The annual celebrated Songwriters Festival made its round this year from May 1 to May 4. The main event, hosted at the Daytona State amphitheater on the Palm Coast campus, offered renovations, with a new road and an extended roof line, which offers more seats.
“Gary and I were at a pool party seven years ago,” said David Ayres. President and C.E.O of Flagler Radio. “We got our buddy to sing then we expanded, creating this and having more artist each year.”
On May 1, the Charity Event kicked off, sponsored by the Flagler County Education Foundation. Teresa Rizzo, Regional Literacy Director, explained her enthusiasm for the event. “We’re excited to raise some money tonight for those students and provide them with scholarships later,” she said. She was handed a $3,000 check for the nonprofit foundation.
The festival also included vendors from Chick-fil-A, TenneSteve Trash, Crazy Good Eats, and first-time vender, Toe Beans Coffee Bar.
Around 5 p.m. Kandi Lowe enthusiastically opened the night, introducing Ashley Estevez, a first-time singer at festival and Karen Staley, a returning singer, ready to spread some love to her fans. Estevez expressed admiration for Staley. “I feel excited,” Estevez said. “I was nervous for a few days but going up there felt natural, you know?”
Staley expressed her favorite part about the festival. “The fans,” she said. “Plus, we get bigger every year with better venues for everyone! It’s special times.”
The two artists were eventually joined by guitarist Kirk McKim. “Great people,” he said. “It’s awesome.”
Estevez and Staley left the stage around 6 pm. Lubi, Ayres and a few other sponsors engaged in a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the reopening of the amphitheater.
Ashely Estevez and Karen Staley starting the show with the first songs of the night. Then, the ribbon cutting!
Wynn Varble and Matt Alderman continued the show.
Both artists connected with each other perfectly, making the audience laugh and feel the emotion through their songs. Alderman made his appearance for the second time this year, urging people to “come to it next year.” Varble followed, “Don’t be dumb, get ya some,” getting some laughs from the crowd.
The night ended with three well-known artists, Josh Phillips, Brock Berryhill, and Michael Ray. The three friends roused the crowd while singing their hit songs and sharing the stories behind them.
Both Ray and Phillips had a positive experience at their first festival. Phillips’ wife Jordan agreed with her husband. “I’d say this has to be one of the best experiences that we’ve had at a songwriters festival,” they said.
Ray expressed admiration. “For these festivals to be happening, shining light on the songwriters is really cool,” he said. “You know without them there is no songs.”
Alongside the two first time artists, Berryhill makes his fifth appearance, playing his hit songs. He described the festival as, “such a spiritual experience.”
Wynn Varble alongside Matt Alderman, connecting with the crowd. Josh Philips, Brock Berryhill, and Michael Ray finishing the night
Palm Coast Sheriff Rick Stanley attended this year, rating it a “10/10, amazing event.”
As a night came to an end, Ray performed the last song of the night, “Whiskey and Rain,” which left the crowd in a sway, feeling the emotion behind every lyric.
Festival goer Kay West described the festival as “Badass,” and George Hanns said it was “An honor.”
Still not convinced to go next year?
I went to this festival with a couple of friends! So much fun, and I’ll definitely be in attendance next year.
Very well published post. This event sounds wonderful and is a good way to expose new and young songwriters to perform in front of a receiving audience.
Oh man, the songwriters festival seems right up my alley. I’ll be sure to check it out next time.
I cannot emphasize enough, go next year!! It was my first time this year and you’ve captured the beauty of it all.