Grammy Winners, Top Songwriters to Star in Key West Festival May 1-5
KEY WEST, Florida Keys — Several dozen shows featuring more than 225 top performing songwriters, including multi-platinum hitmaker Cole Swindell, await music lovers during the 28th annual Key West Songwriters Festival scheduled Wednesday through Sunday, May 1-5.
An annual tradition for many of America’s country and pop music luminaries, the songfest is spearheaded by international performing rights organization BMI and Rams Head Presents. Fans of live music can rock to performances at a popular boutique theater, bars and restaurants, waterfront resorts, restored historic sites, a catamaran at sunset, and the Coffee Butler Amphitheater in Key West’s Truman Waterfront Park.
Most shows feature a rotating group of writer/artists who play their hits, introduce new melodies, share creative insights and relate the stories behind their songs. Both free-admission and ticketed offerings make up the five-day schedule.
As well as Swindell, the festival’s talent roster includes blues/gospel and “sacred steel” virtuoso Robert Randolph, Texas singer/songwriter and master storyteller Robert Earl Keen, multiple Grammy winner Lori McKenna, and celebrated songwriters and festival veterans Liz Rose, James Slater, Bob DiPiero, Jack Ingram, Chuck Cannon and Jeffrey Steele.
Events are to begin with a kickoff party Wednesday, May 1, on the Sunset Pier at the Ocean Key Resort & Spa, 0 Duval St. overlooking Key West Harbor. Rising star Dylan Marlowe is the scheduled headliner, with the rocking Heartwreckers and former American Idol finalist Kristen McNamara rounding out the evening’s show.
The festival’s anticipated highlight is Swindell’s concert at the amphitheater, set for 7 p.m. Thursday, May 2. Winner of three 2023 Academy of Country Music Awards and famed for “Drinkaby” and “Sad Ass Country Song” among many other hits, Swindell is to showcase the distinctive style that has made him a fan favorite. The lineup also features Restless Road and Mackenzie Carpenter.
Dallas Davidson is to headline the free outdoor “main stage” concert beginning at 7 p.m. Saturday, May 4, in the 200 block of Key West’s Duval Street. The superstar songwriter has penned well over two dozen number-one hits and had his creations recorded by musical notables ranging from Tim McGraw to Luke Bryan.
The Duval Street performance also features trailblazing country artist Lily Rose, best known for the viral smash “Villain.”
“We’re excited to offer different experiences, from small intimate performances in a historic church to a high-energy concert at a picturesque island amphitheater — all aimed at creating unforgettable moments for festivalgoers,” said Kyle Muehlhauser, co-owner of the Key West Songwriters Festival and Rams Head Presents.
The musical magic continues through Sunday, May 5, ending with an 8 p.m. show by an all-star roster of performers at Key West Theater, 512 Eaton St.
Music lovers can purchase tickets to individual shows or “Platinum Pass” multishow VIP tickets through a link at keywestsongwritersfestival.com.
Event information and schedule: kwswf.com
The Duval Street Main Stage concert is always a popular draw for fans during the Key West Songrwriters Festival, as pictured here in 2023. Photo: Rob O'Neal
Multi-platinum hitmaker Cole Swindell headlines a show at Coffee Butler Amphitheater May 2 along with Restless Road and Mackenzie Carpenter.
Dylan Marlow headlines the May 1 kick-off party at Sunset Pier along with the Heartwreckers and Kristen McNamara.
The final show is an all-star roster of performers including Earl Bud Lee, Alana Springsteen and more Sunday, May 5 at 8 p.m.