2025 Austin ArtWorks Festival announces line-ups
Published 5:00 pm Thursday, June 26, 2025
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Mae Simpson. Photo provided
Jingle Dress. Photo provided
Roxi Manacoochi. Photo provided
Clay Fulton. Photo provided
Buckets N Boards. Photo provided
The Austin ArtWorks Festival has announced what it’s billing as an eclectic line-up of artists from across the region during its two-year run on Aug. 23-24.
The performances fill out the music stages while even more acts round out the authors/theatrical arts stage including literary arts, theatre presentations, and more.
A special family show is also planned for Saturday evening as part of a soft opening of the newly renovated Historic Paramount Theatre.
A special feature of this year’s festival is the soft-opening and sneak preview presentation at the newly restored Historic Paramount Theatre. Admission is pay-what-you-can at the door with a suggested price of $10 per person.
This performance will be held at 6 p.m. on Aug. 23 and will feature the Buckets N Boards Family Comedy Percussion Show.
Gareth Sever and Matt Levingston will bring a joyous charm and wit to a production that features tap dance, body percussion, beatbox and drumming.
With 13 critically acclaimed seasons in Branson, Missouri, they are one of the top requested featured acts on Disney Cruise Lines. This performance is made possible by Potach, Mitchell, & Prouty Dental Clinic.
The music schedule with Main Stage sponsored by KMSU 89.7 FM and Tent Stage sponsored by Austin Windshield Plus and Belita Schindler is as follows:
Aug. 23
8:50-9 a.m.: Main Stage: Austin High School Drumline under the direction of director Christoph Dundas and coach Ethan Wightkin.
9-10 a.m.: Main Stage: MacPhail – Austin Showcase uses the power of music to foster communication and connection across a diverse population.
10-11 a.m.: Main Stage: The Austin Community Jazz Band, directed by Jacob Burkhart, is a sister ensemble to the Austin Community Band.
11 a.m. to noon: Tent Stage: Hadley Prescott is a 12-year-old singer/songwriter from Lyle.
noon to 1 p.m.: Tent Stage: Eleanor Sievers is a 17-year-old singer/songwriter from Rochester.
1-2 p.m.: Main Stage: The 65-member Austin Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Stephen Ramsey, has been providing quality, live symphonic music in the Austin area since 1957.
2:15-3:15 p.m.: Main Stage: Greentop began as a solo project and evolved greatly over two years, moving from sparse acoustic music to a powerful indie-rock five-piece.
3:30-5 p.m.: Main Stage: Mae Simpson is known for their high energy and stage presence that speaks for itself with a tight horn and rhythm section.
Aug. 24
10-11 a.m.: Main Stage: Brotherhood of Birds is a MN progressive acoustic string band building original compositions that bring together traditional taste and modern style.
11 a.m. to noon: Tent Stage: Austin native Will Bjorndal performs original children’s music as “Will Sings Songs,” engaging for kids and adults alike!
noon to 1 p.m.: Tent Stage: Sowreh Sunset was born in Karenni Refugee Camp 1, where he spent his childhood – a time shaped by circumstances of refugee life.
1:15-2:15 p.m.: Main Stage: Everett Smithson Band was formed in 2005. This 7- member band features harp, vocals, guitar, drums, stand-up bass, and accordion.
2:30-4 p.m.: Main Stage: Clay Fulton & the Lost 40 are a dynamic roots rock band hailing from Rochester.
The Authors/Theatrical Arts Stage is sponsored by Hot Off the Press Comics & Coffee, the Ladies Floral Club of Austin, and Friends of the Austin Library and features the following talent:
Aug. 23
9:30-10:30 a.m.: Roxi Manacoochi & “A Night at the Paramount” Preview
11 a.m. to noon: Author Panel Discussion – Kent Nerburn, Teresa Peterson, & Marcie Rendon
noon to 1 p.m.: All Author Book Signing
1-2 p.m.: Flash Fiction Writer’s Workshop Culmination
2:15-2:45 p.m.: An Introduction to the Saint John’s Bible
3-3:45 p.m.: Austin High School Drama/Speech
4-4:45 p.m.: Eric Anfinson Documentary Preview with Bonnie Rietz
Aug. 24
10-10:30 a.m.: Aiyana Davis – Jingle Dress Dance, medicine dance from Ojibwe tribe
11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: Author Panel Discussion – Britton Ashley, Kate Laack, Ellie Maureen, Alisa Ryan, Morgan Sauer, & Anna Worth
12:30-2 p.m.: All Author Book Signing
2:30-3 p.m.: Minnesota Blues Society Harmonica Lessons
3:15-4 p.m.: Daniel Wightkin, Chicago-based clown artist
