2026 Capital River Region
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Featured Speakers
Odie Blackmon
Back to topOdie Blackmon is a Grammy-nominated songwriter whose compositions have sold more than 20 million albums. Among those songs are the Academy of Country Music's 2005 Single of the Year “I May Hate Myself in the Morning,” recorded by Lee Ann Womack; “She’ll Leave You with a Smile,” which marked George Strait's fiftieth No. 1 hit; and “Nothing on But the Radio,” recorded by Gary Allan, which also topped the charts at No. 1.
Billboard magazine named Blackmon “#1 Hot Country Songwriter” in 2005; he has also received three ASCAP Performance Awards and three NSAI Achievement Awards. Heralded by The New York Times as “one of Nashville's most respected musicians” and described as a “great craftsman” by American Songwriter magazine, Blackmon has dedicated his life to the study of his craft and to sharing the knowledge of his journey.
He is the creator of the first songwriting instructional DVD of its kind, The Craft of Writing Hit Songs, and the author of Music Theory and the Nashville Number System (for Songwriters and Performers). Blackmon has served as Artist in Residence for the America Scores program, worked with the ACM Lifting Lives Music Camp, and is a Leadership Music alumnus. He currently serves as Lecturer of Music at Vanderbilt University’s Blair School of Music and Assistant Professor at Middle Tennessee State University.
Eric Schmitt
Back to topLouisiana singer-songwriter Eric Schmitt’s love affair with music began when he was a boy. “I grew up around it,” he says. “My uncle was a professional jazz pianist, and as kids, my older brother and I played trumpet. Louis Armstrong was my childhood hero. My family had records that ranged from classical to jazz and big band, to just about every decade of folk, rock, and country. And now, of course, I’m completely aware, and comfortable with the idea, that what I do is rooted in these early influences.”
His pursuit of music was further ignited and inspired when Eric discovered the seminal Americana songwriters Townes Van Zandt and Guy Clark. It was then that he realized he could connect the two threads that had become essential elements in his artistic pursuits — music and literature. “Suddenly, those two worlds came together,” Eric recalls. “I teach English at Louisiana State University, so it seemed like a natural transition to try to make music that tells stories in almost a literary kind of way. That’s the aim, anyway.”
Eric’s ability to craft affecting songs and stories originated in the early 2000s, and eventually coalesced when he helped form the band Flatbed Honeymoon. The group released two albums—Flatbed Honeymoon in 2008 and The Traveler in 2011—and subsequently began performing selected gigs across the country, including at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival in 2011. In the following years, the group disbanded, and Eric’s been on a solo trajectory ever since.
He’s released three previous albums under his own auspices: Pina Coladas and a Polynesian Girl (2014), Unraveling (2017), and Bees and the Eaves (2021). Eric’s newest album, Wait for the Night, was released in 2025.
Wendy Buckner
Back to topRooted in the Mississippi Delta and driven by a lifelong love of music, Wendy Buckner has built a career that weaves together performing, songwriting, and the occasional spotlight on screen. As a vocal performance/music business major at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, Buckner launched her songwriting career signing with EMI, where she wrote for four years before securing a developmental deal with Warner Brothers.
Her work has earned cuts by respectable artists including John Michael Montgomery, Albert Lee, Bill Wyman & the Rhythm Kings (led by the Rolling Stones' Bill Wyman), and Sonya Isaacs. On screen, she has starred in a number of well-known country music videos, including "Watermelon Crawl (Tracy Byrd), "I Could Love You Like That" (John Michael Montgomery), and "Brokenheartsville" (Joe Nichols).
Beyond artistry, Buckner has built a dynamic career behind the scenes. She served as Executive Personal Assistant to Wynonna Judd and has been a part of several management teams including Miranda Lambert’s. Most recently, she brings her creative and industry expertise to her role as Senior Creative Director at North Chapel Music Publishing, where she’s returned to her roots and reignited her passion for developing meaningful songwriting and artistic collaboration.
Blending years of industry experience with a lifelong dedication to the craft, Buckner continues to champion authentic storytelling - both on stage and behind the music.
Shane Paul
Back to topShane Paul will feature a portfolio of songs written from the Natchez river bluffs expressly for the Writers Festival, partnering with Nashville writers Robin Branda and Tommy Polk of Picalic Music Publishing, a Natchez native-son, and a career Nashville writer.
Shane Paul Gaspard, known professionally as Shane Paul, is a country music singer, songwriter, and musician whose roots run deep in the small community of Moncla, Louisiana, just outside of Marksville. Born on September 18, 1975, Shane is an identical twin to Blane Scott Gaspard, with whom he began performing at an early age. Together, as the duo Shane & Blane, the brothers built the foundation of their musical careers, and Shane wrote his first song at just 14 years old.
Growing up surrounded by Southern storytelling, family harmony, and the rhythms of rural Louisiana life, Shane developed a songwriting voice steeped in authenticity.
Shane’s professional songwriting journey took shape under the mentorship of hit songwriter Tommy Polk, whose guidance helped polish Shane’s natural instincts as a storyteller. Today, Shane continues to write and grow, co-writing with hit songwriter Robin Branda and expanding his catalog as a modern country artist.
Music is not only Shane’s career—it’s woven deeply into his family. He is married to Rachel Erin Gaspard, a singer, songwriter, and musician, and the granddaughter of hit songwriter Jim Easterling. Shane is also proud to work alongside his father-in-law, Greg Easterling—a gifted singer, songwriter, and truly incredible musician. Together, Shane and Greg manage Easterling Music, a family-operated music store dedicated to nurturing musicians and supporting the local creative community.
Openers
Serabee
Back to topThe "Original Bayou Baby," Seabee was raised in churches, juke joints, and tent revivals in Louisiana and Mississippi by her preacher, guitar-playing father and folk songwriter mother. Serabee is a stunning singer songwriter, and pianist that can be compared to: Ray Charles, Professor Longhair, Jerry Lee, and Dr. John. Her 'bring the house down' singing has been compared to Aretha, Tina Turner, and Susan Thedeski.
Serabee began performing in New Orleans and Mississippi clubs, where she developed a large following. A gifted songwriter, she has written and worked with Michael Bolton, Doug Morris (Universal), Craig Wiseman, Ben Margulies (Mariah Carey), Usher, Matt Serletic (Matchbox Twenty), Hugh Padgham (Sting, Kate Bush), and Stephanie Bentley (Faith Hill). One of her most cherished moments was meeting George Jones after finding out he loved one of her songs, “Water Under The Bridge,” and they promised each other a duet but the legendary singer passed away before they could make it happen.
Serabee was a contestant on Season 1 of NBC's "The Voice." For her audition she sang "Son of a Preacher Man" and became a member of Team Blake.
Hannah Belle
Back to topHannah Belle is a rising country artist and dynamic radio personality making her mark on the music scene. A five-time CMA Emerging Artist, she’s earned recognition for her distinctive blend of country and Americana, captivating audiences across the U.S. with her heartfelt performances and relatable songwriting. Hannah has headlined hundreds of festivals, performed at CMA’s Fan Fair X in Nashville, and opened for legendary acts like Sawyer Brown, Diamond Rio, and Shenandoah.
Her songwriting talent has earned her multiple honors, including Top 3 finishes at the Ozone Songwriter Festival (2020, 2023, 2025). She was also nominated for Songwriter of the Year at the 2017 Nashville Universe Awards and Album of the Year at the 2024 Josie Awards. With over 700,000 streams and 30,000 online followers, her music videos have been featured on CMT, Great American Country, and TCN.
Rooted in her Mississippi upbringing, Hannah’s journey began singing gospel with her family at age three. Now, as both a celebrated artist and a radio host at KTWG 104.7 The Gator, she continues to connect with fans through her authentic voice, faith, and passion for storytelling.
Brint Anderson
Back to topBrint Anderson is a legendary guitarist and singer from New Orleans and Natchez whose music is deeply rooted in the R&B and funk that the Crescent City is known for. He was George Porter Jr.’s guitarist for over 15 years and has backed John Lee Hooker, Dr. John, Stanley Clarke, Albert Collins, and Screamin’ Jay Hawkins. If you’re a fan of NOLA R&B, Little Feat, The Meters, the Neville Brothers, Allen Toussaint, and Earl King, you won’t want to miss this show.
Many years have passed since Brint Anderson first led his first band in Natchez, The Shades. They played local teen centers and parties in his hometown of Natchez, Mississippi, and the surrounding area throughout his adolescence. It was during this time that he found a love for the indigenous blues of the area. Local bluesman Papa George Lightfoot was Brint’s earliest inspiration; they met when Papa George was playing harmonica and spoons for a supermarket’s grand opening and radio broadcast. From that point, it was a natural progression to learn the music of other Mississippi greats such as Elmore James, Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, and B.B. King.
In the seventies, after a couple of years in the mostly stale atmosphere of a college music curriculum, Brint returned to Natchez to join the band Blue John that played six nights a week at a local watering hole. This was more of the musical training he needed as the band learned and played the songs of B.B., Albert, and Freddie King; the Allman Brothers; Little Feat; and other popular rock groups of the day. It was during this time that Brint began playing slide guitar on a regular basis. He also learned the finger-picking styles of Mississippi John Hurt and Taj Mahal. Of note, the band once featured the deep, sultry voice of Cassandra Wilson, a Mississippi native who went on to fame and fortune when she left the band for New York. Blue John remained together for eight years until Brint was encouraged by old friends in Austin, Texas, to move there and become part of the scene. In Austin, Brint formed his band Coupe de Ville. They were a six-piece unit with percussion and horns and played the funky, syncopated styles of New Orleans R&B as well as Little Feat and their own compositions.
The Brint Anderson Band was formed in the early nineties. He won the Abita Beer Blues Competition in ’93 at Mid City Rock ’n’ Bowl, received an award for Best New Orleans R&B Band from OffBeat magazine in ’97, and was the house band for Levon Helm of The Band and Levon’s short-lived club on Decatur Street.
Brint has released four CDs of his own: 1995’s Homage to Elmore, a tribute to Elmore James; 1997’s I Knew This Would Happen, the first release on his own Toulouse Records; the 2000 release Notes from Clarksdale, a live acoustic blues recording from Hopson Farm in Clarksdale; and a solo acoustic CD, simply self-titled.
Maggie Brown
Back to topBorn in Ferriday, Louisiana, Maggie Brown has spent her life traveling the South, carving out a place as one of its most soulful voices. An award-winning singer-songwriter and musician, she blends heartfelt storytelling with blues-soaked vocals that echo the region she calls home.
Over the years, Maggie has shared the stage with legends including the Allman Brothers, Willie Nelson, Delbert McClinton, and many more, earning respect for her raw authenticity and commanding performances. Her songs carry the grit of back-road journeys, the tenderness of lived experience, and the timeless spirit of southern soul.
Now residing in Natchez, Mississippi, Maggie continues to captivate audiences with her powerful presence and original music, bridging the past and present in every note she sings.
Mary Alice Vanderwater
Back to topMary Alice Vanderwater is a Louisiana Folklife Ambassador, songwriter, and musician from Pineville. She preserves the craft by performing in songwriting rounds, venues, festivals, and private house parties. A long-time member of the Nashville Songwriting Association, Mary Alice says that when the idea for a song comes to mind, she has learned to pay attention to how the idea affects her emotionally.
Her full-length album of original songs is entitled A Sunday Drive. In 2022, Mary Alice was awarded the “Louisiana Tradition Bearer” Award for songwriting.
Eric Schmitt
Back to topLouisiana singer-songwriter Eric Schmitt’s love affair with music began when he was a boy. “I grew up around it,” he says. “My uncle was a professional jazz pianist, and as kids, my older brother and I played trumpet. Louis Armstrong was my childhood hero. My family had records that ranged from classical to jazz and big band, to just about every decade of folk, rock, and country. And now, of course, I’m completely aware, and comfortable with the idea, that what I do is rooted in these early influences.”
His pursuit of music was further ignited and inspired when Eric discovered the seminal Americana songwriters Townes Van Zandt and Guy Clark. It was then that he realized he could connect the two threads that had become essential elements in his artistic pursuits — music and literature. “Suddenly, those two worlds came together,” Eric recalls. “I teach English at Louisiana State University, so it seemed like a natural transition to try to make music that tells stories in almost a literary kind of way. That’s the aim, anyway.”
Eric’s ability to craft affecting songs and stories originated in the early 2000s, and eventually coalesced when he helped form the band Flatbed Honeymoon. The group released two albums—Flatbed Honeymoon in 2008 and The Traveler in 2011—and subsequently began performing selected gigs across the country, including at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival in 2011. In the following years, the group disbanded, and Eric’s been on a solo trajectory ever since.
He’s released three previous albums under his own auspices: Pina Coladas and a Polynesian Girl (2014), Unraveling (2017), and Bees and the Eaves (2021). Eric’s newest album, Wait for the Night, was released in 2025.
Shane Paul
Back to topShane Paul will feature a portfolio of songs written from the Natchez river bluffs expressly for the Writers Festival, partnering with Nashville writers Robin Branda and Tommy Polk of Picalic Music Publishing, a Natchez native-son, and a career Nashville writer.
Shane Paul Gaspard, known professionally as Shane Paul, is a country music singer, songwriter, and musician whose roots run deep in the small community of Moncla, Louisiana, just outside of Marksville. Born on September 18, 1975, Shane is an identical twin to Blane Scott Gaspard, with whom he began performing at an early age. Together, as the duo Shane & Blane, the brothers built the foundation of their musical careers, and Shane wrote his first song at just 14 years old.
Growing up surrounded by Southern storytelling, family harmony, and the rhythms of rural Louisiana life, Shane developed a songwriting voice steeped in authenticity.
Shane’s professional songwriting journey took shape under the mentorship of hit songwriter Tommy Polk, whose guidance helped polish Shane’s natural instincts as a storyteller. Today, Shane continues to write and grow, co-writing with hit songwriter Robin Branda and expanding his catalog as a modern country artist.
Music is not only Shane’s career—it’s woven deeply into his family. He is married to Rachel Erin Gaspard, a singer, songwriter, and musician, and the granddaughter of hit songwriter Jim Easterling. Shane is also proud to work alongside his father-in-law, Greg Easterling—a gifted singer, songwriter, and truly incredible musician. Together, Shane and Greg manage Easterling Music, a family-operated music store dedicated to nurturing musicians and supporting the local creative community.
Headliners: Nashville Songwriters
Gordon Bradberry
Back to topGordon Bradberry is a songwriter from Grand Isle, Louisiana—the state’s only inhabited barrier island—raised in a Cajun-Creole culture that still shapes his writing today. Growing up in his parents’ bar, he absorbed a jukebox education spanning Kris Kristofferson, Johnny Cash, Otis Redding, swamp pop, Cajun music, and New Orleans legends like Fats Domino and The Neville Brothers.
At 13, Bradberry received his first guitar, and a chance meeting soon after with Hall of Fame songwriter Wayne Carson (“Always On My Mind”) helped set him on his musical path. After studying music theory and composition at Nicholls State University, he moved to Nashville, where he landed his first major cut with Lee Greenwood’s “Final Touches.” The song was later chosen by Conway Twitty as the title track of his album, marking one of the defining moments of Bradberry’s career.
He has since signed multiple publishing deals, including with Grammy-winning producer and songwriter Keith Stegall and veteran Music Row publisher Chuck Neese. Bradberry has written multiple Top Ten records, including Jeff Bates’ “Long Slow Kisses,” which remained on the Billboard charts for a record 41 weeks, and has had songs recorded by artists such as George Strait, Willie Nelson, Montgomery Gentry, Sammy Kershaw, and Billy Ray Cyrus. Today, Bradberry continues to write, record, and perform acoustic shows, mentor new artists, and draw inspiration from the bays and bayous of his native Louisiana.
Carolyn Dawn Johnson
Back to topThe life and career of hit singer-songwriter Carolyn Dawn Johnson (aka CDJ) has been a tapestry vibrantly colored with musical notes and journeys in many directions. Her road has been well traveled, full of a variety of musical endeavors and accomplishments. Twenty years after her initial trend-setting success, she remains a force and a go-to in the country music industry and a live performer who leaves audiences hanging on every word.
“I’ve always wanted to be honest in my music and write things that are real to me, then interpret them for the audience with my voice so they feel something,” Johnson says of her songwriting and artistry.
Johnson was named Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year in 2000 by Music Row and has continued to carry that title well as one of the town’s most loved and respected tunesmiths. Writing accomplishments include recordings by Chris Stapleton, Rebecca Lynn Howard, Patty Loveless, Lennon & Maisy Stella, Mindy McCready, Kathy Mattea, Pam Tillis, SheDaisy, Lila McCann, Suzy Bogguss, Linda Davis, Jo Dee Messina, and the groundbreaking No. 1 song “Single White Female,” sung by Chely Wright.
After inking a record deal with Sony’s Arista Nashville in 2000, Johnson released her debut album, Room with a View. The critically acclaimed project spawned the Top 5 smash “Complicated,” which climbed both the country and AC charts. Other hit singles followed, including “Georgia,” “Simple Life,” and “I Don’t Want You to Go.” During that time, Johnson crisscrossed the country on high-profile tours, opening for Reba McEntire, Alan Jackson, Kenny Chesney, and Keith Urban. Subsequent albums included Dress Rehearsal (2004), Love & Negotiation (2006), and Love Rules (2010).
Beyond her own recordings, Johnson’s voice can be heard on projects with Miranda Lambert, Martina McBride, Jana Kramer, Johnny Reid, Blake Shelton, Dan + Shay, Brett Kissel, Drake White, the Eli Young Band, Darius Rucker, Lauren Alaina, Kenny Rogers, Loretta Lynn, and Patty Loveless. She has earned 17 Canadian Country Music Awards and was named the Academy of Country Music’s Top New Female Vocalist in 2002. Prior to the pandemic, Johnson spent several years writing, recording, and touring with the all-acoustic band JD & the Straight Shot. She continues to tour and collaborate while working on new music.
Bryan Kennedy
Back to topWith three #1 hits to his name, Bryan blends his original songs with “true stories” — funny, clever, and just believable enough to work. His songs have been recorded by Garth Brooks (15+), and he grew up inside a musical family — his father, Jerry Kennedy, is a Musicians Hall of Fame producer with six Grammy Awards, and his brother Gordon Kennedy is a Grammy-winning songwriter and touring artist. A storyteller at heart, whether it’s through a song, a book, or a good laugh shared from the stage. A former college football player at Ole Miss and carried it into a wildly creative life that’s anything but ordinary.
He’s penned over 15 songs recorded by Garth Brooks, including three #1 hits, and spent over a decade on tour as Garth’s Road Manager and opening act, performing for sold-out arenas around the world. But Bryan’s creative fire never stayed in just one lane. He’s the author of the heartfelt memoir Andy Wouldn’t Let Me, the life-coaching playbook Chalk Talk Vol. 1, the edge-of-your-seat thriller, The Lost Dog and his inspiring new book Bring Your Own Happy, and his first book of Poems entitled "What Rhymes with Bryan."
His love for performance and humor also led him to write and star in two original musical comedies, Toe Roaster and Mistletoe Roaster. Bryan holds a degree in journalism with a minor in recreation, and as the founder of The Bellwether Way, he now channels his experience into life coaching, offering leadership and guidance beyond the field, stage or court. Where others focus on stats or game plans, Bryan focuses on the soul, helping people find clarity, courage, and purpose. When he’s not writing, you’ll find him deep in a fitness routine, out on a motorcycle journey, performing original songs, or mentoring the next generation. No matter the medium, Bryan Kennedy is committed to telling the truth, lifting others up, and living life wide open.
Verlon Thompson
Back to topSongwriters seem to flourish on the fertile Oklahoma plains: Woody Guthrie, Roger Miller, Leon Russell, J.J. Cale, and Jimmy Webb. Add Verlon Thompson to that list.
Thirty years as a professional songwriter and traveling troubadour serve as credentials. As a solo performer and as the trusted sidekick of Texas Americana songwriting icon Guy Clark, Verlon has viewed the world from stages everywhere from Barcelona to Binger, his hometown in Oklahoma.
Verlon Thompson compositions have been recorded by Jimmy Buffett and Alan Jackson, Dierks Bentley, Anne Murray, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Kenny Rogers, Randy Travis, Del McCoury, Sam Bush, Trisha Yearwood, and many more. Verlon has co-produced Guy Clark’s Grammy-nominated CD Cold Dog Soup as well as The Dark, Workbench Songs, and Somedays the Song Writes You.
Equally important in his songwriting and live performances, Verlon’s guitar work cannot go unnoticed. His guitar can be heard on recordings by Restless Heart, Pam Tillis, and many others. He contributed to the score of the documentary Without Getting Killed or Caught and hosted the PBS television series "Barnegie Hall".
Verlon Thompson is currently on the road, in the studio, or writing in his barn on the river in Tennessee—never far from the fertile plains of Oklahoma.
