Buddy Holly 2026 SXSW Kickoff Bash Showcase:

• Bruce Smith

No performer has graced the Safe House stage with a more ferocious performance than Bruce Smith.  The way he wails at a fever pitch, brings it all down to a whisper and rocks all the spaces in between, while always maintaining intensity and integrity, earns him a growing following that spans genre boundaries. Bruce Smith is a seasoned singer-songwriter whose heartfelt storytelling and melodic craftsmanship have endeared him to audiences far and wide. Drawing from the rich traditions of folk, rock, and Americana, Bruce infuses each composition with an evocative sense of place and a resonant emotional core.  A true troubadour at heart, Bruce weaves narratives of love, loss, and resilience into timeless tunes that leave listeners feeling connected and inspired. With every performance, he delivers a soulful, captivating experience, reminding audiences of the power of honest songwriting and authentic performance.  His last album, “1000 Horses,” was released to excellent reviews and his monumental “59 Stratocaster” - a Buddy Holly tribute tune - is destined for film scores. 

https://thebrucesmithband.bandcamp.com 

• Evita

Evita is a compelling singer-songwriter whose music fuses soulful vocals with a contemporary pop flair. Based in Austin, Texas, she has quickly built a dedicated following thanks to her dynamic live performances and emotionally resonant songwriting. Her expressive voice—often compared to icons in soul, R&B, and modern pop—transforms every lyric into a captivating narrative, inviting listeners to share in her stories of love, heartbreak, and resilience.

A testament to her artistic promise, Evita was recently awarded the 2025 Buddy Holly studio grant, enabling her to further refine her craft and expand her sonic palette. During this period, she showcased her versatility by revealing her percussion chops in a striking rendition of “Words of Love,” winning over audiences with its rhythmic energy. Her growing discography reflects a bold creative vision and a knack for unforgettable melodies that linger long after the final note. With every performance, Evita brings an electrifying presence to the stage, drawing listeners into her world and leaving them eager for more.

https://www.instagram.com/iiamevita

• West Texas Exiles

West Texas Exiles is a dynamic Americana outfit that merges the rugged spirit of the Southwest with the soulful heart of rock ’n’ roll.  With influences from The Flatlanders and Buddy Holly to Vampire Weekend and Jason Isbell, the West Texas Exiles are reinvigorating the music scene with a modern interpretation of the lone star vernacular. Grounded in rhythmic and lyrical honesty, the Exiles’ sound is the vastness of the West Texas sky and the energy of a world where nothing stands still for long. 

Driven by a passion for honest songwriting and raw musicianship, West Texas Exiles has earned a devoted following for their electrifying live shows and reflective studio recordings. Each performance feels like a journey across sun-baked highways, and their growing discography continues to showcase their commitment to unfiltered expression and shared human experiences.  With the release of their debut EP, Volume I, they showcased the talents of their three singer / songwriters: Marco Gutierrez, Daniel Davis, Colin Gilmore accompanied by masterful performances by bassist Eric Harrison and drummer Trinidad Leal. Fans showed their love at a sold out 2023 EP release at the legendary Saxon Pub in Austin. 

 https://www.westtexasexiles.com