Inside the First Fort Worth Songwriter Festival: A Retrospective
For Keegan McInroe, the festival's founder, the dream of an event like this had been brewing for years, a desire to showcase the talent and energy of Fort Worth's songwriting community. It wasn't just about music — it was about community, the kind that's formed over late-night jam sessions, the exchange of lyrics over coffee, and the shared belief that live events have the power to bring people closer together, especially after the isolation brought on by the pandemic. Lest we forget the shuttering of several local live music venues around this same time-frame last year as well.
"I realized the Hall would be an ideal mothership for a songwriter festival," McInroe says, recalling the moment when the idea truly took shape during a conversation with Matthew Williams, director of the Southside Preservation Hall. That lunch turned into a vision, one that McInroe and Williams decided to turn into a reality, starting with a phone call and a plan.
"We knew it would take time, but we were determined to bring something special to Fort Worth," McInroe adds.
And special it was.
The festival's roots go far deeper than its four-day run. Behind the scenes, McInroe, Williams, and a dedicated team — including branding expert Julia Cooper and lawyer Steven Lawrence — worked tirelessly to create an experience that was about more than just good music. They envisioned an event that would bring together songwriters, connect them with industry professionals, and offer aspiring artists the chance to develop their craft. It was about giving them the tools, the support, and the inspiration they needed to continue pursuing their dreams.
"Ultimately, we wanted to raise the profile of the songwriting community in Fort Worth," McInroe says. "This festival is just the beginning. The foundation's work will continue year-round."
Over the course of four days, the Southside Preservation Hall and the Rose Chapel echoed with performances from legends and rising stars alike. The intimate settings — where every note and lyric felt personal — were complemented by after-parties at local venues like The Cicada and Magnolia Motor Lounge, where the music didn't stop when the stage lights went down.
For veteran songwriter Theo Carracino, the festival was a chance to connect with like-minded artists and share the stage in a place he'd long admired. "I've always wanted to play Rose Chapel," Carracino says, his face lighting up with the kind of pride only a true songwriter can understand. He was paired with Keith Ditto for a song swap session, and the chemistry between them was palpable. As Ditto reached a high note with a cowboy song, the room was filled with the sound of pure, unrestrained joy.
Ditto, who plays for the love of music and not for fame, couldn't help but reflect on the magic of the moment.
"I don't do this professionally; I just do it for fun," Ditto says, packing up his guitar. "But there's nothing like being able to share what you create with a live audience."
The festival wasn't just about performances — it was a haven for both emerging and seasoned songwriters to learn, grow, and connect. Throughout the weekend, attendees had access to workshops, networking opportunities, and insights from established songwriters who shared their journeys and advice on navigating the complexities of the music business. For McInroe, this was the heart of the festival: "We want people to walk away feeling like they have a place in this community and that they're not alone in their journey," he says.
The artist selection process for the festival was a testament to its commitment to showcasing Fort Worth's best and brightest, while also creating a diverse lineup that represented a range of musical genres. The open submission process allowed artists from near and far to showcase their talents, and the quality of submissions far exceeded expectations.
"We had far more qualified applicants than we had spots," McInroe admits. "We wanted to ensure a variety of styles and voices, while also prioritizing the strongest songwriters."
As the festival's first year came to a close, it was clear that Fort Worth had just witnessed the beginning of something extraordinary. McInroe, already thinking ahead, shared his vision for the future: "This is just the beginning. We want this festival to grow, but more importantly, we want to continue supporting and nurturing Fort Worth's songwriting community year-round."
With its blend of music, education, and connection, the Fort Worth Songwriter Festival didn't just debut — it arrived as a statement, a promise, and a celebration of the artistry and authenticity that makes Fort Worth's music scene one to watch. And as McInroe looks toward the future, he can't help but smile, knowing that this is only the start of something much bigger.
"We've got a lot of work ahead of us," he says, "but we're ready for it."
