Galleywinter Turns Annual River Jam Into Flood Benefit

Central Texas and the Hill Country constitute the heart of Texas music, not just providing a home for many musicians, but the inspiration for so much of the music. The rivers, the hills, the people, the “Heart of Texas” they love to sing about, it comes from the scenic beauty and the soul of the people.

Since 2002, independent, fan-run outlet Galleywinter has been organizing their annual River Jam (originally called Green Fest) that has been an important event and talent incubator in the Texas music realm. The Turnpike Troubadours, Randy Rogers, Wade Bowen, Flatland Cavalry, Hayes Carll, Bri Bagwell, and a host of other artists are all River Jam veterans.

2025’s River Jam is set to take place July 11th-13th. But of course, the recent floods in the region have set a completely different tone for the annual event. That is why the long-running Sunday River Jam at the Lone Star Float House on the banks of the Guadalupe River in New Braunfels has been turned into a benefit for the flood victims.

“In the wake of last week’s devastating floods, I reached out to the 2025 roster of Sunday songwriters with a heavy heart and a hopeful idea. What if we turned every dollar collected — cash, tips, online donations — over to the Community Foundation of the Hill Country to aid recovery efforts? Without hesitation, every single artist said yes. A few even told me they’d already planned to donate their cut regardless,” says Brad Beheler.

River Jam starts off Friday, June 11th at the legendary Cheatham Street Warehouse in San Marcos with The Reed Brothers and Bleu Edmondson performing. On Saturday at Billy’s Ice in New Braunfels, Thieving Birds and Nyles will perform. QR codes will be made available to folks who want to donate to the cause at these events.

Sunday’s River Jam at the Lone Star Float House will be a full on benefit, featuring acoustic performances from Mason Lively, Graycie York, Lucas Jagneaux, JD Graham, Ben Danaher, Coby Rotan, Rio Tripiano, Victoria Camp, Kristen Foreman, Cameron Allbright, Hank Weaver, Ashton Naylor, Tristan Graves, and surprise guests.

Along with the names you might recognize, one or many of these names could be the next rising stars in music. Saving Country Music recently declared that Victoria Camp “is on the short list of the next artists about to hit it big. Get her on your radar now. She’s got an incredible voice and natural instincts of how to wield it, and a true gift for songwriting. ‘Fearless’ is the best way to describe how she approaches songs and the stage.”

Many other benefits are currently in the planning stages. Another one that has come together on Friday, July 11, 2025, beginning at 5:00 p.m. with Kat Hasty, Rich O’Toole, Cooper Hamilton, Sterling Elza, Case Hardin, and Jacob Childers all set to perform at the Light Bar & Grill in the Clarion Hotel, 441 Rio Concho Dr., San Angelo, TX. San Angelo was also significantly affected by the flooding.

“San Angelo is my home,” said Kat Hasty. “Seeing what the floods have done to friends and neighbors has been heartbreaking. I’m just grateful we can come together, play some music, and help lift people back up. Every little bit counts.”

Meanwhile as of this post, Josh Weathers has raised some $90,000 as part of a live streaming fundraiser On Facebook.

Stay tuned for information on more benefits and events as they come together.

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READ: Texas Songwriter Julia Hatfield Survives Devastating Kerrville Flood