Tickets Now On Sale For The 30A Songwriters Festival, Jan. 18-20
Lucinda Williams, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Jeffrey Steele, Nanci Griffith, Suzanne Vega and Fastball are among the co-headliners for the fourth annual event along Florida's Gulf Coast in South Walton
The 30A Songwriters Festival will heat up Florida's Scenic Highway 30A, January 18-20, 2013, where writers who perform their own music and performers who write their own songs meet for a weekend of soulful melodies, powerful vocals and compelling lyrics throughout the northwest Florida beach neighborhoods of South Walton.Lucinda Williams, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Jeffrey Steele, Nanci Griffith, Suzanne Vega and Fastball are among the co-headliners for the fourth annual event along Florida's Gulf Coast in South Walton
The festival will feature more than 125 songwriters and 200 musical performances. Confirmed artists include Lucinda Williams, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Jeffrey Steele, Nanci Griffith, Suzanne Vega, Fastball, Tift Merritt, Allison Moorer, Charlie Mars, Eliza Gilkyson, Freedy Johnston, Randall Bramblett, The Shadowboxers, Joe Leathers, Gretchen Peters, Brigitte DeMeyer and Tommy Womack among many others. Venues range from unique listening rooms to spacious outdoor amphitheaters. Each location is distinguished by its own individual vibe, ambiance, and musically-inspired stage artwork, and is situated amid the brilliant white sand beaches, turquoise waters and stunning architecture of Highway 30A. The Festival is produced by the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County and is presented by Visit South Walton.
"The 30A Songwriters Festival has quickly gained a reputation among musicians as a forum for true songwriters to perform their self-penned songs as well as established performers to showcase their original compositions," said Russell Carter, 30A Songwriters Festival chair and producer and owner of Russell Carter Artist Management. "We book artists with diverse musical styles. Our emphasis is the art of the song.”
As in years past, venues for performances are being built out along Highway 30A from Vue, Gulf Place Amphitheater and Fire on the western end to Amavida, Town Hall and Summer Kitchen in Rosemary on the eastern end. In between, count on great concerts in Seaside at Bud & Alley's, the Pizza Bar, the REP Theatre and the Amphitheater; WaterColor venues including the Gathering Spot, Fish Out of Water and the Boat House; Pandora’s and Hibiscus in Grayton Beach; Caliza in Alys Beach; and new venues including 723 Whiskey Bravo in Seagrove and Bentley’s in Seacrest. WaterColor Inn & Resort will serve once again as the Festival headquarters.
Representing diverse styles ranging from folk and country to rock and blues, the 2013 line-up features nationally-acclaimed songwriters and musicians including Lucinda Williams, Nanci Griffith, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Jeffrey Steele, Suzanne Vega and Fastball.
"We are honored to feature talented artists from around the country who are generously supporting the CAA and our mission to grow the arts in Walton County and make it a destination for cultural and artistic excellence," said Jennifer Steele, Festival producer and executive director of the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County. "South Walton celebrates a thriving arts community, and we are proud to showcase our local talent alongside nationally-acclaimed songwriters and up-and-coming artists to raise funds and awareness for arts education initiatives that benefit the children of Walton County."
Festival weekend passes are now available for $150 and can be purchased at www.30asongwritersfestival.com, at the Cultural Arts Alliance office and at Central Square Records in Seaside. Net proceeds from the 30A Songwriters Festival benefit the CAA and members of the CAA will receive an additional 10% off weekend passes. Call (850) 622-5970 to become a member and take advantage of the discount.
For more information on the 2013 30A Songwriters Festival, including a full list of artists, venues, accommodations packages and to purchase tickets, visit www.30asongwritersfestival.com
About the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County
The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County, Inc. is the officially designated local arts agency, and serves as an umbrella organization to support 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


Jan 2012 SoWal.com Photo Gallery
There was something for everyone over the three days of the third annual 30A Songwriters Festival. Nonstop music in great venues indoors and out along the world's most beautiful beaches.
Lucky ticket holders were treated to more than 125 songwriters and over 250 performances in venues ranging from intimate listening rooms to spacious outdoor amphitheaters.
SoWal.com staff and contest winners covered it all and we'll be posting lots of stories, photos and videos in the coming days so stay tuned.
We'd like to hear about your experiences. What was your favorite venue? Who was your favorite artist?
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