It was another great trip out to the annual 30a Songwriter Festival in Seaside, Florida.
The Hearts Bluff team spent three days at the festival where we were pleased to sponsor The Boathouse stage. The space was cool, and the vibe and writers were fantastic.
Brian White, Karen, and Peter Sallis at The Boathouse
The Boathouse’s first round featured Brian White, his wife Karyn Williams, and Pete Sallis. Hallelujah! It was an inspirational round, followed by the hilarious masters of word play, David Olney and Tommy Womack. The night was finished up with a round of high class musicianship with David Ryan Harris and Randall Bramblett treating the crowd to some beautifully written pieces.
Elsewhere on Friday we were able to check out Daphne Willis at Caliza, and the Susanna Hoffs show at Fish Out of Water.
Teddy Gentry, Lenny, Joanna Cotton, and Greg Barnhill at Rep
We stopped by Rep to watch our friends Greg Barnhill and Joanna Cotten play with Lenny LeBlanc and Teddy Gentry. Greg played his Trisha Yearwood classic “Walkaway Joe.” Joanna followed with a hilarious and powerful number called “Time’ll Get Her.” Lenny sang his hit “Falling” and Teddy got the whole audience feeling emotional by performing the Alabama song, “Alabama’s My Home.” The crowd was so silent and enthralled you could hear a pin drop.
Both nights ended at the ASCAP-sponsored after-party at V Seagrove. It was a great atmosphere to mingle and say hello to friends from ASCAP, fellow sponsor Suntrust Bank, and many of the 30a songwriters themselves.
Saturday was another beautiful day at the outdoor venue Lyceeum. Matthew Sweet and the Bangles rocked out to a huge crowd. Yes, everyone still knows how to “Walk Like An Egyptian.”
Saturday night at the Boathouse, our very own Scott and Caryl Parker kicked off the first round. They debuted a number called “Say When” – a cool perspective on the similarities of Jesus and Bartender… would’ve thought?! Scott and Caryl’s daughter Jessie – an extremely talented singer/songwriter just making her way into the Nashville music scene – was invited up to play one of her own songs, “I-40 Mountain Spine.” There were also great performances by current Grammy Nominee Eric Brace and Tommy Womack.
Jessie Parker, Eric Brace, and Tommy Womack at The Boathouse
The next round featured a harmonious husband and wife duo who call themselves The Honey Dewdrops. A folksy round followed featuring another husband and wife duo called Over the Rhine, and Mary Gauthier accompanied by the amazing violinist Tania Elizabeth. Once again, the crowd was absolutely silent, hanging on every word.
Over The Rhine, Tania Elizabeth, and Mary Gauthier at The Boathouse
Sunday came all too soon, but the festival went out with a bang. At the outdoor venue Gulf Place, we caught two legends onstage, Rodney Crowell and Sam Bush.
The Sam Bush Band
- Scott and Caryl kicked out the final evening at the boat house. Joining them was the fabulous Suzi Ragsdale, and the next round was a one man show featuring the great Jeff Black. The final Boathouse round featured three guys who are no strangers to country radio – Billy Montana, Joe Leathers, and Kyle Jacobs.
Caryl and Scott with Billy Montana, Joe Leathers, and Kyle Jacobs
To cap off a great weekend, we attended the final show at Caliza to watch Shawn Mullins and Chuck Cannon bring the house down. It was there that we met the man who organized the festival – Russel Carter. It was great to congratulate him on a job well done, and to say thanks for making it so rewarding to be a sponsor of the festival.
Three days really flew by, but we really enjoyed our time at the 30a Songwriter Festival. We mingled with old friends and made some great new ones. Every minute was a treat and we can’t wait to go back next year!
