What’s new at the 2018 Key West Songwriters Festival
Start spreading the news! More than 200 artists will be heading to Key West in May for the 23rd Annual Key West Songwriters Festival, May 9th – 13th. This is one music festival you’ll want to add to your travel bucket list and here’s why:
The Festival & Artists
We can’t believe how much this festival has grown and every year it just keeps on getting better. Did you know the Key West Songwriters Festival is the largest festival of its kind in the world? More than 200 Singer Songwriters will perform more than 50 shows over five days and nights in paradise. The majority of the shows are free and there are some ticketed events held at indoor and outdoor venues – at beaches, bars, boats, resorts and historic theatres- across the island. This is where you’ll be able to meet the faces, voices and stories behind the songs.
Photo Credit: Key West Songwriters Festival
Free Concerts & Ticketed Shows
As we noted above, the majority of the concerts are free so if you want to get a good seat head over to the concert location early. It doesn’t matter if the venue is boat, beach, pool or bar – get there early so you can get prime seating to listen to the artists. Some of the shows across the island include the NSAI “Bluebird at Blue Heaven” show and the Robert Earl Keen Bloody Mary Brunch at the Smokin’ Tuna. Ticketed shows include theatre shows at the San Carlos Institute, the Tropic Cinema, the Key West Theater, The Studios of Key West and the Oceanfront Pavilion right here at Southernmost Beach Resort.
Main Stage Duval Street Free Concert, Saturday, May 12th, 7-10pm
Key West Songwriters Festival Main Stage Duval Street Free Concert, hosted by Storme Warren, will feature performances by Sony Music Recording Artists Tyler Farr, Walker Hayes and LANCO. There is also a Keys Strong Hurricane Relief Show Featuring Florida Georgia Line and Friends.
Other performers scheduled to appear at the festival include Warner Music Group recording artists Frankie Ballard and Ashley McBryde, BMI’s 2017 Country Icon Bob DiPiero, Songwriter Hall Of Famer Even Stevens, Heather Morgan, Robert Earl Keen, and more… Stay up-to-date and find out who else is performing when and where by visiting Key West Songwriters Event Schedule online. Make sure to know before you go and get your tickets to the shows in advance – they will sell out!
VIP Dinner & Farewell Concert
All Star Farewell Party hosted by Storme Warren on Sunday, May 12th at 6pm at the New Key West Ampitheater. As of 4/2/18, the lineup of performers for the Sunset VIP Dinner and Farewell Concert ($$) has not been announced on the festival website. Keep checking the festival website for details on this event.
Proceeds from the 2018 Key West Songwriters Festival will benefit KeyStrong and the BMI Foundation, a nonprofit that since 1985 supports the creation, performance, and study of music through awards, scholarships, grants and commissions.
New This Year | Special VIP Package
This year Southernmost Beach Resort is participating in a VIP Accommodation and Multi-Show Pass Package which includes best seating and views at select shows. Definitely take a moment to look at the package below … it’s worth it!
Songwriters VIP Accommodation Package
Four-Night Stay at Southernmost Beach Resort | Ocean View King Room | Access to three pools and South Beach | All resort fees and taxes included
THURSDAY, MAY 10th VIP seating at your choice of ONE of the following theater shows • The Key West Theater 5 PM • San Carlos Institute 8 PM • Tropic Cinema 9 PM FRIDAY, MAY 11th • Robert Earl Keen Bloody Mary Bash from 10-11:30 AM VIP seating at your choice of ONE of the following theater shows • San Carlos Institute 8-11 PM • Tropic Cinema 9-Midnight SATURDAY, MAY 12th Main Stage Concert Hosted 7-10 PM • Access to VIP only Rick’s balcony viewing • Complementary appetizers and drinks
SUNDAY, MAY 13th Sunset Show at the Truman Waterfront Amphitheater 6-10 PM • VIP stage front seating & Gourmet Buffet Dinner & Open Bar All VIP pass holders will receive the following: Sunset Show at the Truman Waterfront Amphitheater 6-10 PM • Key West Songwriters Festival swag bag to include T-shirt & Program • Concierge to coordinate your personal itinerary for the Festival • $100 Fury Water Adventures Excursion Credit
Songwriter Events at Southernmost Beach Resort BASH
Pool Parties, Beach Parties and Private Concert at the Oceanfront Pavilion – all events taking place at South Beach and Southernmost Beach Resort! Here is the schedule of #somolife Songwriter events:
Southernmost Beach Resort Beach Bash
Thursday, May 10th (Free Show, No Ticket Required)
12:00pm – Emily Reeves, Kristen Kelly 1:00pm – Colby Dee, Maddie Larkin 2:00pm – Erin Ashley, Trea Landon 3:00pm – Jimi Bell, Jon Sherwood
Southernmost Beach Resort Pineapple Pool Party Friday, May 11th (Free Show, No Ticket Required)
12:00pm – Alyssa Micaela, Seth Alley, Maddie Larkin 1:00pm – Jimmy Stanley, Kristin Kelly 2:00pm – Joey Hyde, Benjy Davis 3:00pm – Mitchell Tenpenny, Jordan Rager
Southernmost Beach Resort – Sand Bar Ocean Pavilion
Frankie Ballard, William Michael Morgan
Saturday, May 12th, 4pm – 6:30pm (Ticketed Event $$)
General Admission $30
Meet & Greet $50 – includes show admission plus Meet and Greet following the show. Doors open 3pm
Southernmost Beach Cafè Concert at the Beach
Sunday, May 13th, Mother’s Day, 10am – 2pm (Free Show, No Ticket Required)
Noon Adam James, Alex Hall 1:00pm Joseph Patton, Emily Hackett 2:00pm Scott Reeves, Emily Reeves
Key West Songwriters Festival
May 9-13, 2018
Enjoy the 2018 Key West Songwriters experience and share your festival photos with us. #somolife.