Capital River Region - MS Songwriters Festival
Schedule
Fri, 30 Jan, 2026 at 05:00 pm to Sat, 31 Jan, 2026 at 10:00 pm
UTC-06:00Location
Natchez, MS | Natchez, MS
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The Mississippi Songwriters Alliance (MSA) proudly announces the launch of its newest annual regional event location for the Mississippi Songwriters Festival: The Capital-River Region, debuting in Natchez on January 30–31, 2026.Natchez is celebrating the the writers behind the songs: “Long Cool Woman In a Black Dress”— “I’d Like To Teach The World To Sing”—“Talking in Your Sleep”— “Nothing On but the Radio”—“It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere”—Single White Female” “The First Step” and more! This two-day celebration brings Nashville greats and Mississippi songwriting talent together in one of the most historic and picturesque locations in the South!
Make plans and book your stay today.
THANK YOU TO OUR PRESENTING SPONSOR: TACO BELL!
Pro Songwriter Appearances by:
Odie Blackmon, Jim "Moose" Brown, Roger Cook, Carolyn Dawn Johnson, and Verlon Thompson
You can learn more online at:
• https://www.msafestival.org/live-events/capital-river-region
• https://songwriters.onenatchez.com
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Friday, January 30 — “Local Restaurants & Dives Live”
• Live music throughout 11 various locations in Downtown Natchez and Under-the-Hill (to be announced). Regional writers will showcase original work and stories behind their songs.
Open to the public. Cover charges may apply and vary by venue.
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Saturday,January 31 — Natchez Civic Center, 215 Franklin Street, Natchez, MS. All Presentations Open & Free to the Public
• 9:00 am–11:00 am — Songwriting Workshops & Presentations
Topics and presenters include:
Eric Schmidtt — Professor of songwriting at LSU
Odie Blackmon — Professor of songwriting MTSU
Jim “Moose” Brown — Writing songs for Kevin Costner’s new movie
Wendy Buckner — Nashville music publisher and songwriter speaks on Music Row’s take on AI
Writers Contest — 20 songs will be chosen for review by Buckner, and the top two will be considered for publication
Shane Paul — Singer / Songwriter speaks on using Suno AI: The Revolutionary Music Generation Platform
• 6:00 pm – 7:15 pm — “Local/Regional Songwriter Highlights”
Hear music from Brint Anderson, Hannah Belle, Shane Paul, Eric Schmidtt, Mary Alice Vanderwaters
• 7:00 pm –9:00 pm — Nashville TalentShowcase
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Where is it happening?
Natchez, MS, United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
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