America's Chart-Topping Songwriters To Star At Key West Festival

(Nashville, TN) — More than 125 chart-topping songwriters are to perform their hit songs and preview new melodies in Key West, FL on Key West stages during the 13th annual Hog's Breath Key West Songwriters' Festival presented by Cherry Heart Music, scheduled Wednesday, April 30, through Sunday, May 4. "We are so proud to be the very first 'presenting sponsor' for this great event, and we're honored to help carry on a grand Key West tradition," says Gratton Stephens, President and CEO of Cherry Heart Music.

Shows are to be staged at intimate, audience-friendly tropical resorts, waterfront taverns and other sites where music lovers can meet the writers of their favorite hits and learn the stories behind the songs. The 2008 schedule also features a rocking "big stage" outdoor show just off Key West's famed Duval Street.

The 2008 roster of performers is headed by unparalleled Texas singer/songwriter Robert Earl Keen; former Mavericks frontman Raul Malo, renowned for his rich, fluid tenor; Jeffrey Steele, whose award-winning cuts include "What Hurts the Most" by Rascal Flatts; Scotty Emerick, who has penned such smashes as "I'm Just Talkin' About Tonight" and "As Good As I Once Was" for Toby Keith; Lee Brice, whose hits include Garth Brooks' "More Than a Memory"; Keith Follese, winner of multiple awards for gems like Faith Hill's "The Way You Love Me"; Chuck Cannon, who co-wrote "How Do You Like Me Now?" and "American Soldier" with Toby Keith; and Don Schlitz, whose first cut in a meteoric writing career was "The Gambler" recorded by Kenny Rogers.

Festival organizers work with international performing rights organizations BMI, ASCAP, and SESAC to bring these stellar songwriters to Key West stages. Many writers return year after year, drawn by the island city's easygoing atmosphere, warm weather, lively creative climate and the chance to perform their tunes for appreciative audiences.

The 2008 festival is to kick off with a 6 p.m. show Wednesday, April 30, with the Copyright Exchange VIP Kick-off Party at the Top of the Crowne Plaza La Concha, 430 Duval St., followed by an 8 p.m. concert on the beach at the Pier House Resort and Caribbean Spa, 1 Duval St., with the action moving at 10 p.m. to Conch Republic Seafood Co., 631 Greene St.

The schedule for the following three days includes eight to 12 performances and jam sessions per day, each featuring multiple writers. Events are to culminate in two shows Sunday, May 4.

New in 2008 is a rollicking festival-style concert set for 9 p.m. Saturday, May 3, in the parking lot of the Hog's Breath Saloon, 400 Front St., starring the Jeffrey Steele Band. A recording artist as well as a first-rate songwriter, Steele was bassist and lead singer for the California group Boy Howdy before relocating to Nashville. His albums include "Gold, Platinum, No Chrome, More Steele" and "Hell on Wheels."

Musical rhythms will be echoed by the rhythm of the waves Friday and Saturday nights. At 6 p.m., selected songwriters and their fans are scheduled to depart on the Fury Catamaran for performances set against the backdrop of a renowned Key West sunset. To purchase tickets for the sunset sailing excursions, call (877) 994-8898.

Other schedule highlights include Thursday and Friday night's 8 p.m. concerts in the upstairs Writer's Room at Hog's Breath Saloon and 9 p.m. theater-style shows at Key West's Tropic Cinema, 416 Eaton St. Each concert features festival headliners sharing the stage in an intimate format reminiscent of Nashville's famous listening rooms.

While the Writer's Room shows already are sold out, tickets can be purchased for the Tropic Cinema performances by calling (305) 296-4222.

Admission to most other performances is free of charge.

Visit Key West Songwriters Festival online