🎤 Key West Songwriters Festival – Opening Night at Key West Theater (April 29, 2026)

 

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The Stories Behind the Songs Begin Here

The 30th Anniversary of the Key West Songwriters Festival kicks off in unforgettable fashion on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, with an intimate “Songwriters in the Round” performance at the iconic Key West Theater.

This is where the magic starts.

Before the big stages, before the Duval crowds… this is the moment where raw talent, real stories, and the soul of Nashville songwriting take center stage.

🎶 8:00 PM – Songwriters in the Round

This exclusive theater show brings together some of the most exciting voices in modern country and Americana songwriting:

• Taylor Phillips
• Ashley Cooke
• Tyler Reeve
• James Slater
• Aaron Raitiere
• Thomas Edwards

These aren’t just performers—they’re the creators behind chart-topping hits and rising country anthems.

Expect a true “in-the-round” experience:

• Artists seated together on stage
• Trading songs and stories
• Breaking down the meaning behind the music
• Spontaneous collaborations you won’t hear anywhere else

This format is what makes the festival legendary—and why fans return year after year.

🌴 Opening Night Energy in Key West

The Key West Songwriters Festival has grown into one of the most respected songwriting events in the country, bringing 200+ hitmakers and emerging artists to the island for five days of music.

And it all begins right here.

Opening night blends:

• Theater-quality sound in an intimate setting
• First-look performances from rising stars
• Veteran songwriters with decades of hits
• That unmistakable Key West energy—laid-back, yet electric

With performers like Ashley Cooke featured across festival stages this year, the depth of talent is undeniable.

🎟️ Why This Show Matters

If you’re planning to experience the festival, this is one of the most important nights to attend:

• ✔️ Kicks off the entire festival atmosphere
• ✔️ Most intimate songwriter experience of the week
• ✔️ Hear songs before they hit radio
• ✔️ Up-close access to Nashville’s creative core

This is where casual listeners become lifelong fans.

🔥 Insider Tip

Opening night shows at the Key West Theater are known to sell out early, especially during milestone years like the 30th anniversary.

👉 Secure Your Seats for Wednesday Night

🌅 Set the Tone for the Week

From this first note on April 29, the island transforms into a living soundtrack—spilling into waterfront stages, Duval Street pop-ups, and late-night songwriter sessions.

But it all starts here…
In a theater.
With a guitar.
And a story.

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