Song Swap Sundays

Every first Sunday of the month, ARTS presents Song Swap Sundays, a musical gathering where musicians take turns playing songs, answering questions, and share the stories behind the melodies. Song Swap Sundays are free to attend and are held at the ARTS Ross Gallery from 2:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Meet Our Host

Meet our host, Mike Stroup, a seasoned acoustic guitarist and vocalist with a rich musical journey. He first started in bluegrass, during which he hosted a radio show at KPFT in Houston. "I heard a western swing band, then moved into western swing style and started the Wild River Band," Mike explains. He is active in swing, western, bluegrass, country, and Americana genres, currently playing solos, duos, and some full band shows.

May

Song Swap Sundays will not be held during May. However, stop by Fayetteville the first weekend in May for ARTS’ annual ArtWalk. ArtWalk proudly features live music throughout the weekend in the Fayetteville Square Bandstand. Bring your lawn chair, enjoy a meal from one of the food trucks on site or a local restaurant on the square, and enjoy an weekend of great, free live music! See the full lineup here.

June 2nd: Sophia Johnson

Triple threat guitarist, vocalist and songwriter Sophia Johnson hails originally from Birmingham England, but has been a resident of Austin, TX for the past six years. Sophia has has firmly established herself as a regular fixture on the music scene of her adopted hometown, her versatility and skill set keeps her continually busy, working as a gun for hire on guitar, as well as being the one of the founding members and creative forces behind several new projects.  Equally comfortable singing lead or harmonies, she is an accomplished bluegrass, country and western swing guitarist, you can catch her performing most days of the week with one outfit or another in some of Austin’s finest venues.

Sophia is a powerhouse of tenacity and dedication to her art form, committed to her pursuit of musical excellence. Whether performing solo or as front woman, collaborating with bandmates or being a gun for hire on guitar, Sophia is an engaging and entertaining performer who has been winning hearts and fans across Texas.

Past Performances

With over 30 years of songwriting and performances under his belt, Bill Pekar brings that home sweet Americana feeling through his music. First playing guitar at the age of 8 with his highway patrolman neighbor, he took off on his musical journey to help others feel connected to stories through his songs. Appealing to many with his eclectic musical style, you’ll find a little bit of rock and roll, blues, and even country through Bill Pekar’s songs and performances.

As a singer and songwriter, Bill has had many songs charted and a #1 hit in Texas, “Colors are all the Same” in 2000, as well as a second project in 2004 titled, “On a Country Road”. Bill tours throughout Texas and loves connecting with people through music. He performs live about three times a month between Austin and San Antonio, playing acoustically at wineries and smaller venues. Sharing intimate stories listeners can connect with and relate to is therapeutic for both Bill and his listeners.

Bud Bierhaus