Amelia Island get ready—The Fernandina Beach Songwriter Festival is kicking off their debut event with a bang!
Twelve incredibly talented and multi award winning songwriters who’ve had songs recorded by artists like John Prine, Nanci Griffith, Kim Richey, Keith Urban, Blake Shelton, Reba McEntire, Willie Nelson, Trisha Yearwood, and Randy Travis—just to name a few—are on the list.
They are Deanna Bryant, Thomm Jutz, Radney Foster, David Gibson, Greg Crowe, Gary Baker, Eric Erdman, Jaida Dreyer, Austin Moody, Runaway June – a trio which consists of Jennifer Wayne, Natalie Stovall and Stevie Woodward, Mike Geiger (another Fernandina local), and Troubadour Blue, an up and coming trio that consists of Daniel Kim Ethridge and siblings Brenna and Eli Wheeler will be joining Tammy (a member one of bluegrass’ top-selling artists and touring acts, The SteelDrivers, and an award winning songwriter, singer, and musician by her own right), local favorite singer/songwriter musician Sean MCarthy. That’s everyone they have scheduled to play, but this is Fernandina Beach so you never know who might show up before it’s over.
To support the community, local musicians will start off the event by sharing the stages with the artists listed above at both the Green Turtle and Amelia Tavern for an afternoon of free shows to whet your appetitte on Saturday, April 14th, followed by two Friday evening ticketed shows at St. Peters Episcopal Church. They’ll end Friday night with late shows at the Green Turtle and then they’ll do it all again on Saturday, April 15th. Come prepared to have a good time and enjoy beautiful downtown Fernandina.
The party continues on Sunday, April 16th when Radney Foster will have a book signing at Story and Song for his book “For You To See The Stars” at 10:00 a.m. Then you’ll want to head down to the marina to catch the Amelia River cruise with live music at 1 p.m. There’s limited seating for these events, so you’ll want to get your tickets as soon as possible.
You can see the full line-up, read up on the performers, check the schedule of events, purchase tickets, and find information on becoming a sponsor on The Fernandina Beach Songwriter Festival website, www.fernandinasongwriterfestival.com and Facebook page. See you there!
(Photo by Sherry Carter)