JOIN US FOR A MENTAL HEALTH SONG & POETRY CONTEST AND FESTIVAL
The History
Hear Me Out was birthed from a lifelong love of words and the healing power of creative expression.
Since childhood, art, poetry, and songwriting were ways Jess Rios, founder and director of Hear Me Out, processed grief, longing, and hope — heart cries turned into art. As a therapist, she experienced firsthand how music, art, and poetry help people make meaning of their pain and reconnect to themselves. What began as an annual art contest at Roots Psychotherapy grew into a vision for a festival where stories, songs, and poems could take center stage. In 2025, that vision came to life — celebrating the courage it takes to speak, create, and be heard.
The Festival
Hear Me Out is a one-night community event held at The Kimbell, a beautifully restored venue in Historic Downtown Bryan that radiates warmth, charm, and connection.
Join us Saturday, April 18th, 2026, at 6 PM for an evening of storytelling through song and poetry — where voices rise to speak of healing, belonging, and the human experience.
The festival is free and open to all, designed to be a cozy space to listen, celebrate, honor, and reflect. Gather with us as we spotlight local and regional performers whose words remind us that we’re never alone in what we feel.
Planning to stay the weekend?
Get a discounted rate at the historic LaSalle Hotel in Downtown Bryan!
Special Hear Me Out Festival block rates are available for festival guests. Make your reservation today!
The contest
The Hear Me Out Song & Poetry Contest invites artists of all ages to share original work inspired by healing, identity, resilience, and belonging. Whether it’s a song, spoken word piece, or poem, we want to hear your story. Selected performers will be featured on stage at the 2026 festival and receive a small honorarium in gratitude for their courage and creativity.
Entries are free and open through December 31, 2025.
Submit your piece and join this year’s celebration of expression and connection.
Community Partners
Want to support the arts and mental health in Bryan–College Station? Partner with us!
Hear Me Out is made possible by local sponsors who believe in creativity, connection, and community care. From funding performers to donating refreshments or resources, your support helps keep this event free and accessible to all. Together, we can uplift local voices, celebrate artistry, and remind our community that mental health matters.
We’d love to collaborate with you — explore sponsorship options and discover how your business can help bring this festival to life.
Thank you to our community partners:
