Twangfest is an exceptional music festival that has earned its place in the cultural calendar for its 27th consecutive year. This weekend, the celebrated Americana and roots music event takes over Off Broadway (3509 Lemp) with three themed nights. Thursday features ClassicTwang, Friday showcases SoulTwang, and Saturday presents IndieTwang.
Andrew Scavotto, part of the volunteer team managing the nonprofit festival, attributes its remarkable success to one fundamental factor: genuine love for music. The organization receives backing from the Regional Arts Commission and Urban Chestnut Brewing Company.
“I really do think it comes down to Twangfest being a nonprofit that was founded and developed organically by music lovers,” he explains. “If this was a for-profit business, it would have failed a long time ago.”
Since its establishment in 1997, Twangfest has become an essential fixture on St. Louis’s music scene. Beyond the main festival, the organization maintains a year-round presence through weekly Saturday Sessions at Tower Grove Farmers’ Market, which celebrate the breadth and variety of the city’s musical talent and bring diverse St. Louisans together.
“It’s really driven by consistent and significant volunteer effort over the years—volunteers who care about music and are devoted to the history and culture of music in St. Louis, who genuinely believe that St. Louis has an important place in music history,” Scavotto notes. “It’s a nonprofit that has a year-round mission, too.”
When curating the annual lineup, Scavotto and fellow volunteers seek performers capable of delivering unforgettable live experiences while simultaneously exposing audiences to fresh, compelling music they might not encounter elsewhere.
The festival has previously attracted renowned acts including Jason Isbell, Neko Case, Alejandro Escovedo, Matthew Sweet, and The Jayhawks. Scavotto particularly enjoys the discovery process—he credits a previous Twangfest with introducing him to Marah, now his favorite live band.
This year’s roster includes Thursday performances from outlaw country legends Dale Watson and Chuck Mead, alongside emerging Nashville singer-songwriter Eliza Thorn. Friday features a Stax Records soul revue by St. Louis’s own Playadors and Freedom Affair. Saturday’s lineup includes River Shook, Rosali, and Candi Jenkins.
Scavotto expresses particular enthusiasm for the Playadors Stax Revue. “It’s like my personal dream show, but I also think it fits our mission, and it’s going to be fantastic,” he says. “It’s not your average Playador show. I’d say they’re, like, the coolest band, but calling it a band is almost an understatement. I think it’s going to be really fun to see this many great musicians coming together to do a lot of your favorite soul songs.”
Though familiar with most artists, Scavotto hasn’t yet experienced Eliza Thorn, Rosali, or River Shook perform live. “I’m really looking forward to that, because I strongly believe that a key function of Twangfest is introducing people to music discovery,” he says. “I just want people to show up and have fun.”
Doors open at 7 p.m., and shows are at 8 p.m. Individual tickets start at $25, with pass options available.
