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 

• 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

-Natalie Price

Natalie Price is Intoxicatingly authentic and wholly original – you’ll never forget the first time you stepped into Natalie Price’s world. Described by Trey Gutierrez (Texas Music Magazine) as “one of Austin's most dynamic new singer-songwriters,” Price’s ethereal, one-of-a-kind sound refuses to fall neatly into one category. Just as comfortable dabbling in Americana or folk as she is indie-pop, her music is perhaps best encapsulated by its deep-seated humanity. Her next album, is slated for release soon. Check her our live in your neighborhood soon! https://natpricemusic.com/

9:30PM -Natalie Price

Grace Pettis 

Grace Pettis is intoxicatingly authentic and a wholly original dynamic singer-songwriter, and Pettis’ ethereal, one-of-a-kind sound refuses to fall neatly into one category.  Ms. Pettis has won NPR’s Mountain Stage New Song Contest, the Kerrville Folk Festival “New Folk Winner” award, and the Wildflower Festival Songwriting Contest Grand Prize and Audience Favorite awards.  Ms. Pettis tours extensively, both as a solo artist with her own band, and with her side project, Nobody’s Girl, hailed last year by Rolling Stone Country as a “promising new trio”. Grace will be joined by tour mate Nat Patice Music.com With a remarkable blend of insightful lyricism, memorable melodies, and a voice that carries both strength and tenderness, the music resonates with audiences from all walks of life.  https://www.gracepettis.com/