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”— “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!
Thank You To Our Presenting Sponsor!
2026 Capital River Region Schedule
FRIDAY: January 30 , 2026
Cover charges may apply and vary by venue:
Biscuits & Blues • Big Muddy Inn • Bowie’s Rabbit Hole • The Corner Bar • Dunleith Historic Inn • Fat Mama’s Tamales • The Floral Anthologist • Frankie’s On Main • Louie Louie’s • Natchez Brewing Company • Monmouth Historic Inn • Pearl Street Pasta • Under-The-Hill Saloon
6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. — “Local Restaurants & Dives Live”
Experience live music in over 11 various locations in Downtown Natchez and Under-the-Hill. Local and Regional writers will showcase original work and stories behind their songs. Sets approx. 30+ minutes each.
Friday Night After Party
Under-The-Hill Saloon • 25 Silver Street, Natchez, MS • Cover charge may apply.
9:00 p.m. until Late — “Live Music from The Vagabonds”
Still jonesing for more?
Come on down to the Under-The-Hill District as the Vagabonds play into the wee hours!
Take A Listen!
Picalic has currated this YouTube Playlist for us, featuring the songs of their esteemed songwriters, producers, and performers including regional talents that will be at our inaugural event.
Many of their songs have been performed by country music legends and continue to resonate with audiences today.
Here’s a playlist featuring some of the Local and Regional Songwriters participating this year. You can find most of these artists playing around Downtown Natchez on Friday Evening or Saturday during Lunch.
Pro Songwriters Appearing
SATURDAY: January 31 , 2026
Natchez Civic Center • 215 Franklin Street, Natchez, MS • All Presentations Open & Free to the Public
9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. — “Songwriting Workshops & Presentations”
Presentation / Workshop Schedule:
- 9:00am: Welcome & Greeting
- 9:30 – 10:00am:
Odie Blackmon — Grammy-nominated Professor of songwriting MTSU; his compositions include “I May Hate Myself in the Morning” (Lee Ann Womack), “She’ll Leave You With a Smile” (George Strait), and “Nothing On but the Radio” (Gary Allan). - 10:00 – 10:30am:
Eric Schmitt — Professor of songwriting at LSU - 10:30 – 11:00am:
Wendy Buckner — Nashville music publisher and songwriter speaks on Music Row’s take on AI - 11:30 – 12:30pm:
Shane Paul — Singer / Songwriter speaks on using Suno AI: The Revolutionary Music Generation Platform
SATURDAY: January 31, 2026
Cover charges may apply and vary by venue:
Biscuits & Blues • Bowie’s Rabbit Hole • Frankie’s On Main • Natchez Brewing Company • Fat Mama’s Tamales • The Floral Anthologist
11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. — “Grab Lunch With Songwriters”
Get a bite to eat and enjoy live music from Local and Regional Songwriters in various eateries and pubs in Downtown Natchez and Under-the-Hill.
SATURDAY: January 31 , 2026
Natchez Civic Center • 215 Franklin Street, Natchez, MS • All Presentations Open & Free to the Public
5:00 – 5:30p.m. Doors Open with introductions by Mayor Dan Gibson
5:30 p.m. – 6:45 p.m. — “Local / Regional Songwriter Highlights”
Hear music from Brint Anderson, Hannah Belle, Maggie Brown, John Mohead, Shane Paul, Eric Schmitt, and Mary Alice Vanderwater
6:45 p.m. – 7:15 p.m. — “Serabee: The Original Bayou Baby”
7:15 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. — “Natchez To Nashville and Back”
Tommy Polk and Shane Paul Honor the music and career of Roger Cook
SATURDAY: January 31 , 2026
Natchez Civic Center • 215 Franklin Street, Natchez, MS • All Presentations Open & Free to the Public
8:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. — “Nashville Finale”
- Brian Kennedy— Grammy-winning songwriter and touring artist, has had 15+ songs recorded by Garth Brooks including two #1 hits, “American Honky-Tonk Bar Association,” and “The Beaches of Cheyenne.”
- Gordon Bradbury — Singer / Songwriter from Grand Isle, Louisiana; had songs recorded by artists such as George Straight (“Hot Grease and Zydeco,”) Sammy Kershaw (“Me and Maxine,”) Billy Ray Cyrus (“Touchy Subject,”) Conway Twitty (“Final Touches,”) and Jeff Bates (“Long, Slow Kisses”).
- Carolyn Dawn Johnson — Canadian country singer-songwriter who’s co-written track “Single White Female” (recorded by Chely Wright) reached No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country chart. She’s penned songs for Patty Loveless, Kathy Mattea, Pam Tillis, Jo Dee Messina and more.
- Verlon Thompson — His songs have been recorded by Tracy Byrd (“The First Step,” #1 U.S. Country) and Suzy Bogguss (“Cross My Broken Heart”), among many others.
Saturday Night After Party
Smoot’s Grocery Blues Lounge • 319 N. Broadway Street, Natchez, MS • Cover charge may apply.
9:00 p.m. until Late — “Live Music from The Tyron Benoit Band & Ben Flournoy“
Celebrate a successful event with more live music into the wee hours!
