Every song should tell a story. At least, that’s what draws most listeners to reflect; it’s how a song can become meaningful in our personal lives. And that’s what’s so special about the 30A Singer Songwriters Festival. On Jan. 17-20, 2020, South Walton, FL, will be transformed into a songwriter’s paradise and the “hottest” mid-January destination for music fans at one of the coldest times of the year. This year’s 11th Anniversary lineup brings together more than 195 songwriters, over 250 performances at more than 25 venues!
Songwriters Festival Venues
From large outdoor stages to small intimate cafés, the festival comprises more than 25 great venues throughout Scenic Hwy. 30A and South Walton, all offering live performances, ranging from intimate settings to large amphitheaters. All located in a colorful, artful, sugar-white beach destination, the 30A Songwriters Festival includes coveted, popular locations including
Including 723 Whiskey Bravo featuring casual, coastal cuisine, creative cocktails and amazing open-air rooftop seating; AJ’s Grayton Beach serving lunch and dinner every day, featuring local seafood, fresh sushi and oak-fire-grilled steaks and a build-your-own Bloody Mary Bar on Saturday and Sunday; the Beach & Brew featuring a 30-tap Perlick tap system alongside an air-cooled line to provide the coldest craft beer; Bud & Alley’s Waterfront Restaurant and Rooftop Bar in Seaside, Fla., a super popular destination where the Truman Show movie was filmed; Caliza serving contemporary American cuisine in a relaxed, al fresco setting overlooking Caliza’s stunning pool at Alys Beach; Central Square Records, 30A’s cool, independent record store overlooking downtown Seaside; and Grand Boulevard nestled amid Florida’s renowned stretch of pristine sugar-white beaches and gulf coast communities where the affluent both vacation and reside.
Songwriters and Performers
Saturday Headliners
Headliners at Grand Boulevard on Sat., Jan. 18 include iconic artists John Prine, Indigo Girls and Tanya Tucker.
Indigo Girls have just completed their new studio album entitled Look Long, recorded at Peter Gabriel’s Real World Studio in the UK. Produced by John Reynolds and scheduled for release early 2020, they will introduce new songs from the much anticipated album at 30A in January. John Prine and his band return to 30A by popular demand. The revered songwriter’s past year was highlighted by his highly acclaimed triple Grammy nominated album The Tree of Forgiveness from which he will perform songs as well as classics like “Sam Stone,” “Angel from Montgomery,” and “Spanish Pipedream.” Tanya Tucker will showcase new songs from her acclaimed new album While I’m Livin (produced by Shooter Jennings and Brandi Carlile) and will sing “Delta Dawn” and other classic hits.
Sunday Headliners
On Sun., Jan. 19, the legendary Brian Wilson, Don McLean and Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone will perform. Wilson will perform with his heralded nine-piece band and recreate his most beloved and sophisticated productions (including early Beach Boys’ hits “Don’t Worry Baby,” “Fun Fun Fun,” “Warmth of the Sun,” and pet sounds classics “Wouldn’t It Be Nice,” “God Only Knows,” and “Good Vibrations” live at Grand Boulevard.
On the headline stage Sunday, Don McLean will perform hits spanning three decades. The RIAA and the National Endowment of the Arts named “American Pie” a top 5 song of the century with “Over the Rainbow,” “This Land is Your Land,” “Respect” and “White Christmas.” Hailing from Manchester England, Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone distinguished himself as the youngest musician of the British Invasion to break big in the U.S. His legacy – eight gold singles, 52 million records sold, hundreds of TV appearances and a Broadway play.
Begin Your Experience
For a complete lineup of additional new and returning artists, including some of the local flavor of bands and artists, such as Chris Alvarado, Kyle LaMonica, Boukou Groove and Donnie Sundal, visit 30aSongwritersFestival.com. You can also begin listening to artists now by checking out the 30A Songwriters Festival Spotify page (Spotify.com/30aFestival). And you can download the 30A Songwriters Festival smartphone app at 30asongwritersfestival.com that provides up-to-the-second festival schedule and venue information. There’s always last-minute schedule updates and surprise lineup additions closer to the event dates and during the festival.
To Purchase Tickets
Weekend passes are $330. Weekend Pass + VIP Access at the Grand Boulevard Headline Stage includes VIP seating at Grand Boulevard, access to the VIP lounge at Grand Boulevard, complimentary food and beverages throughout Saturday and Sunday shows at Grand Boulevard, VIP restrooms—$725. You can review and purchase the ticket package for your tastes, daily, weekend and VIP: 30A Songwriter’s Festival Tickets
All net proceeds benefit the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA) and help to fulfill its mission to support the arts through leadership, advocacy, funding, programs and education in the region. The CAA’s goal is to promote the area for its cultural and artistic excellence, and the 30A Festival is proof that music and art are very important reasons to come to visit this beautiful destination.
Getting to the Festival
Getting to the Songwriter’s Festival is easy. South Walton’s 16 unique beach neighborhoods, which are home to many Songwriter’s Festival venues, are located along Scenic Hwy. 30A on the Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast between Destin and Panama City and just south of I-10. South Walton is a popular driving destination for attendees throughout the southern U.S. and just a day’s drive from major metropolitan areas including Atlanta, Birmingham, Nashville, New Orleans and Houston. If you want to fly, Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) is close to the festival and offers daily non-stop flights from Atlanta, Baltimore, Houston, Nashville, St. Louis and Dallas. Service is provided by American Airlines, Delta, Northwest and United.
What to Wear
Always check the weather forecast. This part of Florida can be fairly cold this time of year, but sometimes it’s actually warm and mild. Comfortable clothing and comfortable walking shoes are a great asset when moving from venue to venue during the weekend. At times, seating is limited depending on the popularity of the songwriters and venues. So, standing during the performance is a possibility.
Stay Close to All the Activity
Make the most of your festival experience with a Condo World stay on Scenic 30A connecting 16 vibrant beach communities dotting the Gulf of Mexico coastline, all with distinct personalities and charm. These amazing 30A Beaches, from Santa Rosa Beach to Inlet Beach, stretch 26-miles and tout dazzling white sand and turquoise emerald-green waters. Condo-World offers a variety of 30A rentals in popular beach areas such as Seagrove Beach and Seacrest Beach, as well as Blue Mountain Beach, Inlet Beach and Rosemary Beach. These properties feature awe-inspiring amenities and accommodations to fit up to 26 people so the whole group can join in on the fun!
