2026 MSA Pines Region Songwriters Festival

Friday Night:

Hosting the festival in downtown Meridian’s locally owned venues (The Brickhaus Brewtique, Weidmann’s Restaurant, Threefoot Brewing Company, and Aie’s Taste of Thai) creates vibrant listening spaces while supporting local businesses. Packed venues increase restaurant traffic, hotel stays, and downtown activity, reinforcing Meridian’s role as a regional cultural destination. Rounds begin at 6 pm and run until 12, with round times varying by venue. A time slot schedule will be forthcoming. To apply for a round, send a headshot, bio and links to original songs to richelle@tmi.ms.

Youth Workshop description: 

In partnership with the Jimmie Rodgers Foundation and Mississippi Songwriters Alliance Pines Region, The MAX is offering a 3-day progressive workshop for aspiring songwriters ages 13-20. Led by experienced, award-winning songwriters Sean Gasaway and Brandon Green, these workshops will feature a day of writing (Thursday), a day of recording (Friday) and a day of performing (Saturday). 

Thursday from 2 pm – 5 pm Sean and Brandon will lead participants in the art of songwriting and collectively write original songs. 

Friday from 2 pm – 5 pm participants will step inside the Governor’s Recording Studio and learn the process of recording by tracking and mixing their original works from the previous day.

 Saturday from 2 pm – 8 pm participants will prepare and perform their original songs in a live setting and open for the Mississippi Songwriter’s Alliance Pines Region Grand Finale performance by Michael Farris Smith and The Smokes. The Grand Finale performance is from 6 pm – 8 pm and is free and open to the public.

 Saturday Songwriting Workshop for All Songwriters: Michael Farris Smith: Mississippi Songwriters Festival Songwriting Workshop with Michael Farris Smith – Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience

 Grand Finale – Michael Farris Smith & The Smokes: Mississippi Songwriters Festival Grand Finale – Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience

A native Mississippian based in Oxford, Smith represents a powerful intersection of music, literature, and storytelling that reflects the state’s cultural legacy. With The Smokes, Smith released the album Lostville, produced by GRAMMY nominee Jimbo Mathus, blending Southern roots, narrative songwriting, and atmospheric Americana. His Grand Finale performance will anchor the festival’s mission to celebrate original music while highlighting Mississippi’s influence on national arts and culture.

Link to Michael Farris Smith & the Smokes on the Thacker Mountain Radio Hour in Oxford Miss: https://youtu.be/WIy3RB-ylos?si=Awp6W4el3PcRkapd

Songwriter Recording Sessions:

Songwriters registered with the Mississippi Songwriters Alliance Pines Region Festival will have the opportunity to record a free 20-minute recording session in the Governor’s Recording Studio at The MAX. Sessions are limited to 20 minutes and require pre-registration for the specified time slot. Songwriters are limited to one instrument and vocals, no drums. For questions, please contact Aaron Windham by email recordingstudio@msarts.org or 601-581-1550 ext. 15.