When MusicFest comes to Steamboat Springs, you know your week is about to be full of good times and good music. For artists, it is a chance for them to see friends they might not see often due to busy touring schedules. For guests, it is a chance to see your favorite artist up close and personal, and for new artists, it is a chance to get your name out there while getting advice from the fathers of Red Dirt music.
Hudson Westbrook came into MusicFest as a new artist with less than a year of experience under his belt. At only 20 years old, Hudson’s band plays like they have been together for years. After gaining popularity through TikTok with his first single “Two Way Drive”, MusicFest got Hudson at just the right time.
Growing up in Stephenville, Texas, meant listening to Red Dirt music as a child. “The cool thing about MusicFest is I was able to meet and hang out with all the artists I had not had a chance to meet yet,” Hudson said. “I got to meet Wade (Bowen) and Cleto (Cordero) and all the Texas guys who built the Texas Red Dirt Scene. It really is a festival like no other.”
Hudson performed three times during his MusicFest debut. Kicking things off the first night in the Big Tent, the energy was dominant. By the end of his show, the tent had almost filled up with people paying attention to only him. Songs like “Take It Slow” and “House Again” were clearly fan favorites. For the older crowd he covered some classic country songs that got everyone singing along.
While performing in the Grand Ballroom the next night, Hudson kept the same exact energy. While his band has been together for less than a year, you can tell their dedication to practice paid off. Playing shows for the same group of people can be challenging, but Hudson made sure each concert felt like a new show. By the end of it, there were multiple people asking who he was and adding his songs to their playlists.
Not only was he able to play his own shows, but he also made a special appearance at a Jacob Stelly performance when he sang “Johnny Walker” with him. Originally Jacob’s song, Hudson covered it for his first EP.
“I had such a good time at MusicFest. Any place you can ski and play live music at the same time, I am there,” Hudson said.
What meant the most to Hudson, though, was hearing his idols comment on his live show. “To hear guys like Wade comment on our live shows meant so much to me.”
A proud Texan, Hudson Westbrook is one to keep your eye on. “I hope to come back to MusicFest for many years to come. It would be cool to play out on the Main Stage for everyone to hear,” Hudson said. “I grew up coming to Steamboat to ski, so being able to play music for everyone and enjoy time with my family really meant a lot to me.”
With MusicFest being notorious for showcasing new artists and launching careers, it is safe to say that Hudson Westbrook will be country music’s next best thing. MusicFest guests can always say they saw him in Steamboat first!
Written By Emily Hord, Texas Lifestyle Magazine
