Bandera Songwriters Festival

07/20/2026

We rode the groove, and explored the soul indeed. Absolutely beautiful times in Bandera.

These photos are courtesy of Bill Currin. I saw Bill before the event and he asked if he could take pictures, because he loves to do that. He has a very interesting history, and lots of knowledge with photography. Thank you, Bill for these photos. We appreciate it.

Picture 1: -
What a phenomenal talent. A sincere spirit. What a pleasure to hear him. A great artist to support in any way you can. He is a DO NOT MISS kind of an artist. Great stuff

Picture 2: -
We love Lisa around here. She brings a sound that makes you feel better. A solid soul with purposeful lyrics, and true intentions. Wonderful.

Picture 3: David Kassai
The man who helps this thing go on every month. Multi-talented man. A songwriter, venue owner, sound engineer, and wonderful person. We appreciate David so much. His venue, is incredible.

Picture 4: Is about the harmony we can live in. It is the August poster and we are already excited for this. are every bit, the real deal, and are super people for coming over to Bandera to bless Zeke's Night with their work. Have the best day you can. We will see y'all soon.

07/08/2026

The spotlight turns to our second guest songwriter on Thursday.

Jordan Matthew Young-
Jordan was a fantastic guest at the Bandera Songwriters Festival in April of 2025. He came in to all of his sets with such a smooth sense of purpose. As the legendary sports analyst Stuart Scott would say, he is "cooler than the other side of the pillow." Jordan has a real original style that is also highlighted by his high level musicianship, and absolute gift for songwriting. His music comes at you with groove, melody, movement, and a passionate sense of purpose. I love listening to the music of Jordan Matthew Young, especially in a great, intimate setting like "Zeke's Night" at The First National Ice Haus this Thursday. We are really stoked and feel so grateful to have Jordan join us in Bandera again. Hope to see you there.

Zeke's Night
July 9th - 6:30 p.m.
A Renaissance of roots music.

07/07/2026

Let's get a little spotlight on the songwriters that will be sharing their work with us this Thursday at Zeke's Night.

Lisa Beck-
Since I have come around the songwriting world of Central Texas I have heard her name. Mentioned as a songwriter, and beautiful vocalist whose songs capture simple moments with in depth perspective. She is a positive light in the rooms she fills with her spirit and music. Lisa has had quite the life journey to lead her to this point. She came to songwriting a bit later in her life, but she came with her soul ready to spill. Through her time she has created numerous different recording projects, and is currently in studio with songwriting master George Ensle working on a new project. We look forward to hearing the new project when it is ready, and more about Lisa's journey in music and life at Zeke's Night. We are inspired by her will and dedication to the craft, and are very blessed to host her at First National Ice Haus this Thursday evening. Hope to see you all there.

07/06/2026

Here is another YouTube link to get us acclimated to the music of this months guest songwriters. Thank you for following and helping us support the mission.

Our Mission
To honor the deep-rooted tradition of songwriting that has long been a cornerstone of our town’s cultural identity. Through this event, we aim to preserve and promote the art of songwriting, while inspiring new generations of musicians.

*3 Days away from Zeke's Night (Volume 8)*

One afternoon a few weeks back, Jordan Matthew Young made the drive...

07/06/2026

Zeke's Night is an event simply dedicated to the craft of songwriting. A human and an instrument. Taking place the 2nd Thursday of every month, we invite people who appreciate the arts to come and join us this Thursday (7/9/26) as we welcome Jordan Matthew Young and Lisa Beck as our guests. Here we share a song by Lisa Beck called "14 Minutes in Kerrville." Thank God for this life and all the gifts we are blessed with. Music is absolutely included.

Provided to YouTube by CDBaby14 Minutes in Kerrville · Lisa Beck...

06/11/2026

To the ones who water the roots. We appreciate you so much! Thank y'all

Keep spreading them, far and wide.

Tonight 6/11: and will join this list of great artists.

06/09/2026

We are currently 2 days away from Zeke's Night. A night named after a fictional rebellious character around Bandera, TX in the 1940's called "Cowboy Zeke."
The second half of this months show is a songwriter that has made his way around, and then probably around again. He is a talent that absolutely embodies the troubadour process. He has some wonderful songs and a stage presence to match. His album "Old Scars and Sandbars" is a true work of art as it follows and soul towards questionable endings, and new beginnings. How about a bio from Mark's website and a visit to Bandera on Thursday night.

"From Merriam Webster:
Troubadour - Wandering artists, commonly associated with themes of chivalry, high ideals, and courtly romance. They were often seen as trailblazers and romantics, who defied social conventions.

As a textbook definition, who's spent most of his life sharing songs across the Lone Star State, Mark Allan Atwood has been a part of TX's musical landscape since the early 80's. As a young songwriter from Ennis, he began showing up at writers showcases in nearby Dallas, in 1980. The works of Kristofferson, BW Stevenson, Willie, James Taylor, Joni Mitchell, Jackson Browne, and many more, captured his imagination as a kid, and influenced his understanding of how to say what he wanted to say. Hanging around the songwriter haunts of the Dallas scene, he was able to watch, listen, and learn from a community of gifted storytellers.



Over the years, Atwood has shared stages, bills, and been tour support, for a number of artists across many genres, including many of the biggest names in Red Dirt, 80's and 90's Rock, Mainstream Country, Classic Rock, and Americana."

The songwriting rebellion continues this Thursday at The First National Ice Haus

06/08/2026

This Thursday at 6:30 will be volume 7 of Zeke's Night.
We are stoked to introduce Emma James. It was at Shorty's Place in Port Aransas for their 79th year celebration. The day was filled with music and salty air. The songwriter right before I went on was Emma James. I watched her entire set and was extremely impressed by her songwriting and delivery of her songs. It amazed me how an artist so young, could have that much awareness and discipline on the stage. I told her mom that day that we would try to get her to Bandera sometime for a songwriters night. Well here we are. How about a bio from her website and then mark your calendar for Thursday in Bandera.

Emma James is a Texas born and raised singer-songwriter. At the age of nine, Emma was putting lyrics to melody and entertaining her family. Now, at only 17 years old, she has penned more than 200 original songs. As a multi instrumentalist playing piano, guitar and ukulele, Emma has established herself as a well rounded musician and a true artist as she continues to hone her craft.

Emma's sights are set on a career in music as a singer-songwriter in Nashville. She recently wrote and recorded her debut album set to release in the summer of 2025 Emma believes in the power that lyrics and melody have to heal the soul and she desires to share that with the world through her music.

We are excited and honored to have Emma come to Zeke's Night to share her work with us. We really hope you can make it. Thank y'all for you time!

06/04/2026

Hey! One week away from Zeke's Night. We are going to have Emma James in Bandera next Thursday to share her journey and songs with us. Here is a great sample of this young talent with her song "Take Me To Tennessee." We are getting excited for another night of songs, and stories from true troubadours.

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.