The Black Box Songwriter Series features singer-songwriters in an intimate, listening-room setting. Since its inception in 2015, the series has attracted a variety of celebrated songwriters, such as Gretchen Peters (“Independence Day”), Susan Gibson (“Wide Open Spaces”), Walt Wilkins (“Trains I Missed”), and numerous award-winning troubadours. Both newcomers and veteran songwriters have played the series and given fans a chance to hear incredible songs as well as the stories behind them. 

Upcoming Black Box Songwriter Series Events:

Traveling Red River Songwriters
Friday, Jan. 16, 8 p.m.
Huffines Performance Hall
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An annual favorite, the Traveling Red River Songwriters return to the Lewisville Grand Theater on Friday, Jan. 16, for another intimate Black Box Songwriter Series concert featuring Susan Gibson, Josh Grider, Drew Kennedy, Kelley Mickwee and Walt Wilkins. Each a distinguished songwriter in their own right, the group shares the stage in a unique song swap format – playing their music, telling stories, and supporting one another in an evening of incredible songs. This year’s concert will take place in the Huffines Performance Hall with reserved seating. 

Suzanna Choffel
Sunday, Feb. 15, 6:30 p.m.
Black Box Theater
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Austin native Suzanna Choffel is known for her soulful, reggae-tinged guitar style and distinct voice, described as “equal parts Beat poetry, smoky soul grooves and indie-pop eccentricity.” (Jim DeRogatis). She has performed on major stages including ACL Music Festival, SXSW, Voodoo Festival, and appeared on screen in NBC’s The Voice, where Rolling Stone singled her out as “the only artist you’d want to listen to a complete album from.”

Over her two-decade career, Choffel has shared the stage with artists such as Buena Vista Social Club, Suzanne Vega, Solange, and Carrie Rodriguez. Her songwriting has earned honors in the John Lennon Songwriting Contest and the International Songwriting Contest, and her albums have been featured on multiple Texas Top 10 lists.

Choffel released her fourth studio album, Bird by Bird, in 2024, produced by Grammy-winner Davíd Garza and recorded in Los Angeles and at Sonic Ranch outside El Paso. The album features contributions from Adrian Quesada (Black Pumas) and acclaimed fiddlers Carrie Rodriguez and Warren Hood. In addition to her work as a performer and songwriter, Choffel is also known as an on-air DJ for Austin’s Sun Radio and as the voice of Whataburger.

Max and Heather Stalling
Sunday, March 22, 6:30 p.m.
Black Box Theater
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Meet Max & Heather Stalling, a Dallas-based singer-songwriter duo bringing a compelling blend of storytelling, vocals, and fiddle-forward musicianship to the heart of Texas and Americana music.

Max, a former food scientist who traded research labs for honky-tonk stages, has spent more than two decades touring across Texas and beyond, releasing six studio albums and becoming a beloved fixture of the Texas/Red Dirt scene. His star on the South Texas Music Walk of Fame reflects his lasting influence and dedicated fan base.

Heather is an award-winning fiddler whose musical journey began in childhood, later performing professionally in Branson and touring with artists like Bob Schneider, Cory Morrow, and Johnny Lee. She went on to co-found blacktopGYPSY, writing and recording two albums and earning acclaim for her dynamic stage presence.

Together, Max and Heather bring easy chemistry, rich harmonies, and a shared love of performing – creating a show that feels both intimate and full of energy. Don’t miss the chance to experience their music live.

Terri Hendrix with Lloyd Maines
Sunday, April 19, 6:30 p.m.
Black Box Theater
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Terri Hendrix, recognized by Acoustic Guitar magazine as one of Texas' 20 essential contemporary singer-songwriters, has garnered a global fanbase for her unique blend of folk, pop, country, blues, and jazz. Her music is characterized by poetic grace, melodic flair, and a generous dose of wit and wisdom. Notably, she co-wrote the Grammy-winning instrumental "Lil' Jack Slade" for the Chicks and has received numerous accolades, including a star on the South Texas Music Walk of Fame, the Art of Peace Award from Saint Mary's University, and the Distinguished Alumni Award from Hardin-Simmons University. Additionally, she has been crowned Mermaid Queen, been honored with a SMART Award for artistic excellence, was inducted into the Women's Hall of Fame, and won a lifetime achievement award for her contributions to the arts in San Marcos, Texas. Her master recordings and archives are housed at the prestigious Wittliff Collections at Texas State University.

Few people are as important to the development of Texas music over the last 30 years as Lloyd Maines. As a Grammy award-winning producer and musician, the Lubbock-born Maines has played an instrumental role in the creation of some of the Lone Star State's most famous and beloved albums. Maines began his recording and producing career in 1974. Over the past 40 years, Maines has worked on approximately four-thousand albums alongside some of the most significant figures in country, rock, and Texas music. In addition to his producing credits, Maines is an A-list steel guitar player and multi-instrumentalist. His work has been heard on countless recordings. Maines has been inducted into the Buddy Holly Walk of Fame in Lubbock, Texas, individually and as a member of the Maines Brother's Band. He was inducted into the Austin City Limits Hall of Fame June 2014. He has made more appearances on the PBS show than anyone else in the history of the program. 

Hendrix and Maines will also lead a songwriting workshop on Saturday, April 18, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Past Performers