Red River Songwriters: Walt Wilkins, Kelley Mickwee, Susan Gibson, Drew Kennedy, & Josh Grider
Red River Songwriters
The Red River Songwriters are a group of Central Texas based performing songwriters who started a festival together that takes place in Red River, New Mexico. They are Walt Wilkins, Susan Gibson, Drew Kennedy, Josh Grider and Kelley Mickwee. These five friends get together once a year for a few special performances to share their love of songs, friendship and to promote the annual event in February, now in its 14th year. Each show is unique and different from the last.
Walt Wilkins has over 100 songs recorded by other artists, as well as releasing 9 solo records, 4 with The Mystiqueros and 1 with wife Tina Mitchell Wilkins. He has produced over 60 records for other performers and continues to tour relentlessly across the US and Europe. His most recent accomplishment is earning the IBMA’s Song of the Year with “Trains I Missed.”
Susan Gibson is one of the most respected touring songwriters in the country. She’s also known for penning “Wide Open Spaces,” the huge hit that launched The Chicks’ career. She hosts a songwriting school, online workshops and has recorded 6 studio albums. Her latest release: The Hard Stuff.
Drew Kennedy has devoted his life to writing and performing his songs his way. With a catalog 10 albums deep, and two annual music festivals, Kennedy has done more than build a strong career. He has reimagined what it means to be a songwriter, both artistically and entrepreneurially. Hs always-expanding circle of collaborators includes some of the biggest writers and artists in both the country and pop worlds.
Josh Grider has been a mainstay in the Texas Country Music scene for nearly two decades, with 7 #1 singles on the Texas Music Chart and constant touring through the Southwest. His latest effort, "Long Way From Las Cruces" is digitally available everywhere.
Kelley Mickwee has travelled all over the US in many different musical configurations. She began her musical journey as part of duo, Jed and Kelley, was a founding member of Texas female quartet, The Trishas, and recently ended a 5 year run as a Shiny Soul Sister in the Austin based, Shinyribs. With 2 solo records of her own and another coming in 2024, she is focusing on her solo career in the coming year.
