By: Stacy Keith
There is a long tradition of songwriting in Lubbock and across the South Plains. Legends such as Buddy Holly and Mac Davis, inspired by the wide-open spaces, birthed iconic sounds that continue to influence the industry. Today, Lubbock’s music industry continues to thrive, and a vast array of artists are writing in varied genres including country, Americana, hip hop, jazz, soul, rock and spirituals. In fact, the community is bold to believe that the Hub City just might be not only the guitar incubator of Texas, but the song incubator as well. With many outlets to showcase talent, and higher education institutions providing necessary support and training, the South Plains offer a rich soundtrack with more promised to follow.
The following is a sampling of the available resources throughout the area offering the unique opportunity to be among the first to experience a new West Texas tune!
The Blue Light Live
One of Lubbock’s iconic music venues showcases songwriters every Monday night beginning at 9 p.m. and has a regionally respected Songwriters’ Competition each year. Hosted by local songwriter Jerry Serrano, songwriting events at the Blue Light are second to none offering an unforgettable experience and iconic stage to perform. You can check out what’s coming up at the Blue Light here.
Bodine’s Parlor and Jenni Dale Lord
Two local forces have partnered to showcase songwriters from across the Lone Star State who Jenni has written and performed with. The shows are new in 2024 and can be seen on the last Saturday of the month as Jenni is joined by a songwriting friend for conversation and great music centered around the writing experience. Check out more information by following Jenni on her social or Bodine’s website here.
Lubbock Music Now
This great sampling of music by Civic Lubbock produced by Caldwell Entertainment is an album recorded each year showcasing original songs by Lubbock-based artists and judged by members of the Texas Grammy committee. It is a wonderful collection of all genres and showcases both well-known and emerging artists and you can learn more about the album, where to purchase and how to apply here.
Battle of the Bands
This annual event, hosted by LHUCA, a local art gallery located in Downtown Lubbock and host to the city’s First Friday Art Trail, Battle of the Bands requires that the bands submit an original track to highlight each group’s talent! Bands compete to win a recording deal with a local studio. An affordable event for the whole family, tickets can be found here!
Buddy Holly Songwriters’ Retreat
Held each September in celebration of Buddy Holly’s birthday, this unique event put on by Lubbock Entertainment and Performing Arts Association (LEPAA) and held at the beautiful Buddy Holly Hall of Performing Arts and Sciences is a weeklong retreat which pairs experienced writers and new talents to compose new, original songs. At the end of the week the songs are curated and selected to be performed at a concert for the community to expose the amazing work of the talented musicians who shared a magical week together. For more information, click here!
The Cactus Theater
The Cactus has long been a music landmark for Lubbock. It hosts many touring acts which Lubbock loves to see. Along with those acts local bands are often giving the opportunity to open the show. This provides a great chance for local original music to be presented to a friendly and engaged crowd. The theater is a key piece of promoting local live music in the Hub city. There are constant shows at the Cactus and the music is varied – you can find more information on their website here.
Texas Tech University School of Music and South Plains College
These two institutions of higher education both have amazing songwriting programs and faculty who constantly engage their students not only in the classroom, but also through public performance opportunities throughout the community. Follow the School of Music on social to check out where these talented students will be performing. Interested in studying music? The two institutions have also teamed up to offer a matriculation agreement to make earning your degree than ever. Click here and here for more information.
Above are just a few of the many opportunities to experience the fresh new music coming out of our city. Interested in getting plugged into all of the great performances? Follow local artists and venues to learn more! This an easy way to be introduced to the local music scene. Following artists on the Lubbock Music Now album is a great start!
Music is the heartbeat of Lubbock – it’s part of its history, its present and undoubtably its future. Jump in and embrace it, support these local artists and the venues they perform at. You’ll be so glad you did!
**Pictured is All About Alice at the Cactus Theater.
