Laurie & Jim Halfpenny joined Dave Niemeyer in talking about the upcoming Dripping Springs Songwriters Festival in October.  Here's some great take-aways from the presentation.

* Laurie's grandfather was not only a Rotarian, but also a District Governor and Paul Harris Fellow.

* The festival started 4 years ago and we have had songwriters from around the world participate.

*  Admission is FREE

* There are 4 songwriters assigned to each stage at each venue.  The venues are:

     * The Barber Shop

     * Acopon Brewing Company

     * Mazama Coffee Company

     * Mercer Street Dance Hall

     * Sidecar Tasting Room

     * Hudson's on Mercer

* They are seeking sponsors and a Headliner

*  There will be 45 songwriters featured

* The festival has a mobile app featuring songwriters, bio, details of performances

* Local Bed & Breakfasts provide lodging for all the entertainment

* Thundercloud Subs provides the meals for performers

* Creek Road Café provides meals to the headliners

* 60 free shows - the only charge is for the Headliner performance on Saturday night

* Sunday is the Gospel Brunch with the Kyle's and then the Barbershop is open for the rest of the day

* Jim does the songwriter selection and has to narrow it down from over 300 applicants

* Dave shared that the event's charity benefactor is "Kids in a New Groove", a program to mentor a child in foster care.  100% of the students in this program graduated high school and went on to post high school education.  The festival provides money and instruments. 

* The Graphic Guitar Guy donates a guitar to be auctioned off.

For more information go to:  http://drippingspringssongwritersfestival.com