It’s official, the Key West Songwriters Festival will return May 5 – 9, according to festival founder Charlie Bauer.
The 25th annual festival will feature about 100 artists over the five days of events. Some of the artists confirmed include Lee Brice, Brandy Clark, Lori McKenna and Robert Randolph.
Many of the veteran songwriters are expected to return this year, Bauer said. They include folks like Jeffrey Steele, Scotty Emerick, Dean Dillon, Bob DiPiero, Steve Crawford and more.
Most of the performances will be in open air venues like Smokin Tuna Saloon (festival headquarters), Hank’s Hair of the Dog Saloon, Sunset Green Event Lawn at the 24 North Hotel and other outdoor resorts.
There will not be a massive street party concert like in years past, Bauer said.
As always, events will be divided between ticketed and free admission. Ticketed events go on sale Friday, April 2.
Bauer said artists are being added every day and schedules are getting firmed up.
The festival website began posting artist and performance information March 29. Bauer suggest attendees join the mailing list to get the most up to date info.
Since 1997, the festival coordinators, the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA) and Broadcast Music Inc. (BMI) have worked to bring Music Row to Duval Street and beyond, creating a unique environment where industry professionals, songwriters, locals and tourists are able to experience the best of Nashville in the most intimate of venues. Over the years, the highly anticipated festival has become a proving ground for breaking new talent and is one of the most sought after invites within the Nashville songwriting community. Notable Key West Songwriters Festival alumni include Kacey Musgraves, Florida Georgia Line, Luke Combs, Maren Morris, Brad Paisley, Cole Swindell and many more.The festival was postponed in 2020 due to the pandemic.
“We are focused on playing our part in getting through these difficult times and we look forward to the 25th installment of the Key West Songwriters Festival in May of 2021. Bringing the music, fans, industry and business back to Key West will be a major factor on the road to recovery. Our festival has not only become a benchmark for songwriters but also an important part of the local economy,” added Bauer.
For songwriters festival information, visit online at www.keywestsongwritersfestival.com or follow them on Facebook.
