Alpharetta, Georgia – Downtown Alpharetta will have a little less silence this October. The 13th annual Wire & Wood Songwriters Festival is expanding to seven stages, adding another place for live performances as the two-day event brings more than 40 shows to the city center.
The newest stage will be at Truck & Tap, where The Jesse Williams Band will perform Friday and The Mathis Hunter Band will take the stage Saturday. The venue will also host the official after-party both nights, extending the music beyond the festival’s regular closing performances.
Wire & Wood returns Friday and Saturday, October 9-10, with a lineup stretching across country, Americana, indie rock, soul, folk and bluegrass. Friday’s programming runs from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., while Saturday begins at 11 a.m. and continues until 10:30 p.m.
Country artist Corey Smith will headline Friday night. Platinum-selling rock band Sister Hazel will close the festival Saturday.
Other scheduled performers include American Idol finalist Crystal Bowersox, Blair Crimmins & The Hookers, J.R. Moore of Ingram Hill, Liz Longley, Michael Tolcher & Friends, Kristina Murray, Spencer Thomas, formerly of the Futurebirds, Cat Ridgeway, Caleb Caudle and Lily Grace.
“Wire & Wood is all about original music in its purest form,” said Morgan Rodgers, Director of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Services for the City of Alpharetta.
“Not only do you get to hear incredible songs performed live, but you also get to hear the stories behind them and how the songs came to life.”
One of the festival’s more intimate experiences returns Saturday at Roaring Social. The signature Listening Room will feature David Lowery, Angie Aparo and David Ryan Harris in a limited-capacity songwriter showcase. It is the festival’s only ticketed performance, with tickets priced at $30. Net proceeds will support Alpharetta’s Music Match program.
Away from the stages, visitors can browse the Music Makers Market, where local artists and makers will sell music-themed goods. The Live Art Lounge will add interactive activities and artists creating music-inspired work during the weekend.
Food booths from local restaurants will be spread throughout the festival area, while downtown Alpharetta offers more than 30 additional restaurants along with shops and public art.
The festival is free except for the Listening Room and is produced by the City of Alpharetta in partnership with the Alpharetta Convention & Visitors Bureau. A full performance schedule and additional information are available at wireandwoodalpharetta.com.
