ALL THINGS ELGIN
🎶 Elgin Music Festival 2025
Performance Highlights
Lissa Hattersley
& Le Trip Trio
A Soulful Sonic Journey
Thursday, April 10
Veterans Memorial Park
Lissa Hattersley didn’t just open the Elgin Music Festival—she elevated it. Backed by the ever-versatile Le Trip, her set on Thursday night was a masterclass in genre-blending finesse.
From the first note, Hattersley’s voice—equal parts jazz elegance and folksy grit—wrapped the audience in a warm, nostalgic glow. Her decades-deep Texas music legacy was on full display, weaving through original songs, obscure gems, and reimagined classics that spanned “from really old hep to really new hip.”
Le Trip, a four-piece collective, added their signature touch with thoughtful instrumentation and playful chemistry. There were moments of hushed reverence and moments that had toes tapping across the park lawn.
Hattersley’s return to the spotlight reminded us why she’s a member of the Austin Music Hall of Fame—and why her music continues to feel vital, timely, and transcendent.
The Peterson Brothers
Funk, Soul, &
Texas Swagger
Friday, April 11
Main Stage
The Peterson Brothers lit up the Main Stage Friday night with a blistering set that reminded the crowd just how electrifying Texas blues and funk can be. Glenn Jr.’s guitar work was both fiery and fluid, while Alex—GRAMMY® winner and genre-defying bassist—laid down grooves so thick you could feel them in your chest. Their chemistry as siblings is the secret sauce: polished yet playful, practiced yet spontaneous.
The crowd swayed and danced as the duo tore through their set, blending old-school soul with a modern edge. Echoes of Earth, Wind & Fire met the spirit of B.B. King and the innovation of Gary Clark Jr. It was easy to see why Clark once called them “some of the baddest cats in the world.”
If anyone in the audience hadn’t heard of the Peterson Brothers before Friday night, they surely won’t forget them now.
The Cumbia Movement
A Rhythmic Fiesta Under the Stars
Saturday, April 12
Main Stage
Saturday night’s headliner, The Cumbia Movement, delivered a dazzling finale that turned Veterans Memorial Park into a dancefloor under the stars. Fresh off their appearance at SXSW, this Austin-based ensemble brought pure rhythmic joy with a setlist packed full of traditional and modern cumbia classics. Their Afro-Colombian roots pulsed through every beat, driven by percussion-heavy arrangements and hypnotic bass lines.
It didn’t matter if you came with lawn chairs—no one could stay seated. The crowd was moving, clapping, spinning, and celebrating the vibrant energy of Cumbia, guided by a band that lives up to its name. The Cumbia Movement didn’t just perform; they transported the audience to another place and time where music bridges cultures and dancing is a shared language. It was the perfect exclamation point on a Saturday night that overflowed with community, culture, and contagious rhythm. connections through the universal language of music.
What Was New for 2025?
Thanks to additional planning time and broader community involvement, the 2025 festival introduced several new features:
- A revamped website and social media presence, with reels, video content, and behind-the-scenes festival updates.
- A streamlined sponsorship and donation process that made it easier for businesses and supporters to contribute.
A Free Festival for All Ages
Unlike the major ticketed festivals that dominate Central Texas, the Elgin Music Festival remained free and open to all ages—a decision Walton and the team stood firmly behind.
“We want everyone to be able to experience this festival—no wristbands, no price tag,” Walton emphasized. “The goal is to bring people downtown to discover the music, the businesses, and the community that make Elgin special.”
Daily Highlights
Thursday, April 10
The festival kicked off at the Elgin Farmers’ Market, with live music by Lissa Hattersley & Lee Trip Trio accompanying fresh produce and artisan crafts.
Friday, April 11
An evening full of music climaxed with The Peterson Brothers lighting up the Main Stage with their unforgettable set.
Saturday, April 12
The festival’s centerpiece unfolded with nonstop music from noon to 10 PM, culminating in The Cumbia Movement’s dance-filled spectacle under the stars.
Sunday, April 13
The festival closed on a family-friendly note with performances from local church choirs, school groups, and a showcase by Studio 22 Music Academy.
A Community-Powered Event
Local businesses, volunteers, and residents pulled together to support the 2025 Elgin Music Festival through financial backing, venue offerings, silent auction donations, and hands-on help with logistics.
“It takes a small army to make a festival like this happen,” Walton said. “We were grateful to have Shametra McGregor from Harvest Ridge coordinating the volunteer effort this year.”
Spotlight on Local Talent
Rather than chasing national headliners, the Elgin Music Festival celebrated homegrown musicians, reinforcing its identity and ensuring local sponsorship dollars supported local artistry.
“Sure, we reached out to a few bigger acts, but our priority was local musicians,” Walton affirmed. “There’s so much talent right here in Elgin and the surrounding towns.”
More Than Just Music
The festival showcased Elgin’s rich cultural tapestry through a diverse musical lineup that included country, Tejano, soul, and rap—honoring the town’s varied heritage and vibrant community.
“We made sure the lineup reflected the true diversity of Elgin,” Walton said. “That’s who we are as a town, and that’s what people experienced.”
As Elgin grows, Walton and his team pledged to keep its small-town spirit alive—one song at a time
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Get Involved for EMF 2026
Visit www.elginmusicfestival.com for information about applications, sponsorship opportunities, and future events. Whether you’re a music lover, vendor, sponsor, or volunteer, there’s a place for you at the Elgin Music Festival.
🎶
Join the celebration. Join the community. Feel the music.
The Elgin Chronicles
