The annual Key West Songwriters Festival presented by BMI announced today the first details behind the five-day event, set to take place April 30th through May 4th. In its 29th year, the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association and Rams Head Presents will welcome more than 150 BMI creators as the island transforms into Music City.
Multi-day offerings of free and ticketed shows will include veteran songwriters to the next big hitmakers as they showcase the artistry behind their songs while also introducing new music to audiences. Additional songwriters will continue to be revealed and schedules will be made available in late March at www.keywestsongwritersfestival.com.
The “unparalleled five-day experience for music fans” (Keys News) will feature stripped-down and full-band performances from Nashville’s hit songwriters and local favorites such as Chuck Cannon, Bob DiPiero, Rebecca Lynn Howard, Raul Malo, Lee Thomas Miller, Taylor Phillips, Liz Rose, Jeffrey Steele and Bridgette Tatum. Prominent newcomers like Matt Castillo, Bre Kennedy, Jackson Nance, DJ Smoke and The Kentucky Gentlemen will make their debut.
The festival will commence with the official “Sunset Pier Kick Off Party” at the Ocean Key Resort & Spa, on Wednesday (4/30), featuring Dylan Altman, Robert Randolph and Guthrie Trapp. As previously announced, Nate Smith will headline the Coffee Butler Amphitheater on Thursday (5/01) with support from Chase Matthew and tickets are available here. The annual free block party at Main Stage Duval Street will be held on Saturday (5/03) with talent to be announced soon.
After making their inaugural debut at last year’s festival, “Sunday Songs: Music & Mimosas” at Williams Hall will return on Sunday (5/04) as well as hourly rounds from the Key West Woman’s Club at Hellings Curry Museum and intimate theater showcases at La Te Da. New venues will be on display such as the Marquesa Hotel, The Alamo and Island Dogs while Rams Head Southernmost Bar & Restaurant will be the event’s headquarters. Longstanding popular destination spots throughout the island will return like Key West Theater, Southernmost Resort, Blue Heaven, Dante’s Key West Pool Bar & Restaurant and San Carlos Institute.
“We’re excited for another year of collaborating with BMI and the amazing venues across the island to highlight the industry’s best songwriting talent,” said Kyle Muehlhauser, owner of the Key West Songwriters Festival and Rams Head Presents.
Additional info on Platinum passes and ticketed shows at the Key West Theater and San Carlos Institute will be available here. Proceeds from the five-day event benefit the BMI Foundation, a nonprofit founded in 1985 that supports music education and creation through various grants and scholarships, along with the Michelle Foundation, a Key West-based nonprofit that helps children and families in need.
Over the years, the festival has provided a platform for established and emerging songwriters to showcase their work through one-of-a-kind experiences. Notable BMI alums include Luke Combs, Florida Georgia Line, Maren Morris, Jelly Roll, Cole Swindell and more.
The 29th Annual Key West Songwriters Festival is sponsored by Delta Air Lines, Gallagher, HD Radio and Texas Roadhouse. Songwriters will have the opportunity to enjoy the “Lift Off to the Kickoff” event at BNA in Delta’s Sky Club as Delta Air Lines is the official airline for the festival.