#ArtMatters Issue 2 - 2023 30A Songwriters Festival Program

Hello Music Friends and Welcome to

the 14th annual 30a songwriters festival

We first and foremost thank the 175+ artists who graciously give their time and talent to make the 30A Songwriters Festival the one-of-a-kind music festival that it is.

A special thanks goes out to our many sponsors, lodging partners, venue partners, and advertisers that enthusiastically partner with the Festival each year. They are highlighted throughout the program. Please show your support to these restaurants and businesses that support the arts!

Thanks to the incredibly dedicated festival staff that work tirelessly to make this event the best that it can possibly be; you are greatly appreciated.

Sincere gratitude goes out to the hundreds of volunteers that help out each yearthis event truly would not happen without you.

Thanks to all of you who have purchased tickets and traveled from all over the country to hear some of the best music in the world.

Thank you for supporting the CAA and the Arts in Walton County! we wish you all the best this weekend and in 2023!

Russell Carter and Jennifer Steele, festival producers

Jennifer Steele, Mavis Staples and Russell Carter – 30A Songwriters Festival 2022. Photo by Rick Diamond

the cultural arts alliance of walton county makes an ongoing effort to ensure all its programs are compliant with the americans with disabilities act. through

to anyone who would like to participate.

Paradise has arrived ON

THE EMERALD COAST

Thanks to these local, regional and national photographers & visual artists for sharing their talent with all of us by capturing and enhancing the 30A Songwriters Festival since 2010.

2023 sponsors

Many thanks to our wonderful partners!

2023 lodging partners

Where to stay...

A new home designed around you, with a backyard for parties and fun. Plus, a new amenity center ready to enjoy life without leaving the neighborhood. The Gathering Place clubhouse features a resort-style pool and sundeck, state-of-the-art fitness center, tennis courts and event lawn. Our gated community is just a short bike ride or drive to the activities and adventure awaiting you at 30A and the Emerald Coast. NatureWalk by Kolter Homes is outside the ordinary, and open daily for you to explore.

Jamey

Twinkle

Kelli

Jerry

Kitty

Emmye

Nancy Anson

Katie and James Ambrose

Kim and Tim Beckman

Tracey and Van Beckwith

Bowen and Norman Wells

Margaret Bush and Nicole McCain

Billy and Kelly Buzzett

Debbie Campbell

Rob Cathcart and Melissa Moore

Joyce and Tom Clark

Daniel and Willie Smith Suzi and Chip Fife

Kristen and Trey Freeman Mimi and Mike Gavigan

Andrea Gerrity

Mickey and Tim Haddican Catherine and Bob Hansell Kelly and JP Hayes Andi and Ken Johnson

Bridget and Ryan Keepman

Lynn and Kevin Kirby Lesa and Carl Klein

Stan Kulik and Mari Wallace Sandy and Rich Laws Mary Lostak

Becky and Buddy McGee Lee Melody Massey

The McClendon Family Cindy and Ray McConnell

Grif and Erin McKowen

Lee and Donna Merkel

Shannon and Mitch Metz Judy and Jon Miller

Cheryl and Doug Moodie Preston and Christina Morelock Gerri and Mark Mosholder Amy Nageotte Laura and Bill Nelson

Brad Pittenger

Melissa Pratt Cathy and Doug Quigley

Stephony Robinson

Janet and Eric Slusser

Jennifer and William Royce Smith

and Rob Smithmier

Steele and Josephine Aultman Thomas Steele

Amy and Jeff Stevenson

Janet and Cole Taylor

Taylor, Grayton Coast Properties

Debbie and Jim Tyson

Elaine and Alan Vilines

and Rip Walker Ann and Chad Wischmeyer Scott White

to the generous individuals who open their homes to our visiting songwriters!

2023 venue guide

– miramar beach –

hilton sandestin beach golf resort & spa 4000 SANDESTIN BLVD SOUTH | SANDESTIN IN MIRAMAR BEACH 850.267.3076 FOOD SERVED | FULL BAR hotel effie - lobby bar 1 GRAND SANDESTIN BLVD | SANDESTIN IN MIRAMAR BEACH 855.434.1908

FOOD SERVED | FULL BAR hyatt place bar 325 GRAND BOULEVARD | MIRAMAR BEACH 850.650.7611

FOOD SERVED | FULL BAR

grand boulevard, north park 585 GRAND BOULEVARD IN MIRAMAR BEACH 850.837.3099 | GRANDBOULEVARD.COM Stage Sponsored by Centennial Bank and Silver Sands Premium Outlets VIP Experience Sponsored by Hayden Outdoors Real Estate

– blue mountain beach–red fish taco 2052 W. COUNTY HWY 30A IN REDFISH VILLAGE BLUE MOUNTAIN BEACH 850.830.5376

FOOD SERVED | FULL BAR Stage Sponsored by American Songwriter

– santa rosa beach –north beach social 24200 US HWY 331 SOUTH 850.622.8110 | NORTHBEACH.SOCIAL FOOD SERVED | FULL BAR “Late Checkout Party” Venue

the bay 24215 US HWY 331 SOUTH 850.622.2291 | BAYSOUTHWALTON.COM FOOD SERVED | FULL BAR “Late Checkout Party” Venue

– grayton beach –hibiscus

85 DEFUNIAK STREET | GRAYTON BEACH 850.231.2733 | HIBISCUSFLORIDA.COM FOOD SERVED | WINE & BEER Stage Sponsored by First National Bank

aj’s grayton beach (2 stages) 63 DEFUNIAK STREET | GRAYTON BEACH 850.231.4102 | AJSGRAYTON.COM FOOD SERVED | FULL BAR 21+ AFTER 10PM beach camp brewpub 170 E CO. HWY 30A | GRAYTON BEACH 850.213.4000 | BEACHCAMPBEER.COM FOOD SERVED | FULL BAR

– watercolor –fish out of water (foow) 34 GOLDENROD CIRCLE | WATERCOLOR 850.534.5050 | WATERCOLORRESORT.COM FOOD SERVED | FULL BAR Stage Sponsored by Heart’s Bluff Music Publishing

30a beach happy cafe 4 WATERCOLOR BLVD S. 101C | WATERCOLOR 850.399.4028 | BEACHHAPPYCAFE.COM FOOD SERVED | WINE & BEER

watercolor boathouse 238 WATERCOLOR BLVD | WATERCOLOR WATERCOLORRESORT.COM FOOD SERVED | FULL BAR Stage Sponsored by The Sound Wall

watercolor lakehouse 238 WATERCOLOR BLVD | WATERCOLOR WATERCOLORRESORT.COM FOOD SERVED | FULL BAR Stage Sponsored by ASCAP

PARK & RIDE FROM SILVER SANDS PREMIUM OUTLETS

more than 175+ artists, 225 performances, and 30 music venues

– seaside –bud & alley’s

2236 E. COUNTY HWY 30A | SEASIDE 850.231.5900 | BUDANDALLEYS.COM FOOD SERVED | FULL BAR Stage Sponsored by Fisher’s Flowers

the rep theatre 216 QUINCY CIR | SEASIDE 850.231.0733 | LOVETHEREP.COM WINE AND BEER Stage Sponsored by Seaside Community Development Corporation

central square records

89 CENTRAL SQUARE | SEASIDE 850.231.5669 | CENTRALSQUARERECORDS.COM COFFEE AND BEER – seagrove –corcoran-reverie 4042 E. CO. HWY. 30A | SEAGROVE 850.231.5030 | CORCORANREVERIEPROPERTIES.COM SPECIAL EVENT VENUE | FOOD SERVED | BEER & WINE old florida fish house (2 stages) 5235 E. COUNTY HWY 30A | SEAGROVE 850.534.3045 | OLDFLORIDAFISHHOUSE.COM

FOOD SERVED | FULL BAR

– watersound –

the big chill (formerly the hub) 6910 E CO. HWY 30A | WATERSOUND 850.213.0782 | HUB30A.COM

FOOD SERVED | FULL BAR

the pavilion at watersound® town center

85 ORIGINS MAIN STREET | WATERSOUND ORIGINS WATERSOUND.COM

FOOD TRUCKS | FULL BAR Stage Sponsored by Capital City Bank grayton beer company tap room

FRIDAY NIGHT SPECIAL EVENT ONLY 217 SERENOA RD. | SOUTH WALTON COMMERCE PARK OFF HWY 98 850.231.4786 | GRAYTONBEER.COM

BEER INCLUDED WITH TICKET PURCHASE. FOOD SERVED | BEER

– alys beach –

raw & juicy

147 WEST LA GARZA LANE | ALYS BEACH 850.909.0230 | RAWANDJUICYLIFE.COM FOOD SERVED | FULL BAR Stage Sponsored by Capital City Bank caliza 23 NONESUCH WAY | ALYS BEACH 850.213.5700 | CALIZARESTAURANT.COM

FOOD SERVED | FULL BAR Stage Sponsored by Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport

– seacrest –la co (latin coastal kitchen) 10343 E. CO. HWY 30A | SEACREST 850.231.4021 | LACO30A.COM

FOOD SERVED | FULL BAR Stage Sponsored by National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA)

– rosemary beach –rosemary beach town hall SOUTH BARRETT SQUARE | ROSEMARY BEACH ROSEMARYBEACH.COM

FOOD SERVED | WINE & BEER Stage Sponsored by Rosemary Beach Realty | The Smith Collective

havana beach bar & grill at the pearl hotel 63 MAIN STREET | ROSEMARY BEACH 850.588.2881 | THEPEARLRB.COM FOOD SERVED | FULL BAR

music

venues are listed from west to east in walton county.

The Venue Map is located on pages 21 & 22.

ROSEMARY BEACH TOWN HALL HAVANA BEACH BAR & GRILL AT THE PEARL

The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County makes an ongoing e ort to ensure all its programs are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Through the e orts of our accessibility committee using ADA self-evaluation, checklists, and guidelines, the CAA is focused on making its programs open and accessible to anyone who would like to participate.

Please call 850-622-5970 for more information or to request accommodation.

FREE WIFI

Oh the places you’ll go with free Wi-Fi and remote printing from everywhere. Plus, enjoy free public computers with high-speed internet access.

ROOMY ROOMS

Rooms should always feel, well, roomy, and we made no exception here with space to work, play, or get that much-needed rest and relaxation.

FITNESS CENTER

Recharge at our 24-hour Fitness Center featuring cardio equipment with LCD touchscreens and free ear buds or make a splash in our outdoor pool.

THE MARKET

Savor freshly prepared meals any time, day or night, or enjoy perfectly packaged bowls, boards, and salads from our 24/7 Market.

2023 headliners

A singer, composer and actor, Lyle Lovett has broadened the definition of American music in a career that spans 14 albums. Coupled with his gift for storytelling, the Texas-based musician fuses elements of country, swing, jazz, folk, gospel and blues in a conventiondefying manner that breaks down barriers. Whether touring as a ‘Duo’ or with his ‘Acoustic Group’ or his ‘Large Band,’ Lovett’s live performances show not only the breadth of this Texas legend’s deep talents, but also the diversity of his influences, making him one of the most compelling and captivating musicians in popular music. Since his self-titled debut in 1986, Lyle Lovett has evolved into one of music’s most vibrant and iconic performers. Among his many accolades, besides the four Grammy Awards, he was given the Americana Music Association’s inaugural Trailblazer Award, and was named Texas State Musician. His works, rich and eclectic, are some of the most beloved of any artist working today.

The Gin Blossoms have undoubtedly left their mark on the Rock music map. The Grammy nominated band’s fusion of Melodic Rock, Pop, Folk and Country elements has helped pave the way for the modern Rock of today. Fans around the world are very familiar with Gin Blossoms’ five-time Platinum breakthrough album New Miserable Experience, containing gems like “Until I Fall Away,” “Found Out About You,” “Hey Jealousy” and “Allison Road.” Those hit tracks were followed up by the Empire Records Platinum Soundtrack hit, “Til I Hear It From You.” In 1996, the singles “Follow you Down” and “As Long As It Matters,” hit the radio again in a huge way, making their Congratulations I’m Sorry record another platinum success. Their latest release, 2018’s Mixed Reality, shares that same timeless feel, packed with 15 songs. Gin Blossoms hits have crossed over in five different formats, taking the airwaves by siege, and held the MTV playlist captive for most of the 90s. Boasting record sales of over 10 million, the band continues to burn up the road performing over 100 tour dates per year. Don’t miss all these great hit songs, a sampling of new music, and a rockin’ the house down show!

Rickie Lee Jones charmed two sold-out evening audiences at last year’s 30A Songwriters Festival and she’s returning this year to perform on the headline stage with an additional special evening performance. Her acclaimed memoir Last Chance Texaco released in 2021 is “as rich and colorful as Jones’s best lyrics,” writes The New York Times. The two-time Grammy winner, known for her haunting voice that ranges from deep yearning to late-night sultry, first appeared on the Los Angeles scene in the mid-1970s penning instant classics like “Chuck E.’s In Love,” “Danny’s All-Star Joint,” and the seminal album, Pirates. Released in 1979, her self-titled debut on Warner Brothers won her the Grammy Award for Best New Artist and reached #3 on the Billboard Albums chart. The album’s brilliant songs include the exceptional “On Saturday Afternoons in 1963,” the haunting “Last Chance Texaco,” and the aforementioned signature tune “Chuck E’s In Love,” a top 5 pop single. Two years after that Grammy-winning debut, Jones released her much anticipated sophomore effort Pirates, which was awarded 5/5 stars by Rolling Stone and called “a remarkable piece of work” by The New York Times. In recent years, Pirates’ reputation has continued to grow. British magazine The Word included the record as one of pop music’s 25 Most Underrated Albums of All Time while NPR Music listed it on their 150 Greatest Albums Made by Women.

lyle lovett

rickie lee jones

gin blossoms

yola

2023 headliners

Steve Earle is one of the most acclaimed singer-songwriters of his generation, a worthy heir to Townes Van Zandt and Guy Clark, his two supreme musical mentors. Over the course of twenty studio albums, Earle has distinguished himself as a master storyteller, and his songs have been recorded by a vast array of artists, including Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Joan Baez, Emmylou Harris, the Pretenders, and more. Earle’s 1986 debut album, Guitar Town, is now regarded as a classic of the Americana genre, and subsequent releases like The Revolution Starts...Now (2004), Washington Square Serenade (2007), and TOWNES (2009) all received Grammy Awards. Restlessly creative across artistic disciplines, Earle has published both a novel and a collection of short stories; produced albums for other artists; and acted in films, TV shows and on stage. He currently hosts a radio show for Sirius XM. In 2019, Earle appeared in the off-Broadway play Samara, for which he also wrote a score that The New York Times described as “exquisitely subliminal.” Each year, Earle organizes a benefit concert for the Keswell School, which his son John Henry attends and which provides educational programs for children and young adults with autism.

Yola released her critically acclaimed debut album Walk Through Fire in February 2019. Nine months later, she achieved breakout success, hailed as a Black British genre fluid rising star, landing four GRAMMY® nominations including Best New Artist. Her anthemic new album Stand for Myself, which received two GRAMMY® nominations for Best Americana Album and Best American Roots Song, was released in summer of 2021. It is a sonic mix of symphonic soul and classic pop tracing a musical thread to Yola’s most eclectic musical inspirations. It declares that it is only when we stand for ourselves, and acknowledge our complexity, that we can be truly alive. She will resume her headline U.S. tour later this year, with shows including New York’s Webster Hall. Yola also made her acting debut as Sister Rosetta Tharpe in Baz Luhrmann’s musical drama exploring the life of Elvis, played by Austin Butler, alongside Tom Hanks, Kelvin Harrison Jr and Alton Mason.

Morgan Wade didn’t write to be a sensation, for critical acclaim or massive concert tours. She wrote to speak her truth, to save her own life – and perhaps throw a rope to others struggling with the weight of a world moving too fast, loves where you fall too hard and nights that, good or bad, seem to go on forever. A Blue Ridge Mountain girl willing to put her whole truth out there as an artist without flinching – and as a performer who gives it all away onstage –Wade has a voice The FADER lauds is “like a jagged blade, sharp enough to draw blood but lustrous under the light” while The New York Times declares “she sounds like she’s singing from the depths of history.” The old soul writer understands chaos, compulsion and letting go in a way most people will never experience; with her songs, she brings listeners inside the rollercoaster ride of euphoria, emptiness and exile with a soft touch and deep truth. With her unabashed debut album Reckless, she landed on various Best Album and Songs of 2021 rankings from TIME, Rolling Stone, The New York Times, Stereogum, The FADER, Tennessean, Boston Globe, and more. Produced by Jason Isbell + the 400 Unit guitarist Sadler Vaden and Paul Ebersold, the trio worked to create a song cycle that pulled the lean rock of Tom Petty through a modern take on country -- and achieved a No. 1 on SiriusXM The Highway’s Top 30 Countdown with debut single “Wilder Days.” Having reached radio’s Top 30 with the acoustic guitar-driven track, Reckless (Deluxe Edition), available now, expands the conversation with six additional tracks, including a scalding, heart beating read on Elvis’ Presley’s “Suspicious Minds” and desperate “The Night” – Wade’s first release. Having toured with Lucero last fall, she joins Luke Combs, Chris Stapleton, Brooks & Dunn, and more on the road throughout 2022.

steve earle

morgan wade

featured artists - tenn hens design

This issue’s featured artists are Currier Stevens and Bonnie Cross who have worked with the 30A Songwriters Festival over the past 10 years to visually bring the festival to life. Their firm, Tenn Hens Design, is a graphic design studio specializing in unique paper goods, branding, and marketing materials. Bonnie & Currier’s artistic style and advertising background combine to help them create timeless, thoughtful pieces. One of the niches they’ve hatched is creating hand-drawn artwork for special events. All of their artwork, in watercolor and pen & ink, is done inhouse. Currier has a joyful style of capturing a personality through her art. Unique illustrations can certainly make a brand feel unique and an event feel bespoke!

The Hens work with a local Nashville, family-owned printer to bring their designs to life the good old-fashioned way - by hand. When working on projects with a lot of detail, seeing the color in person and making adjustments on press makes all the difference in the final product.

for several years at a local ad agency and became fast friends. Amazingly, we discovered our families were also good friends, so we seemed fated to forge a strong creative bond. It was all in the stars! We feel incredibly lucky to love what we do every single day.”

Soon they were dreaming up ideas for their own shop and took the leap in 2005. They set up in a tiny spare bedroom with computers and new business cards and got to work looking for clients. Little did they know, Tenn Hens Design would still be going strong this many years later.

“We worked together

Currier Stevens & Bonnie Cross, Owners of Tenn Hens Design

Merrill is proud to support the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County.

Brown, Burns & Associates

Jerry S. Brown, CPWA® Senior Vice President Senior Financial Advisor Portfolio Manager 850.269.7002 jbrown75@ml.com William L. Burns, IV Financial Advisor 850.269.7015 wburns2@ml.com

Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (also referred to as “MLPF&S” or “Merrill”) makes available certain investment products sponsored, managed, distributed or provided by companies that are affiliates of Bank of America Corporation (“BofA Corp.”). MLPF&S is a registered broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, Member SIPC and a wholly owned subsidiary of BofA Corp.

Investment products: Are Not FDIC Insured Are Not Bank Guaranteed

May Lose Value

The Bull Symbol and Merrill are registered trademarks of Bank of America Corporation. CPWA® is a registered certification mark of the Investments & Wealth Institute®. For more information about the Institute and the CPWA certification, please visit investmentsandwealth.org. A Portfolio Manager can help clients pursue their objectives by managing on a discretionary basis his own Personalized or Defined

may incorporate individual stocks and bonds, Merrill model portfolios, and third-party investment strategies.

© 2022 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved. MAP4264782 | AD-10-22-0415 | 470945PM-0322 | 11/2022

tenn hens x 30a songwriters festival

how many years have you been involved with the 30asongwriters festival?

We have been working with 30A since 2013. It’s been a blast!

what is your fondest memory for the 30a fest?

Dancing in the rain at John Prine’s show. That was incredible. which artist are you most looking forward to from the 2023 lineup?

Lyle Lovett & Yola

do you have a favorite 30a fest poster design you created?

The one we did for the 10 year anniversary. Love the cityscape buildings that represent the drive down 30A.

Learn more at tennhens.com

*See pages 37 & 38 for the 30A Songwriters Festival poster archives by Tenn Hens Design

with Behind the Lens

shelly swanger

I’ve been involved with the 30A Songwriters Festival since its very first year in 2010. I’d recently started my own photography business and I really wanted to be more involved in photographing music so a brand new music festival couldn’t have been a better opportunity for me in that regard. Even though I can’t remember a time that I didn’t take pictures, it was music that was and continues to be my true love. I always joke that I asked for a drum set as a kid and got a camera instead and that was probably for the best! Through the years of shooting the festival, my career has grown and I’ve been able to travel the country shooting the music that I love. It’s truly been magic. I am so grateful for all of the years that I have gotten to work alongside such great musicians, staff, crew and friends. I am incredibly honored to play a small part in such an amazing event.

Photo by Eric Rayburn

Photos by Shelly Swanger View more at shellyswanger.com

Guitar Goodness

with chris alvarado

how many years have you been involved in the 30a songwriters festival?

I’ve played every year of the Festival except the first one.

what is your best 30a fest memory?

I remember my second year I played. I was doing a small venue, and I sang a lyric to one of my songs that has a lot of meaning to me, but is kinda buried in the lyrics. Most of the time, no one even notices it. But at this particular show, a few people in the front row let out an audible gasp when I sang the line, and it just floored me that the audience was paying that close attention to my song. It was really a special moment for me. I felt heard.

do you have a favorite 30a fest guitar you’ve created?

My favorite has to be the Johnny Cash themed guitar that I made for the 10th anniversary year.

which artists are you most looking forward to in the 2023 lineup?

Really looking forward to Lyle Lovett!

View more at driftwoodguitars.com

Photo by Troy Ruprecht

Photo by Love is Wild

Photo by Evan Carter

Photo by Shelly Swanger

PROUDLY SUPPORTING FOR 23 YEARS THE ARTS

Stay connected to the Emerald Coast’s latest activities and attractions. Read Emerald Coast Magazine in print and online, plus like and follow on social media for the latest events and happenings.

ROBYN HITCHCOCK, MITCH EASTER (LET'S ACTIVE, BALDERDASH, LTD), CHELY WRIGHT, THE SECRET SISTERS, OVER THE RHINE, CHA WA, PAT MCGEE, AMY LAVERE, WILL SEXTON, STEVE POLTZ, ERIN MCKEOWN, TOMMY STINSON (THE REPLACEMENTS), MILES ZUNIGA & TONY SCALZO (FASTBALL), AMY RAY (SOLO), EMILY SALIERS (SOLO), KEN BLOCK & DREW COPELAND (SISTER HAZEL), AARON LEE TASJAN, LINDSAY LOU, KRIS DELMHORST, RADNEY FOSTER, BOB SCHNEIDER, ALLISON MOORER, JOHN DRISKELL HOPKINS (ZAC BROWN BAND), CALEB CAUDLE, CLIFF EBERHARDT, DAN NAVARRO, KIM RICHEY, DAVID RYAN HARRIS (JOHN MAYER BAND), DAN BERN, CORY CHISEL & ADRIEL DENAE, KYSHONA ARMSTRONG, ROBERT ELLIS, THE HONEY DEWDROPS, GRANT-LEE PHILLIPS, GRIFFIN HOUSE, PETER HOLSAPPLE (THE DB'S), CHRIS STAMEY (THE DB'S), CHRIS STILLS, AMY RIGBY, ABE PARTRIDGE, LIZ BRASHER, AJ GHENT, LUCY DACUS, THE REVEREND SHAWN AMOS & THE BROTHERHOOD (WITH BRADY BLADE), CHASTITY BROWN, GRETCHEN PETERS, SCOTT MILLER, PAT BYRNE, PETER KARP, MAC POWELL, MARTI JONES & DON DIXON, MICHELLE MALONE, STEPHEN KELLOGG, WILL KIMBROUGH, THE TALBOTT BROTHERS, HAILEY WHITTERS, JAREN JOHNSTON, JILLIAN JACQUELINE, JIMMY ROBBINS, HANNAH DASHER, FRANK ROGERS, GORDIE SAMPSON,

ABOUT THE CULTURAL ARTS ALLIANCE OF WALTON COUNTY

The 30A Songwriters Festival is the major fundraiser for the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA) that champions the arts through leadership, advocacy, funding, programs and education. The Festival’s success is critical to the success of the CAA, and your support helps us provide an abundance of programs, services and support to the community!

Alexis Miller, President Allison Wickey, Vice President Kevin Dooney, Secretary Tom Watson, Treasurer

Chloe Berkowitz

Russell Carter

Doug Foltz

Nan Nagy

JoAnn Ribaudo

Tomasello

Wootson

The Flutterby Festival, produced by the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County, celebrates the migration of the Monarch Butterfly through our area with art activities, live music, theatre and dance performances, art exhibits, and a butterfly parade.

Every November this free, family-fun event is hosted at The Watersound® Town Pavilion with support

from the St.Joe Community Foundation. Event proceeds benefit the CAA’s Art For All Program, which provides support to Walton County schools, teachers, students, artists and arts organizations to further arts education in the community.

Learn more at CulturalArtsAlliance.com

Photos: Shelly Swanger

OUR VISION

The Cultural Arts Alliance envisions a thriving Walton County where everyone experiences the power of the Arts.

CELEBRATING

30 Years of Creativity

OUR MISSION

To foster creativity in Walton County through the inclusive and collaborative advancement of the Arts.

in Walton County

As the creative core of our community for three decades, the Cultural Arts Alliance is a Local Arts Agency that fosters creativity in Walton County, Florida through the inclusive and collaborative advancement of the Arts. Through advocacy efforts, support for the creative sector, and production of arts and educational programing, the CAA provides opportunities for residents and visitors to experience diverse forms of art and learning, connecting them to a broader view, critical exploration and answers only the Arts have the power to provide.

1989 1991 1992

A group of artists and volunteers begin the Grayton Beach Fine Arts Festival during Mother’s Day weekend with a grant from the Tourist Development Council.

A Children’s Scholarship Festival is started to raise funds to benefit school art programs. This event eventually becomes the Flutterby Festival.

1995

Grayton Beach Fine Arts Festival moves to Eden State Park and is re-named ArtsQuest

The first meeting of the Cultural Arts Association Board of Directors, including Susan Foster, Jan Clarke, Hilda McDonald, and Constance Rogers, is held, leading to incorporation as a non-profit 501 (c)3 organization in 1993.

The CAA absorbs the Three Arts Alliance, another locaI arts organization responsible for publishing several books chronicling South Walton’s history, including The Way We Were and Of Days Gone By

2007

Director of Administration

Lee Greene is hired and remains the CAA’s longest tenured employee.

CAA begins granting funds to artists.

The organization’s name is changed from Cultural Arts Association to Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County The CAA moves its offices into the Bayou Arts Center through a management agreement with Walton County and begins programming up to 250 workshops annually.

The CAA is designated by the Walton County Board of County Commissioners and the State of Florida as the official Local Arts Agency for Walton County.

2011 2016-2017

The Foster Gallery, the CAA’s artist collective named for CAA founder Susan Foster, opens.

Executive Director Jennifer Steele receives Visit South Walton’s Van Ness Butler, Jr. Hospitality Award.

2020-2021

In response to the global pandemic, the CAA created artist relief funding and launched a 45 episode series, Art on Demand.

The Watersound® Monarch Art Trail (MAT), an outdoor sculpture project, was created by the CAA with support from The St. Joe Community Foundation.

2018

Underwater Museum of Art Inaugural Deployment.

First 30A Songwriters Festival.

2022

The CAA is proud to expand and enhance programs and services throughout Walton County with CAA Creative Campuses.

CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF FOSTERING CREATIVITY

THE PEARL PARTY

The Cultural Arts Alliance recently celebrated 30 years of fostering creativity at The Pearl Party featuring blues artist Eddie 9V with his full band in Alys Beach on Friday, November 18. The event showcased pearl themed art works from Amy Fogg, Merry Beth Myrick, Mary Redmann, and Jenna Varney as well as a live painting demonstration from artist Lindsay Tobias. The CAA presented awards to

its Volunteers of the Year, Volunteers of a Lifetime, Junior Volunteer of the Year, Arts Educators of the Year, Artist of the Year and Arts Partner of the Year along with a special recognition of Lee Greene, CAA’s Director of Administration, for her 15 years of service to the organization.

Learn more at CulturalArtsAlliance.com

Presenting Sponsor: Alys Beach Photos: Shelly Swanger

ELEVATES, SUPPORTS & ADVOCATES

On

behalf of songwriters and composers within the Recording Academy’s membership and the industry at large.

OUR PASSION IS TO HELP

FOLLOW YOURS

ELEVATE YOUR TRAVELS AT COURTYARD SANDESTIN

Let waves of comfort crash over you at Courtyard Sandestin at Grand Boulevard. Situated near US Highway 98, our hotel provides convenient access for you to explore premier Miramar Beach and Destin attractions and the area’s pristine white-sand beaches. Our spacious rooms offer free Wi-Fi, ergonomic workstations, and plush bedding to help keep you comfortable, productive, and connected. Fuel up for the day ahead with breakfast at The Bistro and return in the evening for fresh American cuisine and handcrafted cocktails. Hosting a meeting or social gathering? Our flexible event rooms can satisfy your needs. To stay active, visit our 24-hour fitness center, or swim a few laps in our outdoor pool. Whatever brings you to Northwest Florida, let Courtyard Sandestin at Grand Boulevard make your stay a success.

PRISON ART PROGRAM EXPANSION OF CAA’S

art, and creating without any direction or intention; then they were instructed to find shapes and images within and make something from the nonsensical scribbles, splashes and smears.

The CAA’s Prison Art Program began in 2020 through a collaboration with Walton Correctional Institution and Restorative Justice volunteers Libby Fisher and Erica Averion who were actively and regularly volunteering with the residents of WCI and were aware of the need for arts engagement and resources within the prison system.

The CAA funded the first phase of the program, which included participation by men in three WCI dorms who created original work for an online exhibit called “Conscious Expressions: An Insider’s Perspective,” which was then shown in public at Emerald Coast Theatre Company and Perla Bakery through Summer 2021.

In February 2022, the CAA expanded the program to include weekly onsite art instruction, materials, and a venue for public exhibition of the students’ work with a plan to continue to fund the program indefinitely.

From April through June, the residents participated in a weekly class led by artist and instructor Bradley Copeland who challenged them to let go of any predetermined plan and allow the enjoyment and exploration of the process to guide them.

Throughout the three-month program, the class experimented with a number of activities focused on surrendering control, abandoning preconceived notions of

“Instead of learning how to paint inside the lines, these men have been learning how to see differently. The paintings created in this program left plenty of room for happy accidents and magical messes, reinforcing the idea that all parts of the process are completely essential to the final piece, regardless of how messy, ugly or accidental.”

The result was a special art exhibition titled “Surrender: Letting Go To Gain Perspective.” The show features more than 30 original paintings and works on paper created by residents of the Walton Correctional Institution (WCI).

“Painting with this method (or lack thereof) shows us the beauty in mistakes and helps us make sense of the mess in front of us,”

- Instructor, Bradley Copeland

Photos by Jim Clark

Erica Averion and Bradley Copeland at the opening of the “Surrender” show at The Foster Gallery

Vacasa home in Santa Rosa Beach, FL

Welcome to the 14th Annual 30A Songwriters Festival. First National Bank is a proud Hibiscus Stage Sponser and our Miramar Team will be there handing out free popcorn. Come join us for this amazing live music event!

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PUBLIC SPACES ART IN

Walk the Watersound® Monarch Art Trail

The Watersound® Monarch Art Trail (MAT) is an outdoor sculpture project created by the CAA with support from The St. Joe Community Foundation and land provided by The St. Joe Company.

The MAT includes eight original sculptures designed specifically for installation along South Watersound Parkway’s existing mile-long walking and bike path that connects Highways 98 and 30A. Use of the area was made possible by The St. Joe Company. The sculptures are complemented with seating, lighting, signage, and native landscape by Sandhills Native Nursery.

The installations include Tetelestai with Butterfly by Jeffie Brewer (Douglas, AL), Kaleidoscope by Jonathan Burger (New Bern, NC), The Grandchildren Return by Grace Cathey (Waynesville, NC), Dancing Monarchs by Peter Hazel (Reno, NV),

The Golden Flight by Rachel Herring (Santa Rosa Beach, FL), Roost and Puddle by Anthony Heinz May (Oregon), The Milkweed King by Mark Metz (San Pablo, CA), and Friend of Mine by Andrew Hamilton Reiss (Redding, CT).

Take a virtual tour at CulturalArtsAlliance.com/monarch-art-trail

Roost and Puddle by Anthony Heinz May

Dancing Monarchs by Peter Hazel

The Golden Flight by Rachel Herring

The Milkweed King by Mark Metz

Kaleidoscope by Jonathan Burger

ART IN

PUBLIC SPACES

Underwater Museum Of Art Grows

On June 21, 2022 nine new sculptures and a Super Reef Anchor Point were added to the nation’s first permanent Underwater Museum of Art (UMA) in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Grayton Beach State Park in South Walton, Fla. This installation joins the 25 sculptures previously deployed on a one-acre permit patch of seabed off Grayton Beach State Park, expanding the nation’s first permanent underwater museum to a total of 34 sculptures. The UMA patch will continue to be filled with several new sculptures annually.

With support from Visit South Walton, Walter Marine/The Reefmaker, and the Florida Department of State; Division of Arts and Culture, the sculptures were deployed with SWARA’s existing USACOA and FDEP permitted artificial reef project that includes nine nearshore reefs located within one nautical mile of the shore in 58 feet of water.

The 2022 installation included the following pieces of sculpture: Currents and Tafoni by Joe Adams (Ventura, CA), Pirate Shipwreck by Sean Coffey (Pittsburgh, PA), Bloom Baby Bloom by Brit Deslonde (Santa Rosa Beach, FL), The Seed and The Sea by Davide Galbiati (Valreas, France), Fibonacci Conchousness by Anthony Heinz May (Eugene, OR), New Homes by Janetta Napp (Honolulu, HI), Arc of Nexus by Tina Piracci (Richmond, CA), We All Live Here by Marisol Rendón (San Diego, CA), and Common Chord by Vince Tatum (Santa Rosa Beach, FL).

The 2022 sculptures are sponsored by Beachy Blooms, Buddy’s Seafood Market, the 2021-22 CAA Staff, the Ellis Family, Hilton Sandestin Golf Beach Resort & Spa, the St. Joe Community Foundation, SWARA, and Walter Marine / Reefmaker.

Admission to the UMA is free, however, the site is only accessible in person as a dive location. Divers who wish to visit the site can take a dive boat .93 miles off the coast of Grayton Beach State Park. The coordinates for the new Super Reef UMA entrance are N 30°18.754 / W 86°09.521. Out of respect for the art, boaters are asked to anchor on or near the Super Reef Anchor Point to protect the sculptures from unintended contact or damage.

Visit UMAFL.org for more information about dive shops, tours and obtaining your certification while visiting South Walton.

Pirate Shipwreck by Sean Coffey

Currents and Tafoni by Joe Adams

We All Live Here by Marisol Rendón

Photo by Visit South Walton

Common Chord by Vince Tatum

Photos by Spring Run Media

thrive on long stays

Relax and Refresh at Residence Inn Sandestin at Grand Boulevard

residence inn by marriott sandestin at grand boulevard

WHAT’S YOUR ART STORY?

Think you’re not creative? You’re selling yourself short! We believe that everyone is inherently creative. We asked CAA Board Members, and volunteers to share their introduction to the Arts. Follow along for inspiration!

My love of the arts started when my parents took me to the Louvre when I was 8 years old. I was fascinated by all the classic paintings and sculptures.My interest broadened from there into all forms of art and art styles. In addition, music has always been a part of my life from a very young age. I truly believe people come together through the love of music.

Through volunteering, I have been able to meet so many amazing artists, both musical and non-musical, as well as the wonderful, friendly members of the Cultural Arts Alliance. I wouldn’t change it for the world!

Don Sveign

Extraordinaire

BUILDING STRONGER COMMUNITIES

SINCE 1895

At Capital City Bank, we pride ourselves on personal relationships and dedication to the communities we serve. Our bankers proudly support the 30A Songwriters Festival.

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Volunteer

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My art story started with art classes every year from elementary grades through high school, and continuing through college with art history, music history, theater.

I found myself always leaning toward the creative side in elective courses, to balance the practical business education that took precedence.

I’ve had a life long love of all things creative, but a higher proficiency with numbers on spreadsheets versus pencils on sketch pads. The left brain guiding vocation and career, while the right brain continues thirsting for stimulation.

My current art story is mostly as an observer, advocate, “patron”, with a deep love and appreciation for all the arts and the artists that express, create and reflect life in a unique and personal way, and either challenge our view of the world or simply add beauty to the day.

My personal creative passion has found an outlet in the kitchen, with decently developed culinary skills, and a tangent sensory desire resulting in a years long quest to find the perfect coffee mug. Always happy supporting real potters in this journey, but the right brain has been calling - my art story just starting a new chapter perhaps…

My experience with the CAA, as both a member and board member, is an important part of my art story, allowing me to play a small role in the arts through actively supporting one of the great parts of our community.

All funds raised will go towards the cornerstone program the CAA was founded on, its Art For All giving program. Art For All grants are available to students, teachers, artists and arts organizations in Walton County. Over the last three decades, the CAA has been able to grant three quarters of a million dollars back out into the creative community impacting over 7,000 children and countless adults annually - and we’re just getting started! Help us have our biggest giving year yet!

The CAA recently kicked off its ‘30K for 30’ campaign in celebration of our 30th Anniversary!

SUPPORTING WALTON COUNTY’S CREATIVE COMMUNITY

The CAA provides funding and grants, organizes art workshops and classes, and provides exposure to the arts to local schoolchildren. Through the success of its events, the CAA funds arts education initiatives through its Art for All program, providing grants and scholarships that impact thousands of Pre-K to 12th grade students annually.

Art for All Funding

Funding is available for artists, arts organizations, teachers, and students through the CAA’s Art For All Program. Applying is easy, and awards are distributed throughout the year. CAA has granted $750,000 back out into the community over the last 30 years!

Workshops

The CAA offers over 250 affordable art classes each year for artists of all ages and skill levels. From after-school and summer programs for kids to Oil, Acrylic, Pottery, Fiber and Watercolor classes for adults, the CAA has a class for everyone.

Creative Kids Camp

CAA instructors teach the campers how to work with a variety of mediums and use different techniques so each student goes home with a diverse portfolio of work. Daily and full week registration options are available. Learn more about opportunities, visit CulturalArtsAlliance.com/artist-resources

EDUCATION

personnel

jennifer steele, Producer russell carter, Producer lee greene, Director of Administration & Box Office cathy lyons, Production Director melissa wheeler, Marketing Director allie anderson, Events Director

joy steele, Housing Director gabby callaway, Development & Sponsorship Manager michelle touchstone, Finance Manager courtney malone, Marketing & Program Manager adrian carter, Artist Relations & Administration pam singh, Program Manager jessica roberts, Main Stage Production Manager john rosenberg, Production & Crew Manager kelli siler, Venue Manager evan carter, Director of Photography rebecca murphy, Accounting & Administration brad steele, Transportation Coordinator kaela hargis, Housing Coordinator kelly cash, Main Stage Volunteer Coordinator katie witherspoon, Auction Coordinator rcs productions, Staging, Lighting, Sound shofar productions, Staging, Lighting, Sound mike whitty, Lighting, Sound robin beans, Artist Check-in Coordinator zoe mathews, VIP Tent Manager alexis miller, VIP Transportation Coordinator linda gudnason, Event Production caroline ambrose, Assistant to the Producers vern p. love, Merchandise Sales Manager angie carlson, propeller publicity, Publicity Coordinator

2023 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

EVERY SATURDAY IN THE PARK

9AM–1PM

GRAND BOULEVARD FARMERS’ MARKET

FRIDAY–MONDAY

JANUARY 13–16

30A SONGWRITERS FESTIVAL benefiting The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County

FRIDAY–SUNDAY

JANUARY 20–29

“THE ODD COUPLE” – MAINSTAGE presented by Emerald Coast Theatre Co. at 560 Upstairs

FRIDAY–SUNDAY

FEBRUARY 10–19

“THE LAST FIVE YEARS” DRAMATIC MUSICAL – CABARET STAGE presented by Emerald Coast Theatre Co. at 560 upstairs

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 11

LOVE & FOOTBALL DOG PROMENADE benefiting Dog-Harmony

FRIDAY–SUNDAY

FEBRUARY 24–MARCH 5

“STEEL MAGNOLIAS” DRAMATIC COMEDY – MAINSTAGE presented by Emerald Coast Theatre Co. at 560 upstairs

THURSDAY APRIL 6

DOGGIE EGGSTRAVAGANZA benefiting Dog-Harmony

THURSDAY–SUNDAY

APRIL 27–30

SOUTH WALTON BEACHES WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL benefiting Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation

FRIDAY–SUNDAY

MAY 5–14

“THE SOUND OF MUSIC” FAMILY MUSICAL – MAINSTAGE presented by Emerald Coast Theatre Co. at 560 Upstairs

SATURDAY–SUNDAY

MAY 13–14

ARTSQUEST FINE ARTS FESTIVAL an official South Walton Art Week event benefitting The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County

THURSDAY MAY 25 WAG THE FLAG benefiting Dog-Harmony

EVERY DAY MAY 26–SEPTEMBER 4

LAWN GAMES ON THE GREEN late afternoons in Grand Park (4PM–8PM)

EVERY THURSDAY JUNE 1–JULY 27 BROADWAY ON THE BOULEVARD presented by Emerald Coast Theatre Company

EVERY FRIDAY–SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 5–OCTOBER 28

LAWN GAMES ON THE GREEN late afternoons in Grand Park (4PM–8PM)

OCTOBER TBA

FEATURED BALLET PERFORMANCE presented by Northwest Florida Ballet

EVERY WEDNESDAY

OCTOBER 4–25

WELLNESS WEDNESDAYS mornings in Grand Park

SATURDAY OCTOBER 21

BEST OF THE EMERALD COAST benefiting Junior League of the Emerald Coast

THURSDAY OCTOBER 26 BARKTOBERFEST benefiting Dog-Harmony

TUESDAY OCTOBER 31 HALLOWEEN ON THE BOOLEVARD stroll the Boulevard for complimentary treats from stores and restaurants!

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 17

COASTAL WHITE CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION & HOMETOWN PARADE

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 21 HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE & WALK-ABOUT

TUESDAY–MONDAY NOVEMBER 21–DECEMBER 25

FESTIVAL OF TREES benefiting more than a dozen local charities

FRIDAY–SATURDAY DECEMBER 1–30

PHOTOS WITH SANTA CLAUS & HORSEDRAWN CARRIAGE RIDES Fridays and Saturdays in Grand Park

These events are presented as part of the Coastal Culture Calendar of Events made possible by the Grand Boulevard Arts & Entertainment Program. For a full listing of events and additional details, visit GRANDBOULEVARD.COM/EVENTS/