Wire & Wood Songwriters Festival Lineup Released

ALPHARETTA, GA — The Wire & Wood Alpharetta Songwriters Festival is just days away, and this sixth annual festival promises to bring quality original music to the downtown area. Headliners include Robert Randolph & The Family Band, Justin Townes Earle, Dan Wilson and Glen Phillips. The 2-day event, which starts at 5 p.m. Oct. 12 and Oct. 13, will be free to the public this year.

The Wire & Wood Alpharetta Songwriters 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 Wire & Wood Alpharetta Songwriters Festival takes places at multiple 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.

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 is sure to deliver a deeply soulful set. Dan Wilson, of the band Semisonic, 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. 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.

“This year’s Wire & Wood Alpharetta Songwriters Festival is shaping up to be one of the best yet,” said Morgan Rodgers, director of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Services for the city of Alpharetta. “We have an incredible line-up of artists that are going to put on spectacular shows. And with the development of Downtown Alpharetta’s City Center, it has opened up new possibilities of venues and activities for the event.”

Additional artists confirmed to perform at the sixth annual Wire & Wood Alpharetta Songwriters Festival include The Sundogs, Alex Guthrie, Eliot Bronson, Yesterday’s Wine featuring Wyatt Durette and Levi Lowrey, Chasing Lovely, Davin McCoy, Hannah Thomas, The Last Chance Riders, Wesley Cook, The Mosley’s, Jennifer Lynn Simpson, The Bittersweets, Across The Wide, Cat Ridgeway, ESOEBO, Avery Gipson and Cat Carter.

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“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.”

2018 Wire & Wood Alpharetta Songwriters Festival Schedule

Friday, Oct 12

Main Stage on Milton

• 5 p.m.: The Last Chance Riders
• 7:15 p.m.: The Sundogs
• 9:30 p.m.: Alex Guthrie

City Center stage

• 5 p.m.: ESOEBO/Kate Coleman
• 6:30 p.m.: Yesterday’s Wine: featuring Wyatt Durrette and Levi Lowrey
• 8:15 p.m.: Davin McCoy

Shade Garden stage

• 5:15 p.m.: Avery Gipson/Hannah Thomas
• 6:45 p.m.: The Bittersweets
• 8:15 p.m.: Eliot Bronson

South Main Alley stage

• 5 p.m.: Jennifer Lynn Simpson/Wesley Cook
• 6:30 p.m.: The Mosleys
• 8 p.m.: Chasing Lovely

Ceviche stage

• 6:15 p.m.: Cat Carter & Cat Ridgeway
• 8:30 p.m.: Across the Wide
• 10:45 p.m.: Late Night Jam: Davin McCoy/Jennifer Lynn Simpson

You Rock in the Park (Located at the Corner of Milton Ave. & Hwy 9)

• Guitar 101: 6:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.
• Drum Circle: 8:45 p.m. - 9:15 p.m.

Saturday, Oct 13

Main Stage on Milton

• 5 p.m.: Eliot Bronson
• 7:15 p.m.: The Last Chance Riders
• 9:30 p.m.: Robert Randolph and the Family Band

City Center stage

• 5 p.m.: Glen Phillips
• 6:30 p.m.: Dan Wilson
• 8 p.m.: Justin Townes Earle

Shade Garden stage

• 5 p.m.: Cat Ridgeway/Jennifer Lynn Simpson
• 6:10 p.m.: The Mosleys
• 7:20 p.m.: Chasing Lovely/Kate Coleman
• 8:30 p.m.: Yesterday’s Wine: featuring Wyatt Durrette and Levi Lowrey

South Main Alley stage

• 5 p.m.: Cat Carter/Avery Gipson
• 6:10 p.m.: The Bittersweet
• 7:20 p.m.: Alex Guthrie
• 8:30 p.m.: Hannah Thomas/Wesley Cook

Ceviche Stage

• 6:15 p.m.: ESOEBO
• 8:30 p.m.: Across the Wide
• 10:50 p.m.: Late Night Jam: Alex Guthrie (solo)

You Rock in the Park (Located at the Corner of Milton Ave. & Hwy 9)

• Drum Circle: 6:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.
• Ukulele Workshop: 8:45 p.m. - 9:15 p.m.

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

Image via Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau