The House of Songs: Songrider - FreshGrass Festival

The House of Songs: Songrider

The House of Songs is a 501(c)3 that invites songwriters from around the world to the United States to share the universal language of music in collaborations designed to bridge cultures, build friendships and cultivate peace.

For 2025, FreshGrass | Bentonville is thrilled to participate in House of Songs: Songrider!

SongRider is back for a second year, merging the culture of musical performance with the energy of cycling in an innovative series of community rides and performances. Launched by the House of Songs, a nonprofit fostering collaboration and performance opportunities for musicians, SongRider pairs regional songwriters with local cycling groups for a unique pedal-powered journey across Northwest Arkansas.   

Troy Campbell, founder and director of The House of Songs, says of the program, “SongRider is where outdoor culture and music ride side by side. As we go into this second season of the program, we’re thrilled to see how deeply artists and riders have connected — transforming trails into stages and experiences into songs. In our growing community, we desire to be good neighbors, stewards of nature, and continuous advocates for art and artists, and we know SongRider is having a timely and positive impact in Northwest Arkansas. We have the momentum to keep going wherever the trails can take us.”

With five rides leading up to a grand finale performance at FreshGrass | Bentonville Festival on May 17 at the Momentary in Bentonville, musicians will draw inspiration from the landscapes they ride through, the people they meet, and the emotions sparked by the journey to create original songs to debut. After each community ride, the songwriters who joined the group will treat participants to a performance. 

 

 

Ride Schedule & Community Cycling Partners

Each SongRider event features a different route, a partnering bike organization, and a lineup of musicians who will write and perform songs inspired by the ride.  

April 5 – Hazel Valley Rally with Rule of Three  

SongRiders: JD Pinto, Ben Bergstrom, Travis Chaney  

Post-ride gathering features live music from JD & The Sons of Otis Malone (Ben & Travis + bandmates David Farley and Dennis West) 

 

April 22 – Latinas en Bici Greenway Ride

SongRiders: Lisa Soto, partner to be announced

Post-ride gathering with live music by Lisa Soto, further details TBA

 

April 30 – FAST Wednesday Night Ride at Pedal It Forward, Bentonville

Riders: Dan Cranney, Thomas Stringfellow  

Post-ride party on the patio features live music by Dan & Thomas 

  

May 3 – Women of OZ Monthly Flagship Ride, Bentonville 

Riders: Ashtyn Barbaree, Dana Louise 

Post-ride gathering at Bike Rack Brewing features live music by Ashtyn & Dana

 

May 4 – Hillfolk Ride

Riders: Evan Alvarado, Jasper Logan

Post-ride gathering features live music by Evan & Jasper  

  

The Spirit & Sounds of Resilience

SongRider celebrates the region’s thriving music and cycling cultures, bringing to the surface stories of land and people. This year especially will elevate themes of resilience and renewal — echoing the community’s ongoing efforts to rebuild after last year’s devastating Memorial Day weekend tornadoes that affected local trails, residents, businesses, and community organizations. While The House of Songs property, where musicians stay and play, is still undergoing some repairs from the storm, this year’s rides on clear trails are a testament to community resilience, reminding riders of the healing power of creativity, community, and nature.

 

Join the Ride & FreshGrass | Bentonville Performance 

Community members are encouraged to follow along through social media updates for behind-the-scenes content, opportunities to join in person, and special announcements along the way. The journey will culminate at FreshGrass | Bentonville Festival on May 17 at the Momentary, where musicians will perform the songs they’ve created throughout the rides. One-day and weekend passes are available at theMomentary.org/FreshGrass

 

About the House of Songs

The mission of The House of Songs is to unite musicians from across the world, fostering creative harmony through cross-cultural collaborations, creative processes and shared performances.

Since their founding in 2009 in Austin, TX, the House of Songs has worked tirelessly to create an environment that encourages collaboration and supports musicians as they hone their craft. Committed to building a global community of artists who are in touch with the forefront of entertainment and music, The House of Songs expanded their reach by establishing roots in Northwest Arkansas in 2018. To date, The House of Songs has sponsored over 1,000 musical collaborations in 33 countries. More at thehouseofsongs.org/   

Friends of FreshGrass