The 2022 edition of the Gatlinburg Songwriters Festival wrapped up on Sunday, August 21st. Dozens of top songwriters and up-and-comers descended on our little mountain town to perform and mingle with other songwriters and artists. Visitors to Gatlinburg were treated to some fantastic performances, most of which were FREE! Here is a pictorial review of this year’s events.
Shown above is our own David Cross, with songwriter Danny Wells (to his right), songwriter Doug Johnson (to the left), holding a plaque with Phyllis Williams in honor of her late husband, legendary songwriter Kim Williams, the first inductee into the Gatlinburg Songwriters Hall of Fame. The plaque will be proudly displayed at the Inn.
The opening ceremony for the event took place in the yard next to the ticket office for the Ober Gatlinburg tram.
The Historic Gatlinburg Inn housed a meet-and-greet for all of the participants in the festival.
Later on in the opening night, there were various songwriting round robins taking place in several rooms at the Inn.
Cara Hogan, the Executive Director of the festival, made sure everyone involved was happy and had what they needed.
Jam sessions broke out at the Inn constantly during the festival.
Jam sessions also broke out right on our front porch.
Our front porch was the place to be throughout the festival.
Starting Friday morning, the Pioneer room in the Inn hosted many talented songwriters.
The pioneer room performers took turn performing their original songs and telling the stories and inspiration behind the songs.
In addition to the Inn, performances took place at various other venues around town, including Ole Red. Ole Red staged one of the best performances of the festival, featuring Rafe Van Hoy, Steve Dean and Danny Well.
Larry Gatlin was the top featured performer at the festival.
Danny Wells, Brian White and the Inn’s Cross brothers (David and Al) collaborated on a special song celebrating the Historic Gatlinburg Inn.
If you were not able to make it to the 2022 Gatlinburg Songwriters Festival, you really must get into Gatlinburg for next year’s. Because we’ll be back to do it again in 2023!