DSA EVENTS THIS MONTH
EVENTS IN OCTOBER. 🦇 🦇 🦇 🎃 🎃. 🎃. 🎃
DSA SONG CONTEST -
More info on contest:
Direct link to the contest on Broadjam
DSA YOUNG SONGWRITERS SONG CONTEST. - Delayed Opening
NEW link to join DSA
GIVING DAY HAS COME AND GONE
But there is still a chance to donate . Help us by supporting our programs with your gift.
Donate at our Square Store:
LYRIC CONTEST WINNERS ANNOUNCED
We are extending the lyric deadline to November 30
MONTHLY MEETING and Workshop - 2nd THURSDAY
Next Meeting & Workshop with Song Critiques -
DSA Monthly Meeting - Thursday, October 8
Location: Your home via ZOOM
6:30 pm: Open portal and networking
6:30 pm: Open portal and networking
7:00 pm: Program followed by song critiques for members
Zoom ID # 617 432 0082 Join our Cloud HD Video Meeting
Our Guest Speaker is Christian Brooks
Born in the early 1950s in the Oak Cliff section of Dallas, Christian Brooks first cradled a guitar at the age of 13, changing his focus forever and the catalyst for his life-long musical journey. Developing his skills during his teen years while playing with high school friends, Brooks became acquainted with the professional stage at Dallas’s The Cellar Club, during the revolutionary late 1960s rock scene. A directional change in his life during the early 70s added contemporary gospel to his performance experience, before the early 1980s introduced soul and blues into the equation—a change that became the foundation of his taste and performance. Coming from the tight-knit Oak Cliff community that produced many early greats in the Texas blues-rock scene, Brooks took this native sound and adapted it into his own evolving repertoire.
As a last-minute substitute for a friend’s group, Brooks began playing drums and then went on to play percussion with numerous local and statewide groups, before teaming with the late blues guitarist Bro. Dave Altice (formerly with the Greg Allman Band). This musically-altering experience put Brooks on a new road that led to five years in New Mexico and three CDs. Smell It Cookin’ won two awards (Best Blues and Best Mainstream Rock) at the 2000 Mic Line Awards in Albuquerque and gave Brooks the opportunity to broaden his professional horizons. The years with Altice and his Louisiana flavor injected the final element into Brooks’ musical equation, the amalgamation producing the artist’s new personal sound—where Cajun blues meets Texas honky-tonk rock.
Lengthy trips between Dallas and Albuquerque, afforded him the time and incentive to experiment in composition, but this time with lyrics to match his developing style. In the process, he discovered a new love and a new talent—slide guitar and songwriting. He then added his own vocal performance to the mix. Playing in clubs and nightspots in Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Louisiana, Brooks became increasingly comfortable with his unique sound and his own compositions, and audiences liked it, too.
Moving back to Dallas in 2002, Brooks has played at the Dallas House of Blues, the Hard Rock Café-Dallas, the “KNON Blues Festival,” numerous “Stevie Ray Vaughan Ride and Concerts,” the “Dallas International Guitar Festival,” and released two CDs: Christian Brooks, produced by Andy Van Ells and Lucky Me, Anson Funderburgh producer. Brooks was also featured in two additional CDs: the Cliffhanger Project I and II, Robert Ware producer, released by Topcat Records. In 2024, he recorded two new soon-to-be-released songs, produced by Ric Web at Ric Web Productions, Nashville.
Among the many artists Brooks has played with are Anson Funderburgh, Sam Miers, Rocky Athas, Buggs Henderson, “Smokin’” Joe Kubek, Robin Syler, Mike Morgan, and Anton Fig (drummer for David Letterman). Current members of the Christian Brooks Band are: Brooks-lead guitar; Robert Ware-bass; Clint Hooks-drums; Bram Flynn-keyboards.
BEST SONGS OF THE MEETING CONTESTS
Started over in January for 2026
members only pay $10 here in our Square store
https://checkout.square.site/merchant/02JSQHH1RYQP5/checkout/MRGZLHJH5IRTCVIRCKPBBKKGUpload lyrics in pdf file format and audio file in mp3 format on our Google drive.
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DSA Board Meeting - Board Meeting via Zoom Monday, Oct 26, 7PM
OCTOBER 17 &18 - AMIGO GUITAR SHOW IN MESQUITE
Great show with lots of guitars, mandolins, banjos, etc to add to your collection. Come by and visit DSA at our booth. Plus you will run into celebrities.
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🎸 SHOWCASES 🎫 AND 🎤 OPEN MICS
🎤 OPEN MIC
🎶 Guitars & Growlers Richardson Open Mic -
EVERY FIRST Thursday, Oct 1, 7 - 10
Songwriters perform in the round. Please sign up with host Rickey Gene WrightOur host had a car accident. He is doing well recovering at home. Keith will be your host instead with Allen Larsen helping out.
NETWORKING - MEET OTHER SONGWRITERS
🎤 OPEN MIC
🎶 Cocktail Creamery McKinney Open Mic -
EVERY THIRD Thursday, Oct 15, 7:30 - 9:30
Songwriters perform in the round. Please sign up with host Rickey Gene WrightKeith may be hosting this month if RGW is still recovering
NETWORKING - MEET OTHER SONGWRITERS🎤 OPEN MIC
🎶 Poor David's Pub Virtual Open Mic -
EVERY Monday, Oct 5,12, 19, 7 - 9 - Zoom Performance
Last week of the month is in person at PDP - day TBD but usually WednesdaySongwriters perform 15 minute segments. Please sign up with host Rob Case
🎤 OPEN MIC
🎶 Well Grounded Coffee Community Song Circle -
EVERY FIRST Friday, 6 - 8 (except this month) Oct 9
Acoustic Song Circle - covers and originals - Bill Martin is there from DSANETWORKING - MEET OTHER SONGWRITERS
(Bill also performs every Friday noon - 2, come out to hear his songs and covers)
9219 Garland Rd. # 2019
Dallas, Tx
(214) 918 - 3538
🎸 SHOWCASES - Physical & Virtual - check on Facebook for updates
🎸
🎶 Opening Bell Showcase - 3rd FRIDAY, Oct 9, 7 - 8:30
The Journey of A Song - Songwriters perform in the round. Please sign up with host Emmeline Miles
Three featured artists in the round for Journey of a Song LIVE
NETWORKING - MEET OTHER SONGWRITERS
SPECIAL EVENTS
AMIGOS GUITAR SHOW
Oct 18-19 - Thanks to Amigos Guitar for a great show at the Mesquite Convention Center.
Oct 18-19 - Thanks to Amigos Guitar for a great show at the Mesquite Convention Center.
DALLAS GUITAR SHOW - next spring
BEST SONGS OF THE MEETING 2025 CONTEST
On June 27, DSA Members Performed at the Best Songs of the Meeting Awards Show. Find out who won the Vern Daily Songwriter of the Year and Songbird Song of the Year. Find out here: https://bestsongsofthemeeting.blogspot.com/2026/02/best-songs-of-meeting-2025.html
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO OF AWARDS SHOW
https://youtu.be/IAL8OSwRSrM
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| Ray Wiley & Barbe |
🎸 🎫
DSA HALL OF FAME 2026 INDUCTEES
Jeanie C Riley, Liz Rose, Sarah Hickman, Pat Boone, Ray Wiley Hubbard , Pat Boone, Clint Birdwell
May 9, 2026 at Love & War, 7pm
See website for performers and songs.
https://dallassongwritershalloffame.blogspot.com/
• Upload your Lyric on Google Drive here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1_gA-8D9Czpv88Fdr2_QBOvyYpJ0QpLXO?usp=sharing 
Hello folks! Here is a great photo of all the talent that went into the Hall of Fame Program. 
I hope you will take a minute to donate to our Dallas Songwriters Hall of Fame. We did not charge a cover but rely on donations to make this program happen. Here is a link to our Square payment platform where you can donate the amount of your choice. https://checkout.square.site/.../3YGHKHKDBMWPSY5GZXH2TFYG. Or use this QR code.
JOIN DSA - Scan this QR code CONTESTS
DSA SONG CONTEST WINNERS - Opens June 1
MEET THE DSA INTERNATIONAL SONG CONTEST WINNERS
James Tristan Redding, Craig Hendrix, Charles Carter and Wayne Gathright
MEET THE YOUNG SONGWRITER SONG CONTEST WINNER
DSA YOUNG SONGWRITERS SONG CONTEST. - Opens June 1
LINK TO DSA VIRTUAL SONG CONTEST 2025 AWARDS SHOW - Jan 18
Semifinalist performed and judges presented
DSA SONG CONTEST - 2026 opens June 1
2025 Winners - Announced - Jan 17 - Semi-finalists announced Nov 13 are invited to play on the Zoom program. email Barbe
DSA LYRIC CONTEST - NEXT DEADLINE - September 30
LYRIC CONTEST Fall 2025- Winter 2026 in judging process
• Spring /Summer 2026 Deadline Sept. 30
• Entry form here on Square: https://checkout.square.site/merchant/02JSQHH1RYQP5/checkout/G6LZQLR5RQQRF6YUJDQ6VFTD
• Spring /Summer 2026 Deadline Sept. 30
• Entry form here on Square: https://checkout.square.site/merchant/02JSQHH1RYQP5/checkout/G6LZQLR5RQQRF6YUJDQ6VFTD
• Upload your Lyric on Google Drive here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1_gA-8D9Czpv88Fdr2_QBOvyYpJ0QpLXO?usp=sharing
Past winners
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PAST EVENTS
BIG DOINGS IN BIG D IN JUNE
On June 27, DSA Members Performed at the Best Songs of the Meeting Awards Show. Find out who won the Vern Daily Songwriter of the Year and Songbird Song of the Year. Find out here: https://bestsongsofthemeeting.blogspot.com/2026/02/best-songs-of-meeting-2025.html
MAY
May 1 - 3 - Dallas International Guitar Trade Show and Festival
Thanks to Jimmy Wallace for the best entertainment value in the metroplex. Buy and sell guitars, attend workshops or they just came for the music. Thomas Driver, Bobby Montgomery and Patty Allen Driver working the DSA booth on Saturday. https://www.guitarshow.com/
🎫
May 9 - Dallas Songwriters Hall of Fame - 7pm Love & War
Hello folks! Here is a great photo of all the talent that went into the Hall of Fame Program. DSA members and our Rising Stars backed by the Rising Star Band performed songs by our inductees Ronnie Dawson, Sara Hickman, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Jeannie C Riley, Liz Rose, Pat Boone and industry VIP Clint Birdwell will also be inducted. Here the YouTube link to the full show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5gyUs5xB9Q and here is the link to just the performance of the songs on google drive. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GqPs2UgCb1aDgR7dbglXdHWzXzpxvG_a/view?usp=sharing https://dallassongwritershalloffame.blogspot.com/
Here is the link to the certificates for the inductees: https://dallassongwritershalloffame.blogspot.com/p/hall-of-game-certificates-2026.html
I hope you will take a minute to donate to our Dallas Songwriters Hall of Fame. We did not charge a cover but rely on donations to make this program happen. Here is a link to our Square payment platform where you can donate the amount of your choice. https://checkout.square.site/.../3YGHKHKDBMWPSY5GZXH2TFYG. Or use this QR code. May 15 - 17. DSA Members performed on the City Line Stage at the Wildflower Festival.
DSA HALL OF FAME - 2025 Hall of Fame, was held on April 12, 2025 @ Love and War, 7pm
Go to this link on Facebook and like and share to your page.
See the full program here: https://dallassongwritershalloffame.blogspot.com
Weren't able to make it? You can donate to the event, just scan the QR code.
Young Rising Star performers and DSA members performed the songs of inductees.
Edie Brickell, Michael Nesmith,Earnest Tubb, Michael Martin Murphy, Kacey Musgraves, Demi Lovato, and Danny Eaton.
VIEW EVENTS ON YOUTUBE CHANNEL
View our past events on our Youtube channel.
YouTube archives
SONSSTOCK - Link to YouTube channel video playlist from this event
Aug 17, 2024 - SonsStock at Sons of Hermann Hall Mini Woodstock @ Sons of Hermann Hall - IT'S WAS HOT OUTSIDE - SO WE GATHERED INSIDE TO CELEBRATE. - Songs from Woodstock + originals and craft booths at Sons in the Old Bowling Alley. DSA members performed.
Blue Christmas in July 2024
DSA HALL OF FAME - 2024 Hall of Fame, April 20th, 2024 at Love and War-
2024 Inductees: Michael Aday (Meat Loaf), Tom Douglas, Nora Jones, Erykca Badu, Billy Joe Shaver, Buck Owens, Miranda Lambert, KNON, Jack Calmes, Chuck Rainey
Blue Christmas in July 2023
Festivals in May
2024
WILDFLOWER FESTIVAL 2024 - May 17 - 19, 2024
DEEP ELLUM COMMUNITY ARTS FAIR 2024 - April 1-4, 2024 - DSA stages
On YouTube:
2023
DALLAS SONGWRITERS CITY LINE STAGE at WILDFLOWER 19-21DEEP ELLUM COMMUNITY ARTS FAIR - DSA on big stage and Wounded Ostrich - 26-29
DALLAS SONGWRITERS HALL OF FAME - APRIL 14 AT LOVE AND WAR IN PLANO
http://dallassongwritershalloffame.blogspot.com
Rising Stars under 18 perform with DSA Members and BYOB band
Inductees: Jimmy and Stevie Vaughan, Sly Stone, Roger Miller, Jim Collins, Selena Gomez, Stoney Burns, Ron McKeown, Charley Wirtz, Mark Pollock, and Jimmy Wallace.
SONGWRITER SPOTLIGHT -
Past Performances ON YouTube
You can also find these show on Spotify Podcasts
2023
January 31 performers Don Wall and Allen Larson
Feb 3 - Rickey Gene Wright, host - Bill Martin
Feb 3 - 2022 Grand Prize Song Contest Winner Thierry Coupey, host - Barbara McMillen
Tuesday March 21, 7pm - Mike P Ryan (2nd and 3rd place Grand Prize Winner) Host-Barbe McMIllen
Thursday, April 20, 7pm - Robert Graham from Perth Australia (2023 Grand Prize Winner) Host-Barbe McMIllen
Thursday, May 11, Wayne Willingham, 7pm - (2022 Song of the Year Winner) Host-Barbe McMIllen
Thursday, June 8, Michael Roth, 7pm - (2022 Song of the Year Winner) Host-Barbe McMIllen
https://www.youtube.com/live/8k1TpoWTeYQ?feature=share Thursday July 13, 7pm - Jolie Hope (Young Songwriter of The Year Winner)
Thursday, Sept 14, Alexis Tapp, 7pm - (2022 Song of the Year Winner) Host-Barbe McMIllen
https://youtu.be/etgEeKh_smo?si=UxRXCWJT0oiUU0YGThursday, Oct 12, Jamey Shannon, 7pm - (DSA Director) Host-Barbe McMIllen
2024
Thursday, Feb 8 - Bradley Banning
Tuesday, March 19 - M’Lynn Musgrove
Tuesday, April 16 - Keith Dodson (DSA Director)2023 Song of the Year Winner) Host-Barbe McMIllen
Monday, May 20 - Emmeline Miles (DSA Director) Host-Barbe McMIllen
Tuesday, May 21 - Will Townsley (DSA 2023 Song Contest grand Prize Runner Up) Host-Barbe McMIllen
DSA Virtual Songwriters Spotlight
Hosted by Harry Hewlett featuring co-host Barbe McMillen and songwriter performance and interview
2024 Recently uploaded to Youtube
Emma James - Young Songwriter of the Year 2023, 2024Songwriter Spotlight is now as a podcast on Spotify.
DSA 2023 Song Contest Awards Program - January 13 - Noon - 3pm
Performances by semifinalists and winners on DSA Facebook page and on Youtube
DSA Best Songs of the Meeting Awards 2022 -Saturday, March 25, 2023 - Noon - 3pm DSA members perform. Community Service Awards -Opening Bell, Guitar Arlington, Patty Allen Driver, Tone Shop
DSA 2022 Song Contest Awards Program - January 14 - Noon - 3pm
Performances by semifinalists and winners on DSA Facebook page and on Youtube
LOVE & WAR OPEN MIC -
January 26th Songwriters Round on Youtube: https://youtu.be/YBmWlAITO
February 23rd Songwriters Round on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XOHR6siaL8
March 23rd Songwriters Round on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBL5zqngk3U
April 27 Songwriters Round on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6K66nucuTM
May 18 Songwriters Round on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dn_OCOMs_UQ&list=PL2QmQKUl70-2BUBV_3yyYejRGK4lu9vMM&index=3
June 22 Songwriters Round on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nk5236sEztU&list=PL2QmQKUl70-2BUBV_3yyYejRGK4lu9vMM&index=2
July 27 Songwriters Round on Youtube:
Dec 28 Songwriters Round on Youtube: https://youtu.be/UfAQp_bGP9o?si=ETEHpGDwsX6Fj04M
DSA HALL OF FAME - 2022 Hall of Fame was held on April 23rd at Love and War-
2022 Inductees: Willie Nelson, Mickey Raphael, LeAnn Rimes, Bill Mack, Kelly Clarkson, Charley Pride, Towns Van Zandt, David Card, Charles McGarry. Check our Facebook page for photos. Here's the video on our youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7oUFMBTD89o&t=3995s
2021 Inductees: John Denver, England Dan and John Ford Coley, Janie Frickie or Gregg Smith
The Dallas Songwriters Association celebrated the songs of these North Texas icons at the 2022 Dallas Songwriters Hall of Fame virtual event, which was held on Saturday, April 17, 12-3. Please head over to our channel and don't forget to subscribe.
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2QmQKUl70-3Y_SmChiZRqM9rmPfrLWbL
More info here: https://dallassongwritershalloffame.blogspot.com
Donate to Hall of Fame
Via Square
PayPal link
Donate to DSA via PayPal Tip Jar https://py.pl/2S7dRL98V4Y (Thank you!)
Via stripe store
https://dallassongwriters.org/donate-to-dsa/
CONTESTS
SONG CONTEST - 2025 runs June 1 - Sept 30
DSA International Song Contest winners announced Jan 13, 2024
2023 Winners announced on January 14, 2024
2022 Winners announced on January 14, 2023 https://dsapress.blogspot.com/2023/03/dsa-international-2022-song-contest.html
2021 Winners were announced on January 15 - Press Release - https://dsapress.blogspot.com/2022/02/dallas-songwriters-associates.html
Here is a look at the wonderful talent from last years contest.
Awards Program- 2021 Contest - AWARDS VIDEOS on Youtube
2021 DSA Song Contest Awards Part 1 - annual song contest, young songwriters song contest and lyric contest awards
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zn9o0mgl8lo
2021 DSA Song Contest Awards Part 2 - Best Songs of the Meeting, Songwriter of the Year, Song of the Year, community Awards
2020 Contest - AWARDS VIDEOS
2020 Winners Announced Jan. 16
2020 DSA Song Contest Awards Part 1 - semi-finalists perform
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-O53tKlKWRs&list=PL2QmQKUl70-2fZsHAIcWZTejZVKttRKMX
2020 DSA Song Contest Awards Part 2 - finalists perform - awards given
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZJ_TN9f7_I&list=PL2QmQKUl70-0NTzHsFcVDDtQRkAyMoZud
2020 DSA Song Contest Award Winning Songs - 30 sec clips
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVnE1vn4cN4
2020 DSA Award Certificates.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YY7CJkGDKwg
LYRIC CONTEST - NEXT DEADLINE Sept 30
2024 Fall - 2025 Winter
See website for the winners and comments by our Lyric Contest Director, Alexis Tapp
2021 Fall Winners
2021 Summer Winners
2021 Winter Winners
2020 Fall Winners
2020 Summer Winners
2020 Spring Winners
2020 Winter Winners
Enter Here on in DSA Stripe store - pay and upload lyric
or Enter here - pay in DSA square store and email lyric here.
YOUNG SONGWRITERS CONTEST - 2024 runs June 1 - Sept 30
2023 Winners announced Jan 13, 2024
2022 Winners were announced Jan 14
2021 Winners were announced Jan 15
Entrants must be 18 & under - Winner performed at Awards Program
BEST SONGS OF THE MEETINGS - http://bestsongsofthemeeting.blogspot.com
2023 Winners announced Feb 17, 2024
2022 Winners were announced March 25, 2023
Vern Dailey Songwriters of the Year - Song of the Year - Community Awards
We need volunteers for our governing board. Become a director and help DSA grow. Zoom in and volunteer.
DONATE
Giving Day Donation Link: https://www.northtexasgivingday.org/organization/dallassongwriters
Donate to DSA in general here:
DONATE
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PayPal link
Donate to DSA via PayPal Tip Jar - (Thank you!)
https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=6WP8FTGVXAVEA
Check out the newsletter, Songwriters Notes, for details at:
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DSA Youtube Channel - videos
About Dallas Songwriters
BECOME A DSA MEMBER OR RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP
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