SongRider Series Joins Songwriters, Cyclists
Jamie Smith
April 18, 2025
Evan Alvarado started his musical career on the drums but now spends more time as a keyboardist, singer, and songwriter.
He also plans to spend more time on a bike as he participates in the second annual SongRider program, which started earlier this month and continues through the first part of May.
“We [musicians] can get a little too cooped up in our craft,” he said. “With the weather getting warm again, I’m looking forward to finding inspiration from another fun ride inspired by nature with the SongRider program,” he said.
SongRider, an event by the nonprofit organization The House of Songs, includes a series of five group bicycle rides in Northwest Arkansas. Each ride includes a pair of songwriters who will then work together to write two new, original songs. They will perform their songs at a grand finale performance at Fresh Grass on May 17 at the Momentary in Bentonville.
The remaining rides are:
April 30: FAST Wednesday Night Ride at Pedal It Forward in Bentonville. SongRiders: Dan Cranney, Thomas Stringfellow. Post-ride party on the patio features live music by Dan & Thomas.
May 3: Women of OZ Monthly Flagship Ride in Bentonville. SongRiders: Ashtyn Barbaree, Dana Louise. Post-ride gathering at Bike Rack Brewing features live music by Ashtyn and Dana.
May 4: Hillfolk & Friends Ride in Bentonville. SongRiders: Evan Alvarado, Jasper Logan. Post-ride gathering features live music by Evan and Jasper at Osage Park.
Boosting Songriders
A previous Songriders performance
There’s a second part to the SongRider program, which will begin in June, said Peter Stevenson, the The House of Songs’ project and grant manager.
The House of Songs will coordinate with local venues and organizations to schedule participating artists to perform their existing music and the songs they create based on their experience in the SongRider program.
Last year, they were able to book 10 shows, and the goal is to book 20 shows this year, Stevenson said. The program was well-received by all involved last year, including the musicians, cyclists, and the venues.
The Backstory
The House of Songs has been part of the Bentonville cultural scene since 2017. It was founded in 2009 in Austin, Texas by Troy Campbell. The Walton Family Foundation learned of the nonprofit’s work and invited Campbell to Northwest Arkansas to see if the same concept would work here.
“He decided it was ripe for the taking,” Stevenson said.
With Bentonville becoming a hotspot for both bicycling enthusiasts and patrons of the arts, an event that joined the two sounded like a good idea.
“We tested it last year and it just took off,” Stevenson said, adding that the musical component provides an enhanced experience for the cyclists and the rides in nature provide inspiration – and a place to perform – for local musicians.
Providing opportunities for musicians to grow in their craft is the The House of Songs’ focus. The nonprofit’s programs include artist residencies, songwriter summits, and organizing collaborations among artists.