Riding the Rail
Annual Opelika Songwriters Festival showcases top musical talents and the good times to be had in the sleepy railroad town.
By Frank Etheridge
Downtown Opelika sure is a sweet lil’ bubble to be in.
Bordered by two bridges and bisected by railroad tracks, the charming historic corridor dates back further than the town itself, as the Montgomery and West Point Railway Co. line arrived in 1848 — six years before Opelika (the Muscogee term for ‘large swamp’) was incorporated. Today, this four-block by four-block square is home to a pleasant mix of funky galleries, hip restaurants, music clubs and dive bars, collectively bustling thanks to the cultural economy – not the capacity to send Alabama cotton to cities along the East Coast.
On the edge of this bohemian Bama bubble, Avenue B corner of Seventh Street to be precise, you’ll find the Sound Wall, a top-flight recording studio and concert venue inside an enchanting old Victorian house, masterfully restored in 2017 by husband-and-wife Rob and Jen Slocumb (aka the folk-rock duo Martha’s Trouble). Already operating the state-of-the-art studio and the nonprofit Sound Wall Music Initiative, dedicated to supporting musicians and music education in Opelika, the couple in 2019 launched the Opelika Songwriters Festival.
“When we came up with the concept for the Opelika Songwriters Festival,” Rob Slocumb explains during a phone interview, “we wanted it to be a destination event, something music-lovers want to travel to and enjoy an immersive experience in all that Opelika has to offer.”
After five years, it’s clear the dream has become a reality. Slocumb estimates that more than half of all festival-goers arrive from outside the region, pulling heavily from the Florida panhandle, Birmingham, and Atlanta, as well as across the country and abroad (Scotland, Canada). He credits “great hotel partners” in the stately Heritage House hosting lawn concerts and the Auburn Marriott Opelika Resort & Spa at Grand National, home to a Robert Trent Jones golf course, which hosts the 30-plus musicians coming to town as well as legendary fest parties such as the annual Sunday brunch.
The Slocumbs curated their concept in cahoots with noted promoter/talent agent Russell Carter, founder of the stellar (and substantially larger) 30-A Songwriter Festival, who serves as OSF’s co-producer. “Russell handles all artist relations,” Slocumb says. “We’re fortunate to have him; it’s thanks to Russell we’re able to feature stellar line-ups each year.”
“We reached out first to Mayor Fuller,” Slocumb says of their initial pitch for community support. “He was very positive, and soon we had the support of the City Council, the Chamber of Commerce, and Auburn-Opelika Tourism. Having all those entities on board from the start allowed the festival to really take root and grow.”
Slocumb is mindful to keep the laid-back, yet refined, music-lover vibe in check and avoid the paradoxical problem of too much growth. “The intimacy and access this festival provides is what makes it special,” he says, “so we’re cautious of the size and won’t let it get too big. The venues turn into listening rooms. Our whole thing is about the give-and-take between the artists and the audience. The songs. The stories. That’s where the magic happens.”
As the festival gears up for 2025, attendees can expect a lineup that brings together established artists and rising stars, all delivering unforgettable performances. Among them is Larry Mitchell, an internationally acclaimed guitarist and GRAMMY-winning producer whose impressive resume reads like a rock ‘n’ roll Hall of Fame roster. From playing alongside Tracy Chapman to co-writing music for Broadway, Mitchell is undoubtedly a highlight of the festival.
“I’m excited to bring my passion and showcase incredible talent at this festival,” he enthuses. Plus, he’ll be hosting some lively songwriters’ jams for those looking to unwind after a long day of performances. “It’s more than just a jam; it’s a chance for creatives to relax and play a bit of Dylan and Petty — just have some fun!”
But it’s not just the music that makes the Opelika Songwriters Festival a must-visit. As Carter points out, thanks to its close-knit community feel and the town’s scenic charm, it’s the perfect getaway for music lovers who appreciate a little pampering—think spa retreats and golf at the prestigious Grand National Resort.
“So many people come, park, and can walk to all the venues,” Mitchell says, adding to the laid-back atmosphere. “It’s a wonderful experience to explore downtown Opelika while catching amazing acts.”
Attendees can feast on an array of highlights, including workshops, pop-up performances, and a tantalizing Sunday VIP brunch, giving guests the chance to indulge before diving back into the hustle and bustle of their everyday lives. After all, who wouldn’t want to bask in local charm and soak up phenomenal music at the same time?
So, mark your calendars for the sixth Annual Opelika Songwriters Festival, happening from March 27-30. With 80 shows, 7 venues, and over 30 musicians, it’s a chance to hop on the musical express straight into the heart of Opelika. Get your wristbands — $115 for students and $140 for adults for the weekend — and trust us, you won’t want to miss out on this delightful affair. The only thing more contagious than the tunes will be the smiles.
For more details and to snag those coveted wristbands, head to opelikasongwritersfestival.com. Join the music lovers who have already discovered Opelika’s hidden gem of a festival. It’s not just a getaway; it’s an unforgettable experience that intertwines community spirit with musical magic, leaving you longing for the next chance to return to that charming little railroad town.