Festival Features Eight Americana, Folk and Blues Songwriters, October 11, in the Ivanhoe Business District in South St. Louis
- LOUIS (September 16, 2025) – The St. Louis Songwriters Playing it Forward music festival, now in its third year, showcases local talent while raising funds for Play It Forward St. Louis on Saturday, October 11, in the Ivanhoe Business District in South St. Louis. The festival runs 2–6 p.m. and is free and open to the public.
Organized and performed by area songwriters, the St. Louis Songwriters Playing It Forward music festival features Americana, folk and blues songwriters, including Greg Barrett, Lakin Barrett, Eric Keeney, Rachel Willis, Scot Randle, Jason Krena, Sooz Kim and Sam Thompson.
“This festival is close to all the musicians’ hearts and is a big win for everyone,” said Greg Barrett, local songwriter and event organizer. “At this event, St. Louis songwriters get to share their heartfelt, original music, while raising funds for Play it Forward St. Louis. It’s really moving to see how many kids’ lives we can impact through the effort.”
Festival goers are encouraged to bring their gently used instruments to the concert to donate to Play It Forward (no pianos please). Attendees also can donate funds to the organization at the concert or online at bit.ly/SupportYoungMusicians.
Funds raised for Play It Forward St. Louis help support underserved music programs right here in St. Louis. Play it Forward is a St. Louis-based nonprofit organization with a mission to ensure each child in St. Louis is provided with the opportunity to discover his or her musical talents.
“Seeing musicians give their time to lift up the next generation is a beautiful full-circle moment,” said Samantha St. Raymond, founder of Play It Forward. “The support from Greg Barrett and our local music community has made it possible for students in underfunded schools to have instruments in their hands and music in their hearts. We’re looking forward to this year’s event—the third annual singer-songwriter festival—and the continued impact it will have on even more young musicians.”
Hosted by Babe’s Tavern and Garden in Lindenwood Park in South St. Louis (3215 Ivanhoe Ave, St. Louis, MO 63139), the St. Louis Songwriters Playing it Forward music festival is staged in the lot across the street from the iconic neighborhood establishment.
For more information, visit bit.ly/stlsongwritersplayingitforward
About St. Louis Songwriters Play it Forward
The Singer-Songwriter Festival, organized by Gregg Barrett and supported by the incredible generosity of local musicians, has been a powerful force for Play It Forward Musical Foundation. Thanks to their time, talent, and heart, last year’s festival raised much-needed funds and brought in a remarkable number of instrument donations. Every single one of those instruments found a home in local school music programs, directly impacting students at Kairos Academy, McCluer North High School, and Hazelwood North Middle School. The festival not only strengthened our mission but also reminded us of the transformative role music plays in shaping young lives.
About Play It Forward St. Louis
Play it Forward is a St. Louis based program which began in 2006 with a mission is to ensure each child in St. Louis is provided with the opportunity to discover his or her musical talents. The Play it Forward Program donates musical instruments to children whose school and parents cannot afford the equipment, contributes instruments to schools whose music department funding does not cover the costs for instruments for students who wish to join the school’s music program, and coordinates shows and events locally to promote and enhance the Play It Forward program.
