WinterNights: A Singer Songwriter Showcase (Day 2)

Lineup for February 26 (5 Talented Musicians in 3 Shows):

6:00 -- Susan Gibson
7:00 -- Walt Wilkins & Kelley Mickwee
8:15 – Red River Songwriters

Susan Gibson is a Texas-based singer-songwriter whose songs and stories reflect a life lived fully, with both heartache and joy. Nearly three decades ago, she wrote a song that became one of country music’s biggest hits, yet she has always pursued her own path—touring in a van with her dogs, sharing songs, and embracing life’s lessons along the way.

Her latest album, The Hard Stuff, is a testament to resilience. Written with honesty and clarity, the songs explore loss, love, and life’s challenges, yet remain uplifting through Gibson’s melodies and vibrant arrangements. The banjo, her signature instrument, appears sparingly, most movingly on “8x10,” a tribute to her late mother.

Gibson’s songwriting is rooted in specificity and truth, whether capturing personal grief in “Antiques” or celebrating friendship in “Wildflowers in the Weeds.” Her life experiences—including caring for her father in his final years—have deepened her perspective and informed her music with both humor and heart.

Today, she favors intimate venues where she can connect directly with listeners, following her long-held philosophy: focus on the moment, find your audience, and throw your line to those paying attention. On the road again, in her van with her dogs, Susan Gibson continues to write, perform, and live fully, proving that even the hardest stuff can be rewarding.

Walt Wilkins

Songwriter, singer, traveler, troubadour - the calling I answered, the life I chose, the way I make my way.  

​I chose to go full time on this road 25 years ago.   It’s been a spiritual quest, an amazing trip, at turns heartbreaking & transcendent.   In that time, I've made 9 solo records, 4 records with The Mighty Mystiqueros, 1 with my wife Tina, and there's a new live record with my friend Kevin Welch.  I've had 100 or more songs recorded by other artists, traveled a fair part of the world, and had some very, very large times.  I have these anchors:  Wednesdays with my brothers The Mystiqueros at The Saxon Pub in Austin, the 1st Sunday of every month at Luckenbach, The Red River Songwriters Festival on the last weekend of January in the mountains of northern New Mexico, and Waltstock & Barrel, a Texas wine, beer & music festival near Fredericksburg on the 1st weekend of April.  I move around a lot.

​I get to work with some inspiring artists on their records, most often with the coolest cat on the field, Ron Flynt, at his Jumping Dog Studio in Austin.  I play all over Texas & as much as the US as we can get to, and even in Europe, where our 2nd home is The Netherlands.   I know a wide, beautiful variety of mighty poets, pickers, philosophers, artists, and wild spirits.  I am a most fortunate man.  Mostly, I drive, play & sleep & dream.  Its a rich experience, a wild ride, and the way I make my way.  I hope to meet you if I haven't.   If I have, I hope to see you again soon on this path.  Cheers.

Kelley Mickwee

Kelley Mickwee’s Everything Beautiful is her triumphant return as a solo artist. Recorded in just three days at Austin’s Church House Studios in 2023, the album showcases her soulful voice and Memphis roots, flowing seamlessly from the opening track to the closing title song.

Over the past decade, Mickwee has remained a vital part of the music scene—touring as a Shiny Soul Sister with Kevin Russell’s Shinyribs, singing on albums by Ray Wylie Hubbard, Charley Crockett, Owen Temple, and more, and co-hosting the Red River Songwriters Festival with Susan Gibson, Josh Grider, Drew Kennedy, and Walt Wilkins. Still, she chose to step back from her solo career, relishing the chance to perform in a collaborative band environment and sharpen her craft.

Post-pandemic, Mickwee eased back into solo work with singles that reflected her country influences, but for Everything Beautiful, she embraced her soul side, aiming to create a record that honors her Memphis musical upbringing. Produced by David Boyle, the album features lush, layered harmonies, warm organic production, and bold arrangements—no acoustic guitars, no horns, just pure, honest soul.

From start to finish, Everything Beautiful affirms Mickwee’s signature blend of heart, craft, and authenticity. Whether performing with a band or solo, she remains the same “girl from Memphis”: a singer-songwriter devoted to her songs, her audience, and the enduring power of music.

Red River Songwriters

The Red River Songwriters are a celebrated collective of Texas-based singer-songwriters whose music blends storytelling, heart, and the timeless spirit of Americana. Founded over a decade ago, the group brings together some of the state’s most gifted writers—Susan Gibson, Josh Grider, Drew Kennedy, Walt Wilkins, and Kelley Mickwee—each of whom has carved a unique path in the music world, yet shares a common commitment to songcraft, collaboration, and connecting deeply with audiences.

Individually, the members of the Red River Songwriters boast impressive careers. Susan Gibson penned the Dixie Chicks’ iconic hit “Wide Open Spaces” and continues to craft music that balances wisdom, wit, and emotional depth. Josh Grider has made a name for himself with evocative storytelling and heartfelt performances, while Drew Kennedy is recognized for his literary songwriting and innovative approach to modern Americana. Walt Wilkins blends country, folk, and pop sensibilities into songs that resonate with listeners, and Kelley Mickwee brings her Memphis roots and soulful voice to the mix, tying together the collective’s diverse influences.

Together, the Red River Songwriters perform both in live shows and at their signature event, the Red River Songwriters Festival, held annually in Texas. The festival has become a beloved gathering for music fans and songwriters alike, featuring performances, workshops, and collaborations that celebrate the art of songwriting. Their concerts are marked by engaging storytelling, warm camaraderie, and a focus on authenticity, giving audiences a front-row seat to the creative process and the personalities behind the songs.

More than a group, the Red River Songwriters represent a philosophy: that songs are best crafted and shared with honesty, care, and connection. Their performances, recordings, and festival work continue to inspire both audiences and fellow musicians, proving that Texas songwriting remains vibrant, heartfelt, and deeply alive.