29th Annual Key West Songwriters Festival Reveals Early Details and Lineups

/by

 

The Key West Songwriters Festival, presented by BMI, has revealed initial details for the 29th annual event set to take place from April 30 to May 4, 2025. This year, the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association and Rams Head Presents will welcome over 150 BMI-affiliated songwriters to the five-day festival where they will showcase their hits and introduce new music to audiences.

The event will feature both acoustic and full band performances from Nashville songwriters such as Chuck Cannon, Bob DiPiero, Rebecca Lynn Howard, Raul Malo, Lee Thomas Miller, Taylor Phillips, Liz Rose, Jeffrey Steele and Bridgette Tatum while prominent newcomers like Matt Castillo, Bre Kennedy, Jackson Nance, DJ Smoke and The Kentucky Gentlemen make their debut.

The festival will kick off with the official “Sunset Pier Kick Off Party” at the Ocean Key Resort & Spa on Wednesday (April 30), featuring Dylan Altman, Robert Randolph and Guthrie Trapp. On Thursday (May 1), Nate Smith will headline the Coffee Butler Amphitheater with support from Chase Matthew and the annual free block party at Main Stage Duval Street will be held on Saturday (May 3) with talent to be announced soon. “Sunday Songs: Music & Mimosas” at Williams Hall will make its return on the final day, Sunday (May 4), with additional performances to take place at the Key West Woman’s Club at Hellings Curry Museum and La Te Da, which will host intimate theater showcases.

This year’s new venues will include the Marquesa Hotel, The Alamo and Island Dogs, while Rams Head Southernmost Bar & Restaurant will serve as the event’s headquarters. Several established locations will also return, including 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,” shares Kyle Muehlhauser, owner of the Key West Songwriters Festival and Rams Head Presents.

Proceeds from the festival will benefit the BMI Foundation and the Michelle Foundation, a Key West-based nonprofit that helps children and families in need. Additional info on passes and ticketed shows at the Key West Theater and San Carlos Institute will be available here.

John Nix Arledge
Latest posts by John Nix Arledge (see all)