SongFest weekend features evenings of songs, stories

The Music Conservatory of Sandpoint is excited to announce its upcoming SongFest weekend including two evening concerts featuring resident songwriters.

Taking place Friday, Sept. 25 and Saturday, Sept. 26, the event will be held in the Music Conservatory’s Little Carnegie performance hall.

Designed for aspiring songwriters and those who simply enjoy live music, MCS officials said the concert series is a chance for the Sandpoint area community to experience original performances and connect with local and regional artists.

“We are thrilled to host our fourth annual Sandpoint SongFest to continue the tradition of celebrating original music through storytelling,” said Kathi Samuels, MCS director of development. “Songwriting is the ultimate fusion of advanced musical theory, technical mastery, and creative entrepreneurship. While Conservatory students often focus heavily on performance, it is our goal to show them how songwriting can expand their career longevity and artistic voice. This year’s SongFest performers represent some of the best original songwriters of our Inland Northwest region and we are delighted to give them a platform to share their personal experiences with our audiences.”

Performers for the 2026 SongFest include Shiloh Rising, Mike Wagoner, Tim G, Reese Warren and Sadie Sicilia.

Shiloh Rising is a husband-and-wife acoustic duo formed by Diana and Scott Stover. The couple met and began performing together in Salt Lake City 30 years ago. They now live in their dream double-wide with a view in Moyie Springs. Their eclectic songwriting includes influences of folk, rock, bluegrass, country and more. Their CD, "Welcome Home," which was recorded locally at Selle Valley Sound, provides an insightful window into who they are individually and as a couple.

Mike Wagoner is an independent regional singer, songwriter and author based around Priest Lake and North Idaho. He performs country, rock and Americana music and released an album titled "The Best of Mike Wagoner" alongside a 2025 autobiographical book about his life in music called "Goin' to the Lake", a 50-year retrospective of life and community around Priest Lake.

Wagoner is known for regional performances, including shows at local venues and spots like the Pend d'Oreille Winery. His popular streaming tracks include "In This World," "Goin' to the Lake" and "She's Still Here."

Tim G. is a singer-songwriter who has been performing for audiences for 25 years. He is a self-taught musician who decided to learn guitar so he could turn one of his early poems into a song. That has become one of many lifelong passions.

“For me, being in the moment is to feel alive. This creativity flows through and I feel connected to the world. This doesn’t just apply to music, it applies to all of my relationships. I just love to write songs so I do a lot of that.”

Tim has recorded five albums, has had national airplay on public radio and has averaged more than 100 performances a year for more than 20 years. He is also having a lot of fun along the way.

Reese Warren is guitarist for the Sandpoint-based band Nights of Neon as well as a chef at Eichardt’s Pub. His style is inspired by the blues, rockabilly tunes and alternative music.

Warren has found that after years of searching, contemplating and yearning for connection to the wholeness of life, music and the guitar have brought him closer to the peace and serenity that his heart needs. It has been his rock through this mysterious journey of life.

Spokane-based singer-songwriter Sadie Sicilia  grew up in Sandpoint in a musical family. She began performing at a young age alongside her father, musician Mike Wagoner, and has since built a career spanning blues, folk, funk, rock, jazz and soul.

Her recorded work includes the album This Is My Time (2015) and the live release, Sadie Sicilia Live at the Panida Theater (2017).

Tickets available now at sandpointconservatory.org/events. VIP seating for both nights is $40; standard seating for both nights is $35; and standard seating for one night is $25.

For more information, go to sandpointconservatory.org.