Lake Martin Songwriter’s Festival July 27-31

Not only is Lake Martin a wonderful place to ski, swim, boat, and live, it’s a great place for people to come to relax, kick off their shoes, and maybe even write a hit song or two. Hank Williams wrote music while staying in a cabin on Lake Martin. The world knows about “Kaw-liga” through his song about an imaginary (at that time) wooden Indian, and they know about Cheatin’ Hearts too! In the hit song “Drive,” Alan Jackson wrote about trips to Lake Martin where he learned how to drive an old plywood boat. In more recent times, Sid Phelps, Wyatt Edmondson, Chad Wilson and others, although not as famous as Hank and Alan (yet), have written songs about life on Lake Martin.

Next week, beginning Wednesday, more than 20 songwriters from around the world are coming to Lake Martin. These artists will perform at more than a dozen venues, stay on or near the lake, and maybe even write their next hit here. These talented songwriters whose names you may not recognize are Grammy winners or have multiple Grammy nominations, have written Number 1 hits, and have had their songs recorded by BIG names in the music industry. Songs like “A Woman Like You,” “There She Goes,” “The Fool,” “Ten Rounds With Jose Cuervo,” “Real Small Town,” “Watching You,” and tons of others. Here you can view a listing of all artists and the venues where they will perform. The festival begins next Wednesday, July 27 and comes to a crescendo with Thompson Square in concert, on Main Street, Saturday night in Alexander City.

Next Friday, July 29, from 6:30 to 9:30, Russell Lands will host a songwriters’ round on the Town Green at Russell Crossroads. This Lake Martin Songwriter’s Festival event will take the place of our regular Friday On The Green and will feature the talents of Clare Cunningham, Ryan Robinette, Cameron Havens, Scott Sean White, Jessie Wilson, Johnny Bulford, Heidi Raye, Brian White, and Adam Hood. It’s rare that there is so much talent in one night, on one stage, and in one location. Make plans to visit as many of the venues as you can next week, and you’ll surely want to join us for the Songwriters Round Friday, On The Green!