The 9th annual 30A Songwriters Festival has just announced their headliners and their supporting lineup for their 2018 Festival in South Walton County. Amongst the headliners which will perform on the main stage from January 12th through 15th are: Emmylou Harris, Steve Earle, The Zombies, Patty Griffin, Lee Ann Womack, North Mississippi Allstars, Emily Saliers (Indigo Girls) and Charles Kelley (Lady Antebellum).

Of the headliners, five in particular stand out. Emmylou Harris is a 13 time Grammy award winner known for her innovative country songs. Steve Earle, one of Harris’ songwriters, also wrote for the likes of Johnny Cash, Joan Baez and Waylon Jennings. The Zombies were one of the first bands to steal radio play during the British invasion. Patty Griffin is well-known for her pioneering Americana style. Lastly, Lee Ann Womack has won a multitude of awards for her hit single “I Hope You Dance,” and plans on releasing her seventh studio album this October.

There are a total of 225 performers, and 175 songwriters that will be present at the 25 total venues along Florida’s picturesque 30A highway. Concerts will be help in amphitheater, town halls, restaurants, theaters, bars, and patios in the area. Some venues will be intimate with as low as 75 seats while others will hold up to 5,000 guests.

The Festival is presented by Cultural Arts Alliance. CAA is a non profit organization that supports the arts in the local Walton county community. The proceeds of the festival will help CAA continue to support local culture. Members get a 10 percent discount on tickets and access to an exclusive performance on January 10th.  In addition VIP ticket holders will be welcomed to two four course dinner with special unannounced musical guests. They will also have access to the complementary VIP food and beverage tent, premium seating for Grand Boulevard headline shows, transportation and a night at the local Grayton Beer Company.

NPR’s Folk Alley and ASCAP will be present to host multimedia events such as interviews, broadcasted performances, and artist parties.

More information on purchasing VIP passes, becoming a member and buying tickets can be found on the Festival’s website. Tickets start at $255 and can be purchased online or locally in South Walton at various locations.

photo credit: Raymond Flotat