The annual Key West Songwriters Festival presented by BMI (Broadcast Music Inc.) announced today the first details behind the five-day event, set to take place on May 1st through May 5th. In its 28th year, the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association and Rams Head Presents will welcome more than 150 BMI creators as the island transforms into Music City with multi-day offerings of free and ticketed shows.
Music enthusiasts will immerse themselves in open-air performances showcasing craftsmanship and camaraderie behind their favorite songs while discovering new music. Additional songwriters will continue to be revealed and schedules will be made available at www.keywestsongwritersfestival.com.
The “unparalleled five-day experience for music fans” (Keys News) will feature stripped-down and full-band performances all-day and night from Nashville’s hit songwriters and local favorites such as Jeffrey Steele, Liz Rose, Lori McKenna, Bob DiPiero, James Slater, Tommy Sims, Rebecca Lynn Howard, Wendell Mobley and Tyler Reeve, as well as prominent newcomers like Chase Matthew, Mia Mantia, Emma Zinck, Casey LeVasseur, Preston James, and Jonathan Hutcherson.
Wednesday (5/01), the festival will commence with the official “Sunset Pier Kick Off Party” at the Ocean Key Resort & Spa, featuring Dylan Marlowe and the Heartwreckers. As previously announced, Cole Swindell will headline the Coffee Butler Amphitheater on Thursday (5/02) with support from Restless Road and tickets are available here. Dallas Davidson will take over the annual free block party at Main Stage Duval Street on Friday (5/03).
This year, new showcases have been curated such as the Key West Women’s Club female lineup along with “Sunday Church” at Williams Hall. More poolside opportunities, cocktail classes, workshops, and collaborative sessions will be announced in the coming months.
“We look forward to enhancing this year’s festival as we engage more with the local community to provide first-time experiences and showcases,” said Kyle Muehlhauser, co-owner of the Key West Songwriters Festival and Rams Head Presents. “We always enjoy working closely with BMI to create a diverse group of storytellers and this lineup reflects that.”
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 Michelle’s Foundation, a Key West-based nonprofit that helps children and families in need.
Over the years, the festival has provided a platform for establid and emerging songwriters to showcase their work through one-of-a-kind experiences. Notable alums include Luke Combs, Florida Georgia Line, Maren Morris, Kacey Musgraves, Jelly Roll and more.
The 28th Annual Key West Songwriters Festival is sponsored by Delta Air Lines, HD Radio, Texas Roadhouse, and White Claw. 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.