Home to beautiful beaches, a subtropical climate, and numerous nature preserves, The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel, is the ideal spot to kick-off your next adventure.
The 2017 Island Hopper Songwriter Fest will go on as planned... because nothing stops the music! We are thankful that our destination was spared the worst of Hurricane Irma. Our hearts go out to those affected by the storm, and we wish everyone a safe and speedy recovery. Island Hopper brings with it the healing power of music to uplift and unite our community, and it could not come at a better time.
The festival is the go-to live music event in Southwest Florida, and it takes place September 22 through October 1, 2017. The festival kicks off an Captiva Island (Septemebr 22-24), moves to downtown Fort Myers (September 25-28), and finishes on Fort Myers Beach (September 29-October 1). This year’s event features 159 live performances by 85 singer-songwriters at intimate venues. Performances will take place at 24 venues, and the majority of the shows are free to enter. Now in its fourth year, this award-winning festival features nationally acclaimed singer-songwriters brought to The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel by BMI & iHeart Radio. Featured songwriters include Brooke Eden, Lindsay Ell, and RaeLynn!
From enjoying a concert outdoors on the beach to listening to music in a cozy venue with great food, this event has a unique experience for every audiophile. We interviewed Joshua Lambert, a representative for the event, to learn more about this singer-songwriter showcase.
RAL: What makes this event unique?
JL: What’s unique about this event is the quality of songwriters. The songwriters have written hits for Miranda Lambert, Jason Aldean, Rascal Flats, The Band Perry, Tim McGraw, George Strait, Brett Young, Little Big Town, etc. It’s a great experience listening to the stories behind your favorite songs.
RAL: Take me through a day at the event.
JL: Please see the schedule page of our website for a full festival schedule.
RAL: Will there be any guest appearances?
JL: This year’s headliners include Lindsay Ell, Brooke Eden, and RaeLynn. Ell and Eden will perform at Pinchers Crab Shack at The Marina at Edison Ford on September 27. Ell has opened for The Band Perry and Luke Bryan and is currently on tour with Brad Paisley. The Canadian Country Music Association recently nominated Ell for Female Artist of the Year. Her debut single, “Worth the Wait,” was recently released in the U.S. Eden is a Florida native and graduate of the University of Florida. She has opened for Alan Jackson, Brooks & Dunn, Sugarland, and Florida Georgia Line. Billboard Music recognized Eden as a “fiery country star-in-the-making.” Some of her accolades include being identified as an Amazon Music Artist to watch. Vogue Magazine called her one of the “10 Country ‘It’ Girls,” and she’s one of “CMT’s Next Women of Country.”
Nashville hit-maker RaeLynn joins the festival as a headliner on Fort Myers Beach. She will be singing at the Pink Shell Beach Resort and Marina on Sunday, October 1. RaeLynn’s top hits include “God Made Girls” and “Love Triangle.” “God Made Girls” was a Top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and a Top 20 hit on the Billboard Country Airplay chart. Raelynn has also worked with some superstars in country music. She performed “Lie,” co-written by Miranda Lambert. She also sang background vocals for Blake Shelton’s “Boys ’Round Here,” which peaked at No. 16 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart.
RAL: Are there any lodging specials that are set up specifically for the event?
JL: We have 28 lodging partners for the festival throughout Lee County. Some are closer to venues than others, so it depends on if the guest is looking for an island getaway, inland hotel, or beach resort. Follow the link for more information.
For more information about the Island Hopper Songwriters Fest, please visit the event website.