Round Top Film Festival Debuts New Music Programming In Partnership With Bluebird Cafe & Vinyll Studios

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Shane McAnally. Photo: Robby Klein

Round Top Film Festival in Round Top, Texas is expanding its programming in 2026 with the launch of its first official music programming, presented in partnership with the Bluebird Cafe and Vinyll Studios.

On Nov. 14, festival attendees will experience a special screening of SONGWRITER, an original documentary series created and produced by Vinyll Studios featuring the episode Shane McAnally: “Merry Go Round.” SONGWRITER highlights the writers behind some of the most iconic songs across generations, celebrating the storytellers whose work has shaped the soundtrack of our lives. The featured episode follows McAnally’s journey from his hometown of Mineral Wells, Texas, through his early years as an aspiring artist to his rise as one of the most successful songwriters in country music.

Following the screening, an intimate songwriter round will feature McAnally, Josh Osborne, and an additional songwriter to be announced in the coming weeks. The collaboration marks a new chapter for the festival, bringing together the worlds of film and music through one of Nashville’s most celebrated music institutions.

“I grew up a few hours up the road from Round Top, and I spent most of my twenties trying to get out of small-town Texas,” says McAnally. “Turns out I’ve been writing about it ever since. Getting to bring this film back home – and then sit in a round with Josh and play the songs that came out of all that – is about as full circle as it gets.”

“Here at The Bluebird, we’ve known Shane since he first came to Nashville and played on our Open Mic, so it is an honor to participate in recognizing his talent and career in Round Top this year,” shares Erika Wollam-Nichols, General Manager and COO, The Bluebird Cafe. “We’re excited to join the Round Top Film Festival’s commitment to storytelling through this partnership, alongside a group of songwriters who have called The Bluebird Cafe home.”

“We created SONGWRITER to give audiences a deeper connection to the people and lived experiences behind the songs they already know,” adds Liz Rose, Songwriter, Vice Chairman of Vinyll Studios. “Bringing Shane’s film together with an intimate Bluebird Cafe songwriter round allows the story to move from screen to stage, which is exactly the kind of experience we want Vinyll to create.”

Lorie Hollabaugh
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