A Songwriter's Paradise: The Grand Mesa Songwriter Festival in Cedaredge

Nestled in the heart of Western Colorado, a unique kind of music festival is striking a resonant chord with audiences and artists alike. The Grand Mesa Songwriter Festival, now in its second year June 6-8, 2025, offers something rare and refreshing: a deep dive into the art of songwriting, where stories behind the music take center stage and intimacy rules over spectacle.

Unlike many festivals that focus on high-decibel performances and massive crowds, Grand Mesa is a true songwriter festival.

“The emphasis is on the songwriting process and the stories behind the songs,” shares festival producer David Starr. “That makes it different from other music festivals on the Western Slope and in Colorado in general.”

Photos by Sandy Wilt

Small Town, Big Talent

The festival has grown quickly and thoughtfully, expanding this year from five to six venues and welcoming three additional visiting artists to its already impressive roster. This year, 18 carefully selected singer-songwriters from around the country will join four talented locals for a weekend of collaborative performances and community connection. The headliner? None other than Grammy-winning songwriter Marcus Hummon, known for penning hits for the Dixie Chicks, Tim McGraw and Rascal Flatts.

The selection process for performers is highly curated, focusing on storytelling, song quality and stage presence. Many artists are familiar faces from other festivals around the U.S., bringing with them not only talent but a collaborative spirit that sets the tone for the weekend. “The give-and-take and collaborative aspect provide a certain magic,” says Starr.

Held entirely in downtown Cedaredge, the festival layout is designed to maximize accessibility and engagement. With six intimate venues hosting simultaneous "rounds" of performances, attendees can stroll from one session to another, soaking in a variety of styles and stories. “Each venue has unique characteristics, and all of them are intimate,” Starr explains. “No matter where you are in the festival, you'll get an unforgettable experience.”

This structure not only makes for a relaxed, walkable event — it also nurtures powerful connections between the artists and their audience. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for attendees to have a personal listening experience with the songwriters and their material,” adds Starr.

High Praise from Artists + Audiences

Last year’s debut left a lasting impression on performers and patrons alike. Susan Gibson called it “a pinch me kind of day,” while Irene Kelley praised it as “one of the best events I’ve been to.” Erik Stucky described it simply: “This was the highlight of my year.”

Lauren Mascitti echoed the sentiment: “I loved the intimate settings, the stories and connecting with some amazing songwriters. This community is so welcoming and they really rallied around the songwriters.”

The festival is powered by the Grand Mesa Arts & Events Center and an incredible team of volunteers. From helping with logistics to supporting artists and managing venues, volunteers play a crucial role in creating the seamless and welcoming environment that artists and attendees rave about. Organizers also welcome sponsors and supporters to help grow the festival into a cornerstone cultural event for years to come.

Though still in its early days, the Grand Mesa Songwriter Festival is already carving out a special space in the world of music events. As it continues to evolve, the heart of the festival remains unchanged: a celebration of songwriting, community and the stories that bring songs to life.

Learn more and view the schedule at grandmesasongwriterfestival.com.

This article is a sponsored spotlight.