Graham Nash, Leon Russell, Indigo Girls and Jason Isbell Slated for the 6th Annual 30A Songwriters Festival along Florida's Scenic Highway 30A January 16, 17 and 18, 2015
EVENT TO FEATURE 150 SONGWRITERS AND OVER 200 PERFORMANCES AT MORE THAN 25 VENUES
The 6th annual 30A SONGWRITERS FESTIVAL--set for January 16, 17 and 18, 2015—has announced the initial line-up for the 2015 celebration of singers and songs. The festival features performances from esteemed artists Graham Nash, Indigo Girls, Leon Russell, Jason Isbell, Rodney Crowell, Shawn Mullins, Glen Phillips (Toad the Web Sprocket), Holly Williams, Jeffrey Steele, Chely Wright, Bobby Bare Jr., Sara Watkins, Ed Roland (Collective Soul), Craig Fuller (Pure Prairie League), Rusty Young (Poco), Over the Rhine, Charlie Mars, Randall Bramblett, Webb Wilder and Old Salt Union.
Graham Nash has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice (with The Hollies in 2010 and with Crosby, Stills & Nash in 1997) as well as the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2009. Simply put, he is one of music’s most legendary singer songwriters and vocal harmony singers (and a renowned photographer and leading activist in our society). Leon Russell, a fellow inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, could be famous for his session work in the 60’s (the Byrds, the Beach Boys, Phil Spector’s hits are just a few) or his band leadership and production work with Bob Dylan, Delany & Bonnie, Joe Cocker and George Harrison, or for writing “A Song For You” covered by dozens of hit makers. Alas he is famous for all of these as well as the fact that no one has ever captivated arena rock audiences more than Leon Russell sitting at or standing on a grand piano.
Additional artists confirmed for 2015 include Griffin House, Allison Moorer, Brigitte DeMeyer, Will Kimbrough, Liz Longley, David Olney, Ellis Paul, Grant Peeples, Pete Sallis, Deana Carter, David Berkely, Jeff Black, Crystal Bowersox, Callaghan, Grayson Capps, Lisa Carver, Robbie Hecht, Heather Maloney, Sam Hunt, Peter Karp and Sue Foley, Ruston Kelly, Toby Lightman, Phil Madeira, Eric Pasley, Rivers Rutherford, Mark D. Sanders, Chris Stapleton, Jeremy Stover, Tommy Talton, Reed Waddle, Daphne Willis, Nicole Witt, Alan Rhody, Kyle Jacobs, Joe Leathers and Billy Montana.
The 30A SONGWRITERS FESTIVAL is known throughout the music community as a destination where writers who perform their own music, and performers who write their own songs, come together for a weekend of soulful melodies, powerful vocals and compelling lyrics. VIP dinners are being offered on Saturday with James Beard award winning chef Linton Hopkins (from Restaurant Eugene in Atlanta, GA) and on Sunday with Lambs & Clams (collaboration between Craig Rogers, shepherd of Border Springs Farm Lamb and Travis Croxton, oysterman and restaurateur at Rappahannock River Oysters both based in Virginia). Both dinners will include wine pairings chosen by wine expert Adam Caperton (former owner of Larder on 30A) as well as special musical guests to be announced at a later date.
The 30A Songwriters Festival production team spares no time or expense bringing in state of the art stage, sound and lighting equipment to configure unique listening rooms in each of the 25 venues that partner with the festival each year to produce over 200 shows throughout the weekend; amphitheaters, town halls, restaurants, theaters, bars and covered patios all become magical musical night clubs ranging in capacity from 75 to 400 indoors and 3500 outdoors.
The 30A Songwriters Festival venue partners include Vue, Gulf Place, Pandora’s, Hibiscus Coffee & Guesthouse, Fish Out of Water, The Gathering Spot, The Boat House, The Lake House, Pizza Bar, Bud & Alley’s, The REP Theater (Seaside Meeting Hall), Central Square Records, 723 Whiskey Bravo, WaterSound Beach Club, Caliza, Summer Kitchen, Amavida and Rosemary Beach Town Hall.
Here’s some critical feedback from the event:
“Last year we had too much fun at the 30A Songwriters Festival…where we took in unique and inspired sets.”
--American Songwriter,
“Pleasing to the ears, easy on the eyes, and soothing to the soul, this is definitely one festival not to be missed.”
--Miami Sun Post,
“The music festival is a unique opportunity to put a name to the actual writers of songs from local artists all the way to the chart-toppers.”
--WJHG.com,
“There is a profound meeting of the minds with everyone involved in the Festival,” says Russell Carter, co-producer/Festival Chair. “Musicians across the country have experienced--or heard about--the rewards of performing on 30A in unique venues in front of the best listening audiences possible. Meanwhile, music fans near and far have learned that 30A is the annual premier music destination for the third weekend of January.”
“The success of our festival from the start has resulted in part from the positive support of our local businesses and volunteers,” says Jennifer Steele, co-producer/Executive Director of the CAA. “Each year we add new venues and housing partners, renew our relationships with volunteers, and add corporate sponsors who are passionate about the arts in Walton County. As the stature of our event grows internationally, we remain thankful for the grassroots support of our South Walton community.”
For lodging and special housing packages offered by out-lodging partners for the 30A SONGWRITERS FESTIVAL, please be sure to check the lodging section on the website. These include: WaterColor Inn & Resort, Sunburst Beach Vacations, Ocean Reef Vacation Rentals, Homeowner’s Collection--Seaside, FL, Hilton Sandestin Beach, Alys Beach, Beach Rentals of South Walton, Wyndham Vacation Rentals, Paradise Properties, Southern Vacation Rentals, Soleil Rosemary Beach, Soleil Rosemary Beach, The Pearl and Courtyard by Marriott Sandestin at Grand Boulevard.
Festival weekend passes are now available for $200 and can be purchased at www.30asongwritersfestival.com, and locally on 30A at the Cultural Arts Alliance office and at Central Square Records in Seaside.
The 30A SONGWRITERS FESTIVAL is co-produced by the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA) and Russell Carter Artist Management, and is presented by Visit South Walton. Others sponsors include ASCAP, Grayton Beer, Nature Walk, Silver Sands Premium Outlets, 30a.com, and the Americana Music Association.
100% of the net proceeds from the 30A SONGWRITERS FESTIVAL benefit the CAA and help it to fulfill its mission to support the arts throughout Walton County. Members of the CAA receive an additional 10% off weekend passes and admission to an exclusive performance on Wednesday, January 15, at Fish Out of Water. Call (850) 622-5970 to become a member and take advantage of the discount.
For more information on the 2014 30A Songwriters Festival, including a full list of artists, venues, and ticket purchase information, visit www.30asongwritersfestival.com. 2014 30A Songwriters Festival partners include: Atlanta Magazine, Sowal.com, Nashville Lifestyles Magazine, The Beachcomber, The Thirty-A Review and relix.com.
About the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County
The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County, Inc. is the officially designated local arts agency that serves as an umbrella organization and supports the arts through leadership, advocacy, funding, programs and education. The vision of the CAA is to be the catalyst for Walton County’s growth as a center for artistic and cultural excellence through which lives are enriched, economy is stimulated and community is strengthened. www.culturalartsalliance.com