By Ken Paulson
“Good Vibrations” and “God Only Knows.”
“Angel From Montgomery” and “Sam Stone.”
“American Pie” and “Vincent.”
If the measure of a songwriting festival is the caliber of the songs it showcases, the 11th annual 30A Songwriters Festival is in an enviable position. The festival, which begins this Friday in Fort Walton, Florida, is being headlined by Brian Wilson, John Prine and Don McLean.
One of the joys of the 30A Songwriters Festival is always the range of talent it presents. There are dozens of both emerging and veteran artists who share one common trait: They’re all deserving of more attention than they currently enjoy.
At the other range of the fame spectrum are the writers whose work has made them household names. Joining Wilson, Prine and McLean are Tanya Tucker, the Indigo Girls and even Peter Noone and the current generation of Herman’s Hermits. It’s all a smart mix of thoughtful songwriting and joyous entertainment. (See Peter Noone.)
You’ll find the full line-up here, and tickets are still available here.