West Street Live caters to live music fans, bringing artists from a variety of genres to our Starr Theater for intimate, relaxed concerts in an atmosphere reminiscent of neighborhood listening rooms and nightclubs. 

Six artists bring life to their music with meaningful lyrics and soulful sounds. Legends like Gretchen Peters, Jimmy Webb and John McCutcheon will have you tapping your feet to the familiar beat of their artistry. While up-and-coming virtuosos include Ruthie Foster, Royal Wood and Molly Tuttle in a showcase that's not to miss. With messages of "Y'all Means All," "Joy Come Back" and "The Secret of Life," this concert series offers expressive inspiration to all who enter our doors!

An Evening with Jimmy Webb

Thursday, Oct. 11

Jimmy Webb is widely considered a living legend of songwriting. A leader and mentor in the industry, Webb is the only artist ever to have received Grammy® Awards for music, lyrics and orchestration. His songs have been recorded by some of the greatest voices of all time including Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand, Elvis Presley, Isaac Hayes, Art Garfunkel, Linda Ronstadt, Michael Feinstein and Judy Collins, not to mention his rap hit with Kanye West. Webb is one of those rare songwriters who manages to bring a genuine measure of magic to everything he touches.

In 2016, Rolling Stone Magazine listed Webb as one of the top 50 songwriters of all time. Jimmy Webb was the youngest person ever inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and served as its chairman.

John McCutcheon

Thursday, Nov. 29

As one of the most respected and loved folksingers of our time, John McCutcheon’s music evokes a profound mark of place, family and strength. The breadth of his talent is staggering. He is a master of a dozen different traditional instruments, most notably the rare and beautiful hammer dulcimer. 

Much of his work continues to focus on writing politically and socially conscious songs for adult audiences. One of his most successful songs, "Christmas in the Trenches" (from his 1984 album Winter Solstice), tells the story of the Christmas truce of 1914. In his performances, McCutcheon often introduces his music with a story. He has become known as a storyteller, and has made multiple appearances at the National Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough, Tennessee. McCutcheon's music appeals to people of every generation and background. Like a conversation with an illuminating old friend, his live performances are full of charm, wit and wisdom. 

Ruthie Foster

Thursday, Jan. 31

In Austin, it’s tough to get away with posturing. You either bring it, or you don’t. After being Grammy nominated for Best Blues Album three times in a row, and winning seven Blues Music Awards, three Austin Music Awards and a Living Blues Critics’ Award for Female Blues Artist of the Year, it’s safe to say Ruthie Foster “brings it.” Influenced by iconic artists like Aretha Franklin and Mavis Staples, Foster has developed a unique sound that can’t be contained. Infused with a little blues, folk, soul, rock and gospel, Foster’s powerhouse voice and familial warmth will blow you away.

Gretchen Peters

Thursday, March 7, 2019

For two decades, Gretchen Peters has been one of Nashville’s most beloved and respected artists. Sexy and sublime, angelically clean and devilishly dirty, blemished yet beautiful, Peters rose to the top of her craft by writing and recording songs that explore the deep corners of life with empathy and integrity. Inducted into the Nashville Songwriter’s Hall of Fame in 2014 and named one of the best 60 female singer-songwriters of all time by The Telegraph, Peters has undoubtedly earned herself a spot among the country’s upper echelon of contemporary composers and among her generation’s most compelling singer/songwriters.

Royal Wood

Thursday, April 18, 2019

Since being named Songwriter of the Year by iTunes in 2008, Royal Wood has become established as one of Canada’s most accomplished alt-pop singer/songwriters, producers, arrangers and multi-instrumentalists. On tour for his newest album Ever After The Farewell – an ode to the classic styles of both Tin Pan Alley and Laurel Canyon – the songsmith brings class and craft to his pop-rock styling, delivering them with a rich and resonant voice. From beautiful melodies, to perfect harmonies, to soulful vocals, this two-time Juno-nominated musician has charmed audiences across the globe.

Molly Tuttle

Thursday, May 2, 2019

A virtuoso multi-instrumentalist and award-winning songwriter with a distinctive voice, Molly Tuttle has turned the heads of even the most seasoned industry professionals. Since recording her first album at the age of 13, Tuttle has accumulated various accolades, including most notably the International Bluegrass Association’s Award for Guitar Player of the Year in 2017 – making her the first woman to win this prestigious award. With rapid-fire bluegrass guitar work, incredible technical skill, a sweet voice and barnstorming songwriting, Molly Tuttle puts even the most talented shredders to shame.