Wow, what an exciting morning! I have the privilege of being one of 24 finalists in the Kerrville Folk Festival New Folk Song Competition. There were 1,341 extremely talented entrants this year, a record number of folks who have the ability to make this world a better place, one song at a time: it is a blessing to share this lifetime with such beautiful creators.

I am so thrilled to have the opportunity to widen my constellation of new friends at this Festival. What a lovely opportunity this is to fill the love battery with the company of such good hearts and minds and spirits.

I was taking a look at all the incredible creatives who have played this festival in the past, and feel gratitude to be in such stellar star stuff company: Nanci Griffith, Steve Earle, Lyle Lovett, Robert Earl Keen… there are too many to name. Headlining performers have included Willie Nelson; Peter, Paul, and Mary; Lyle Lovett; Mary Chapin Carpenter.

I sent in six songs this year, and the two that were selected are called “Infinite Jest” and “Want”.

Infinite Jest

https://youtu.be/Rm0y-DDh7NY?si=WSaaLUosdx12ucCF

Want

https://youtu.be/071Ik0FA0fo?si=RwQZ3CFno_fno8dm

Thanks again to Kerrville Folk Festival for what they do, and for listening to all of us share our hearts, minds, and souls.

“Life is a dream, and we are the imagination of ourselves.” - Bill Hicks

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UPCOMING SHOWS

“Want”
words and music by Mike Vitale

A tall glass of water
A safe bed to sleep
A roof overhead
Warm food to eat

A world full of want
Desires and dues
Everyone needs something
Without exception too

Someone to hug us
When we’re feeling blue
Someone to love us
Through and through

Everyone wants
We’re all living proof
Everyone needs something
And I’m no exception too

Maybe under an overpass and over this life
Feeling all alone and cold and scared and hungry at night
Empty as a Dixie cup, discarded just the same
Crumpled up and wasted under pliable walls, blankets, and rain

Who here marks value on things you can count
Please add up all the tents and tarps standing about
Everyone here needs a home and no one ever wants to feel alone

Kerrville Folk Festival 2024 | New Folk Song Competition

"Want" | Mike Vitale (Original)