The 29th annual Key West Songwriters Festival, presented by BMI, brought five days of music, sunshine and storytelling to the island last week (April 30 – May 4), drawing song lovers from around the country to experience performances from more than 250 BMI multi-genre creators.

With support from the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association and Rams Head Presents, the sprawling event featured both free and ticketed shows across 50 stages—from hotel rooftops and beachside patios to beloved Key West bars—spotlighting everyone from veteran hitmakers to up-and-coming stars.

BMI songwriters kicked off their journey with a “Lift Off to the Kickoff” celebration in Delta’s Sky Club at BNA, as Delta Air Lines returned as the festival’s official airline. That evening, festivities officially began at the Ocean Key Resort & Spa with the “Sunset Pier Kick Off Party,” hosted by Storme Warren and featuring sets by DJ Smoke, Gable Bradley, Brian Fuller and an all-star band made up of Dylan Altman, Robert Randolph and Guthrie Trapp. Additional performances that night from Jordan Dozzi, Kylie Frey, Claudia Hoyser, Jenna LaMaster, Matt McKinney, Delaney Ramsdell, The Kentucky Gentlemen, Grace Tyler and Heath Warren packed local venues like Salty Frog’s, Island Dogs and The Alamo.

Thursday (May 1) brought rounds at the Southernmost Beach Resort, La Concha and the Marquesa Hotel, with performances from BMI affiliates including Sam Blasko, Parker Daniel, Raul Malo, Mia Mantia, Jake Mitchell, Blake Pendergrass, Becca Rae and Adam Sanders. One of the day’s highlights was the return of “Liz Rose & Friends” to Blue Heaven, with Rose sharing the stage with Johnny Clawson, Cassidy Daniels, Lauren McLamb, Lee Thomas Miller, Heath Warren and others. At the Coffee Butler Amphitheater, fans took in sets from Chase Matthew and Nate Smith, before heading to The Backyard Bar for the “HD Radio Late Night Hang” featuring The Band Loula and The Brummies.

The party continued Friday (May 2) at Rams Head Southernmost Bar & Restaurant, the event’s home base, with rounds throughout the day as part of the “Lewis Brisbois Presents: Hometown Pub Takeover.” Performers included Cole Goodwin, Joey Hyde, Brooke Lee, Matt Morrisey, Lenny Pey and Rob Ragosta. Elsewhere around town, festivalgoers attended “Coffee, Concert and Conversation” with Jeffrey Steele and saw acts like Lewis Brice, Bob DiPiero, Alison Nichols, Schmitty and Craig Wiseman at iconic venues including the Curry Mansion, Sloppy Joe’s and Schooner Wharf Bar. That evening, the Key West Theater hosted a sold-out show presented by The Texas Heritage Songwriters Association, with Palmer Anthony, Abbey Cabler, Matt Castillo, David Lee, Bobby Pinson, Morgan Lee Powers and Liz Rose taking the stage.

On Saturday (May 3), the Key West Woman’s Club returned for a second year with hourly songwriter rounds at the Hellings Curry Museum. Featured performers included Gloria Anderson, Sheena Brooke, Allie Colleen, Danielle Johnson and Bridgette Tatum. Later that night, crowds filled Duval Street for a free outdoor show from Thomas Edwards and headliners LoCash. Simultaneously, the San Carlos Institute welcomed a stacked lineup of veteran writers including Marti Frederiksen, Elisha Hoffman, Rebecca Lynn Howard, Tommy Sims and James Slater.

The festival closed out Sunday (May 4) with “Sunday Songs: Music & Mimosas” at Williams Hall, where Ronnie Bowman, Chuck Cannon, Elisha Hoffman, Rebecca Lynn Howard, Tommy Sims, Robert Randolph, The Band Loula and BMI’s Shannon Sanders performed beloved gospel songs. That evening, the “All Star Encore” at the Key West Theater brought the celebration to a close with appearances from Ronnie Bowman, Adam Craig, Jet Harvey, Paul Jenkins, Jay Knowles, Jim McCormick and Aaron Raitiere.

Proceeds from the festival benefit Michelle’s Foundation, a Key West-based nonprofit supporting children and families in need. Additional funds support CreatiVets, which helps U.S. military veterans process trauma through music and the arts.

Sponsors for the 29th annual Key West Songwriters Festival include Delta Air Lines, Gallagher, HD Radio and Texas Roadhouse.

Miranda Lambert Fires Up ‘Kerosene’ On American Idol

Miranda Lambert served as a guest mentor and also delivered a fiery performance in celebration of the 20th anniversary of her breakthrough hit “Kerosene” this week on American Idol during the Top 10 episode. She brought her signature authenticity and sharp musical instincts to Idol rehearsals this week, offering guidance and encouragement to each of the 10 remaining hopefuls.

She’ll perform on this week’s ACM Awards, airing live on Prime Video on May 8, and is also set to join Morgan Wallen for several stadium dates of his upcoming “I’m The Problem Tour.”

 

Kane Brown Fools Kip Moore On Latest Episode of PrankU

Kip Moore was the latest target on the hit digital comedy series PrankU. This week, fans get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at how the prank was pulled off, with a little help from Kane Brown, who joins in as an accomplice. In the full episode airing last week, Moore’s friend Graham convinces him to climb through a window into what they believe is their locked Airbnb. But in reality, it’s the wrong house—and the “real” homeowner is not happy. With hidden cameras rolling, Moore walks right into one of the most unexpected moments of the season. The Kip Moore episode is part of PrankU’s country music takeover, following a recent prank on Thomas Rhett earlier this month, and leading into next week’s debut featuring Dustin Lynch.

 

Justin Moore’s Golf Classic Raises Over $475k For St. Jude

Justin Moore recently hosted his fifth annual Justin Moore St. Jude Golf Classic at the Pleasant Valley Country Club in Little Rock. The star-studded, sold-out event raised $477,000+ in support of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and its lifesaving mission. Across two days, Moore was joined by an all-star lineup of players and special guests at the tourney, including fellow country artists and entertainers such as retired Major League Baseball (MLB) pitcher Adam Wainwright, Miss Arkansas 2025 Camille Cathey, Miss Northeast Arkansas Brooke Caraway and more. Since its inception, the tournament has now raised more than $2,000,000 for St. Jude.

 

Lauren Daigle Shines At BrightStone’s 2nd Annual Night Full Of Stars Benefit

Lauren Daigle headlined BrightStone’s second annual A Night Full of Stars benefit event, filling Liberty Hall at The Factory at Franklin to capacity on April 28. BrightStone is a nonprofit that provides job training, life-long learning, and residential opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and  the sold-out evening celebrated and supported adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities through an inspiring night of music, community, and heartfelt performances and also featured the BrightStone Show Choir.

One of the most memorable moments of the evening came when brothers Jack Rubin, a BrightStone student, and Carter Rubin, Season 19 winner of NBC’s The Voice, performed a duet of “If I Didn’t Have You.” Carter, who captivated the nation as a 15-year-old on The Voice, famously performed Daigle’s “You Say” during his knockout round, making it all the more meaningful for the brothers to share the stage on a night where Daigle herself was performing.

 

Ernest Performs At WURTH 400 NASCAR Cup Series Race

Ernest recently brought his boot-stomping energy to the race track at the WÜRTH 400 NASCAR Cup Series race at the Texas Motor Speedway on May 4. He performed hits from his albums Flower Shops (The Album) and Nashville, Tennessee right before the race, which was his first time attending and performing at a NASCAR race. The concert was the first show in the Busch Light Summer Music Series, which features five free pre-race country music performances designed to bring fans closer to the artists they love at NASCAR events all summer long.

 

The BoykinZ Join War And Treaty In The ATL

Country sister quartet The BoykinZ opened for duo War and Treaty last Friday (May 2) at Buckhead Theatre in Atlanta, marking a hometown debut for the act. Signed to QC Music, The BoykinZ are expected to release their first EP later this year.

Producer and composer Fred Mollin‘s new book Unplugged will be released on May 11.

With a career spanning decades, Mollin’s work producing iconic music and composing for film and TV makes him a natural storyteller. He has collaborated over the years with icons including Billy Joel, Jimmy Webb, Johnny Mathis, Kris Kristofferson, Linda Ronstadt and Michael McDonald. In his new book, he draws upon his wide variety of experiences, including producing the Dan Hill hit “Sometimes When We Touch” and composing for Beverly Hills, 90210, offering readers a unique glimpse behind the scenes of the entertainment industry. Mollin has produced albums for a wide range of artists, including Jimmy Webb, Johnny Mathis, Billy Ray Cyrus and America, as well as the Disney Lullaby Album series.

Unplugged delves into Mollin’s creative process, his collaborations with renowned artists, and his unique perspective on the evolution of music and entertainment. The memoir is a must-read for music enthusiasts and anyone intrigued by the inner workings of the industry, providing a journey through Mollin’s notable career.

“After a lifetime immersed in music across various roles and genres, I wanted to capture my journey with a memoir,” Molin tells MusicRow. “My book takes the reader behind studio doors, sharing stories of collaborations with remarkable artists and my experiences scoring film and television. It also offers an insider’s perspective on the music business and how to navigate it. My story is a great deal about passion and perseverance in the world of recorded music. I hope it inspires anyone considering a creative life.”

MerleFest wrapped up its 37th annual celebration April 24-27 with a roaring tribute to the music and community that folk icon Doc Watson championed throughout his life.

Nearly 100 acts from rising stars to legends graced twleve across the campus of Wilkes Community College over the course of four days, drawing thousands. Among the Thursday performers were The SteelDrivers, Wyatt Flores, Brent Cobb, The Dead South and Donna the Buffalo kicking off the weekend with heart, energy, and the signature sense of community.

On Friday, Jim Lauderdale and The Gamechangers opened the day on the Creekside Stage, while Big Richard rocked the Americana Stage, followed by Tony Trischka’s EarlJam, who took fans on a journey through bluegrass history. The War and Treaty delivered a Watson Stage performance, leading into a set from I’m With Her. Bonnie Raitt captivated the audience, before the Late Night Jam hosted by Sam Bush brought a star-studded roster of pickers together for an unforgettable session.

Saturday opened with Denitia, followed by the reveal of Band Competition winners Mama & The Ruckus. Alison Brown and The Fretliners brought their sets to the Traditional Stage. Christina Vane stormed the Dance Stage, while The Waybacks’ annual “Album Hour” reimagined The Rolling Stones’ Let it Bleed. As evening set in, Sam Bush lit up the Watson Stage, paving the way for The Avett Brothers’ high-energy performance. Scythian wrapped the night on the Dance Stage.

The festival’s final day kicked off with a sing-along led by Josh Goforth and Laura Boosinger. The Jeff Little Trio honored Doc Watson with heartfelt gospel songs at Creekside, followed by The Secret Sisters’ on the Hillside Stage. Leftover Salmon got the Watson Stage crowd moving, while Wayne Henderson & Friends showcased at the Traditional Stage. Watchhouse closed out MerleFest 2025 set, wrapping up a weekend full of music, community and memories.