Johnson took the opportunity to tell the crowd of her big move before playing her song “Going to Nashville” (which comes out in late July), expressing her gratitude for the growth the event has experienced and the support she’s received from the community.
“Two years ago, I saw a need in the DFW music scene: a platform for our female artists to share their original music to a captive audience, build community with each other, and come together to showcase the incredible talent we have in the metroplex,” Johnson stated in a press release.
In this intimate setting, not only do the artists get to play their original songs for an attentive listening room, but they are given the space to tell the backstories and inspiration behind their writing.
Jasmin Indigo was the MC for the night; her thoughtful and well-researched on-stage interview questions gave fluidity to the event, expanding understanding between artists and audience. From overcoming the mundane repetition of everyday life to dreaming of a married man, guests got a peek into the private moments that have shaped the artists’ musical catalogues.
Indigo will take over as the producer of the event, and will continue the legacy Johnson has built here in North Texas.
Jasmin Indigo (left) hosted the night, taking the reigns from Girls of DFW founder Sarah Johnson (right). Photo: Jessica WafflesFort Worth artist Jenine Chelsea opened the show with her debut single “Memory,” which was released last month. Photo: Jessica WafflesPaige Hill played “Go West” and “Dear Dallas,” from her new album People & Places. Photo: Jessica WafflesThe crowd at Poor David’s Pub intently listened to each performer as they sang and gave background stories of their songs. Photo: Jessica WafflesKatherine Paterson’s debut album Wake dropped earlier this year, with “Bloom” receiving over 30,000 listens on Spotify. Photo: Jessica WafflesJessi England played “Break My Heart,” her 2020 single inspired by a married man, as well as the title track of her upcoming album “Golden Flowers.” Photo: Jessica WafflesChloe Jobin performed her song “My Way Back Home,” which she released in 2023. Photo: Jessica WafflesSarah Johnson announced that she’s moving to Nashville “in four days” at the event, debuting her song about Nashville ahead of its release. Photo: Jessica WafflesSunny Marcell, who plays bass and sings, was accompanied by her husband John Kulmacz on guitar. Photo: Jessica WafflesThe songwriters played “in the round,” which means they played a single song each in rotation a few times while giving backstory on their inspirations for the music. Photo: Jessica WafflesElyse Jewel played her unreleased song “Love Now,” talking about the first time she’s felt unconditional love. The song comes out July 12. Photo: Jessica WafflesJasmin Indigo asked the performers questions while they were on stage to help bridge the gap between artist and audience. Photo: Jessica WafflesSunny Marcell played unreleased song “Cruel,” which will be on the way to listeners’ ears soon. Photo: Jessica WafflesAlexandra performed a song she wrote two weeks ago called “Lift the Veil,” which was inspired by the concept of “people being vulnerable with you, but you not feeling empowered to be as vulnerable with them.” Photo: Jessica WafflesSarah Johnson also announced that since she will be moving to Nashville, this was the last Girls of DFW event that she would have a hands-on role – passing the torch to Jasmin Indigo to take over. Photo: Jessica Waffles
Jessica Waffles is a freelance photographer/videographer and regular contributor to KXT. Our work is made possible by our generous, music-loving members. If you like how we lift up local music, consider becoming a KXT sustaining member right here.
