Stinky’s Bait Shack is hosting the 13th Annual Swamp Writers Festival January 11-15, 2023. Featuring local favorites like the legendary Duke Bardwell, the micro-festival extends over five days with performances by more than a dozen musicians taking the stage at the famed Bait Shack on 30A. The Swamp Writers Festival is free and open to the public.The Swamp Writers Festival is an alternative to the 30A Songwriters Festival happening in our community over the same dates.
“We originally started this festival in response to our local musicians that were otherwise displaced during the week of the 30A Songwriters Festival. It’s their livelihood. Also, many locals couldn’t afford the ticket prices of the festival. We started a micro-festival of our own and named it The Swamp Writers Festival,” said Jim Richard, owner of Word of Mouth Restaurant Group.
Since inception, The Swamp Writers Festival has grown exponentially. Veteran professional musician Tim Jackson has played at The Swamp Writers Festival year after year. “To me this micro-festival is really cool. You see a similar type of smaller festivals within larger ones in major music cities like Austin’s South By Southwest. Its longevity and growth is a testament to the people who support local original live music,” said Jackson. Through the years of performances at The Swamp Writers Festival, many surprise artists take the stage with Jackson who has become a favorite co-writer for songwriters all over the country.
The Swamp Writers Festival is part of a year round commitment of supporting local musicians and rallying a community of music lovers. Another Word of Mouth Restaurant Group entity, Red Fish Taco, is an official stage for 30A Songwriters Festival. With over 30 venues for the xfestival, Red Fish Taco is one of the few offering a full menu and a full service bar.
“We love everything about this opportunity to serve our community and music lovers,” said Richard. “Our team is gearing up to make these festival days some of the most inspiring days of our lives.”
The Swamp Writers Festival 2023 Schedule:
Wednesday, January 11
7-9pm — Sara Jean Kelley & Austin Moody
Thursday, January 12
6-7:45pm Sara Jean Kelley & Austin Moody
8-10pm The Forrest Williams Band
Friday, January 13
5-7pm Duke Bardwell
7:30-9:30pm Dread Clampitt
10-12pm Dave Jordan
Saturday, January 14
3-5pm Sugarcane Jane
5:15-7:15pm Big Daddy O
7:30-9:30pm Dread Clampitt
Sunday, January 15
Sunday Brunch Live Music at Stinky’s Fish Camp
11 am – 2 pm The Steenos with John Reinlie
4-6pm Big Daddy O
6:30-8:30pm Sugarcane Jane
9pm-12am The Pickled Pickers
For more information about The Swamp Writers Festival please contact Stinky’s Bait Shack, (850) 622-2248. Hours of operation daily from 7 AM to 9 PM.
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Stinky’s Bait Shack 5994 W. Co. Hwy 30A - Dune Allen Details
