Songs on the Square Launches to Grow Music, Community in Fayetteville

Community members gathered Tuesday evening, June 16, to celebrate the launch of Songs on the Square, a new nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening rural communities through live music, support for singer-songwriters, and music education.

The reception, hosted by George and Kathy Valtasoros and Brian and Beth Chapline, brought together supporters, musicians, community leaders, and friends to learn more about the organization’s vision and future plans.

Founder Sandra Borne thanked the many individuals who helped make both the reception and the nonprofit possible, including Kyle Borne for his support of the organization from its earliest days and for providing sound for the event. Guests also enjoyed live music from singersongwriter Season Ammons, whom Borne described as both a talented performer and a dear friend.

Special recognition was given to Ken and Sandee Wilkinson for their work and financial support in helping establish the nonprofit. Borne also thanked Father Bill Miller of St. Cecilia’s Church in Round Top and Susannah Mikulin and the Greater Fayette Community Foundation for their support of the new venture.

During the presentation, Borne reflected on the remarkable growth of the Fayetteville Courthouse Music Series, which will become the nonprofit’s primary program.

“What began as a small community music series has grown beyond anything we imagined,” Borne said.

Three years ago, attendance of 100 people at a performance was considered a particularly successful evening. During the most recent season, however, several performances drew between 150 and 250 attendees.

The music series completed its third season this spring with a total of 27 performances featuring a different artist at every show. Organizers noted they have not yet repeated a performer, despite audience requests to bring back several fan favorites.

Plans are already underway for the next season. Singer-songwriter Walt Wilkins is scheduled to open the October series, and organizers hope to welcome accordion virtuoso Alex Meixner back to Fayetteville to close the March season.

According to Borne, the organization’s immediate priority is ensuring the continued success and growth of the Fayetteville Courthouse Music Series while building a strong foundation for future programs.

“The music series does more than entertain,” she said. “It brings people together, strengthens our sense of community, and encourages visitors to spend time in our restaurants, shops, and local businesses.”

Organizers also see the series as an opportunity to introduce visitors attending the area’s popular antique weekends to Fayetteville’s historic square and unique smalltown charm.

Songs on the Square was created with a simple but meaningful mission: to enrich rural community life through family-friendly live music performances, support for singer-songwriters, and educational opportunities that inspire creativity, connection, and the next generation of musicians.

Looking ahead, Songs on the Square is exploring opportunities to expand its programming. Possibilities include larger music events, paid concerts featuring full bands, and a music festival designed to showcase both Fayetteville and Texas singersongwriters.

The nonprofit also hopes to develop educational programs for children that connect music, creativity, and literacy. While those initiatives remain in the planning stages, organizers believe music education can play an important role in developing creativity, communication skills, and lifelong learning.

For now, Borne emphasized that the organization’s focus remains intentionally narrow.

“Initially, the priority is to keep the focus narrow and do it really well,” she said. “Right now, that means focusing on keeping and growing the Fayetteville Courthouse Music Series.”

The evening concluded with a blessing for the new nonprofit offered by Father Bill Miller and a toast to the future of live music in Fayetteville.

“Here’s to great songs, a special community, and many more memorable nights on the square,” Borne said.

Community members interested in supporting Songs on the Square will soon be able to make tax-deductible contributions through the Greater Fayette Community Foundation. Sponsorship opportunities for the upcoming Fayetteville Courthouse Music Series will be announced in the coming weeks.