Key West Songwriters Festival: musical fun in the sun

250 performances at 50+ shows across the island

By Preshias Harris

(L to R:) Marti Frederiksen, Elisha Hoffman, Rebecca Lynn Howard. Photo: Brittni Talley/NSAI
Michael Ray at the Saturday Night Block Party. Photo: Preshias Harris

Songwriters, performers and music fans swelled the usual population of vacationers and year-round residents at one of the USA’s most unique locations for five days in May.

The occasion was the 27th Annual Key West Songwriters Festival, held at the southernmost tip of Florida and the Sunshine State lived up to its nickname for the five-day Fest, May 3 through 7. As always, the Festival’s shows drew songwriters and appreciative audiences from across the USA and beyond.

(L to R:) SJ McDonald, McCall Chapin, Josiah Siska. Photo: Preshias Harris
Raltson Wells (left) and Garrett Bradford point to their favorite songwriter
(L to R:) Hannah Noel, Preshias Harris, Dawson Slade enjoy the Key West sunshine. Photo: Brittni Talley/NSAI
Doug Johnson performs in a round. Photo: Preshias Harris

Once again, the Key West Songwriters Festival was presented by BMI, alongside Rams Head Presents and The Florida Keys Tourist Development Council and numerous sponsors.  Golf carts and Ubers were kept busy shuttling performers and fans between the 50+ shows – 30 of which were free to attend – at venues large and small.

Read my full report on this year’s Festival at Center Stage Mag here. Meanwhile, here are just a few photos, many of which were taken by Brittni Talley, Director of Events and Marketing for Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) who hosted an invitation-only brunch during the Festival.

(L to R:) Lisa Johnson, Liz Rose, Erika Wollam Nichols
Bridgette Tatum gets ready for her round. Photo: Preshias Harris

Many recording artists were in attendance, joining cowriters on some of their hit recordings, including Jelly Roll, Elle King, Michael Ray, Mitchell Tenpenny. Jeffrey Steele and more. 

Next year’s Key West Songwriters Festival will take place May 1 – 5, 2024. More info here. Read my in-depth recap of this year’s festival at Center Stage Mag here.

Preshias Harris  is an advocate for songwriters and a music career development consultant with the emphasis on new and aspiring artists and songwriters. Her book, ‘The College of Songology 101: The Singer/Songwriter’s Need to Know Reference Handbook’ is available at   www.collegeofsongology.com  Follow her blog at  www.nashvillemusicline.com #PreshiasHarris