The inaugural Old Quarter Songwriter Festival, set to take place in Galveston from November 13 to 15, is not just about top-tier folk, indie, and Americana artists—there’s also a bit of drama surrounding the event. With the festival boasting several renowned acts, it also carries the buzz of controversy that’s sure to stir up conversation.
The festival, organized by Joel and Angela Mora, the owners of Old Quarter Acoustic Cafe, is the first multi-stage, multi-day event they’ve produced since buying the iconic venue in 2016. The festival will be held in the Downtown Cultural Arts District and feature performances across four stages.
Headliners and Controversial Drama
Topping the bill is John Moreland, a Tulsa-based singer-songwriter known for his deep, reflective songwriting and unapologetic stance on various issues.
Moreland, who gained national recognition after receiving the Americana Music Association’s Emerging Artist of the Year award in 2016, is no stranger to headlines. While his music is beloved by many, he’s recently gained attention for his feud with country superstar Zach Bryan.
The feud started after Moreland collaborated with Bryan on the song “Memphis; The Blues,” featured on Bryan’s 2024 album The Great American Bar Scene. However, after Bryan’s career took a massive turn, including signing with Warner Bros.
Records and reportedly selling his publishing catalog for a combined $350 million, Moreland took to social media to criticize Bryan. The fallout resulted in Bryan pulling the song from streaming services, replacing Moreland’s vocals with his keyboardist J. R. Carroll.
Speculation about Moreland’s dissatisfaction with Bryan’s connections, including a Super Bowl photo with President Donald Trump and comedian Shane Gillis, only added fuel to the fire.
Other Notable Headliners
Despite the drama, the festival lineup is packed with talent. Jesse Dayton, a Grammy-nominated outlaw country artist from Beaumont, is another top act.
Known for his long association with Old Quarter, Dayton’s upcoming performance will showcase his latest project—the debut LP by the Texas Headhunters, a trio featuring Ian Moore and Johnny Moeller.
Also gracing the festival are Alex Maas, the frontman of Austin’s psych-rock band The Black Angels, and Brent Best, the creative force behind the alt-country band Slobberbone.
Adam and Chris Carroll, married songwriters known for their storytelling, and the rockabilly band Two Tons of Steel from San Antonio will also perform.
Houston’s own Shake Russell, John Evans, and other notable local acts like Ancient Cat Society and Matt the Electrician will add to the mix, as will Galveston-based artists such as Kevin Anthony & G-Town and India Tigers In Texas.
A Long-Standing Legacy
The Old Quarter has a deep history in the Texas music scene. Originally opened by Wrecks Bell in 1996, it was an extension of his earlier venue in downtown Houston, which had its roots in the mid-1960s. Today, the festival continues the tradition of offering exceptional music at a legendary venue.
In addition to the main venue, concerts will also be held at other local hotspots like Proletariat, Scottish Rite Theater, and Naked Iguana Brewery. With tickets going on sale soon, the festival is set to become a must-see event for fans of folk and Americana music.
