Galveston’s New Songwriter Festival Honors Legacy of Old Quarter Icon Rex Bell

This week marks the debut of the Old Quarter Songwriter Festival. This event already reflects the legacy of Rex “Wrecks” Bell, the longtime owner of the Old Quarter Acoustic Cafe, whose impact has shaped countless Texas musicians over the years.

The festival kicks off on Thursday and continues through Saturday, featuring 30 artists performing across four stages in downtown Galveston. While there has been no official announcement of a tribute, Bell's influence is unmistakable. Bell, a seasoned veteran, bass player, former addict, and leader in the Texas songwriting scene, passed away earlier this month at the age of 81.

Bell’s journey unfolded grandly: he played bass for Lightnin’ Hopkins at Carnegie Hall, supported Lucinda Williams on Happy Woman Blues, and influenced Townes Van Zandt’s poignant classic “Rex’s Blues.” Following his battle with addiction, he dedicated years to managing the Old Quarter, guiding aspiring writers from his post behind the bar or during casual games of video poker in the back room.

“This festival serves as a meaningful homage to that legacy,” stated Sarah Piel of Arts Downtown GTX, the city-affiliated nonprofit collaborating on the event. It embodies “a tribute to lyrics, narrative, and the immersive listening environment that prioritizes the music above all else.”

Bell's impact extended well beyond the island's confines. Island musician Gabe Wootton reminisced about his experience performing at an Old Quarter open-stage night, even though he was underage. Following the performance of one of his tracks, Bell glanced out, took a moment to listen, and subsequently inquired if Wootton was the composer. “That was all the confirmation I required,” Wootton stated.

Hayes Carll, a recent Grammy nominee and recipient of the Americana Music Award, referred to Bell as both a mentor and a cherished friend. One night, Carll stumbled upon the Old Quarter, drawn in by the sounds of music wafting from the street. He quickly established himself as a familiar face, enjoying the performances of the touring acts that Bell brought in, including Ray Wylie Hubbard and Willis Alan Ramsey. Ultimately, Carll mentioned that he even took on the role of an unofficial bartender. “I didn’t have any friends out there, and he just became my closest companion,” he stated.

Bell championed artists across various genres, including those he may not have favored himself. Promoter RJ Fath remarked that even with Bell’s straightforward critique—“I hate your music, but y’all drink all my beer”—he continued to embrace local punk bands when other venues turned them away.

The most revered custom in the Old Quarter is the New Year’s Day wake dedicated to Van Zandt, who passed away on January 1, 1997. Following Bell’s passing, his wife, Janet, expressed that “there’s a huge hole in Texas tonight” and mentioned that a celebration of his life “might just become an annual tradition” in the future.

“I will cherish the melodies, the joy, and the affection we experienced together,” she wrote. “May his brilliance—and his melodies—always endure.”