of our local businesses, partners and sponsors,” said Morgan Rodgers, director of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Services for the city of Alpharetta.

Additional artists confirmed to perform at the sixth annual Wire & Wood Alpharetta Songwriters Festival include Alex Guthrie, Lilly Winwood, Eliot Bronson, Chasing Lovely, Davin McCoy, Hannah Thomas, Yesterday’s Wine featuring Wyatt Durette and Levi Lowrey, The Last Chance Riders, Wesley Cook, Jennifer Lynn Simpson, The Mosleys, Across The Wide, ESOEBO and more to be announced soon.

“Since its debut in 2013, the Wire & Wood Songwriters Festival has been a terrific way for nationally recognized singer-songwriters to connect with the community and share the stories behind the songs while also showcasing Alpharetta’s vibrant and growing music scene,” said Janet Rodgers, president and CEO of the Alpharetta Convention & Visitors Bureau. “We are also excited that the event will be free this year allowing more visitors and residents to come out and enjoy great music.”

For more information about The Wire & Wood Alpharetta Songwriters Festival, visit its website. The Wire & Wood Alpharetta Songwriters Festival is presented by the city and the Alpharetta Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Image via city of Alpharetta