The 30A Songwriters Festival announced a new partnership with the Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP). The agreement includes on-site support, marketing and artist relations for the 2013 event.

“There will be hundreds of artists and fans who will fly into Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport between now and especially the week of the Festival,” said Russell Carter, CAA Board Member and Festival producer. “We want everyone to feel that the fun and music begins as soon as they land in Panama City Beach and ECP is partnering with us to ensure that happens.”

As part of the partnership, ECP in Panama City Beach will include an exhibit within the airport, featuring original festival stage artwork created by local artists. The one-of-a-kind stage backdrops showcase the diverse artistic talent in Northwest Florida, along with celebrating music and the beauty of South Walton and Highway 30A. In addition, a 30A Songwriters Festival banner will be hung in a high traffic location, and the music of featured artists will be played over the airport’s sound system. As an added benefit, the airport will announce artists as they arrive at the airport, and also welcome them via Facebook and Twitter. In return, ECP will have will have a strong presence at the Festival and will be recognized as a stage sponsor.

“This is a winning partnership for both organizations,” said John Wheat, Airport Executive Director. “Showcasing the airport and arts community to the artists, guests, and passengers arriving to and departing from Northwest Florida will make a lasting impression.”

Programming for the Festival includes over 200 music concerts featuring 125 songwriters in 25 venues along Highway 30A. Headliners for the 2013 Festival include Lucinda Williams, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Shawn Mullins, Suzanne Vega, Fastball, Nanci Griffith, Tift Merritt, Will Kimbrough and many more.

Festival weekend passes can be purchased at www.30asongwritersfestival.com.