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April 4-6, 2025

Word of South

Steven Cooper

Steven Cooper is the author of the Gus Parker and Alex Mills series of mysteries. In a starred review, Publishers Weekly calls “Dig Your Grave,” his latest novel: “First-rate entertainment.” A former investigative reporter, Steven has won multiple Emmy Awards and nominations, as well as a national Edward R. Murrow award and numerous honors from […]

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The Currys

Brought together by family ties and a shared appreciation for folk, rock, and roots music, The Currys are an Americana trio featuring brothers Jimmy and Tommy and cousin Galen Curry. Like many family groups, their songs are anchored by the sort of elastic, entwined harmonies that only seem to exist among kin. On their second […]

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The Como Mamas

The Como Mamas is made up of three women from the small town of Como, Mississippi. The gospel voices of Ester Mae Smith and sisters Angela Taylor and Della Daniels are a modern twist on the gospel harmonies of yesteryear with a pop southern influence. Produced by Daptone Records their most recent album, Move Upstairs, […]

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Tom Coyne

Tom Coyne is the author of the novel A Gentleman’s Game, which was named one of the best 25 sports books of all time by The Philadelphia Daily News. He wrote the film adaptation of the novel, which starred Gary Sinise, Philip Baker Hall, Dylan Baker, and Mason Gamble. His second book, Paper Tiger: An […]

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Ron Cooper

Ron Cooper’s latest novel, All My Sins Remembered (Goliad Press), is the 2018 Silver Medalist in the Florida Book Awards general fiction category. A native of South Carolina, Cooper moved to Florida in 1988 and has taught philosophy at the College of Central Florida since 1995. He is the author of three other novels, and […]

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Camp Green Lake

Camp Green Lake was formed in late 2016 by Kent Carson (guitar/vocals), Zach Coursey (bass), and Michael Small (guitar). The first show the trio played together was at 3AM on a cold December morning with Small on the drums. Coming back into the scene during spring of 2017, Rhett Legendre joined CGL on drums and […]

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Ryan Calejo

Ryan Calejo was born and raised in south Florida. He graduated from the University of Miami with honors. He’s been invited to join both the National Society of Collegiate Scholars and the Golden Key International Honour Society. He’s taught swimming to elementary school students, chess to middle school students, and writing to high school students. […]

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Colette Bancroft

I was the kid whose mother said, “Put down that book, go outside and play.” I grew up in Tampa, earned degrees in English at the University of South Florida and the University of Florida, and taught literature and writing for more than a decade. Then I switched to journalism, working for the Arizona Daily […]

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Dan Ames

Dan Ames is a USA TODAY bestselling crime novelist, living in Estero, Florida. He is originally from Wisconsin and graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a degree in journalism. Dan’s stories include mysteries, thrillers, westerns and a novel set in Italy during World War II, based on a true story. His novels have topped […]

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Neil Alday

Making his second appearance at Word of South, Neil Alday’s songs are wonderful earworms. As the front man of socialburn, he brought national attention to the music scene in Tallahassee. He has played as a solo act since 2012, opening for the Old 97s, Lucero, American Aquarium, Blackberry Smoke, Chris Knight, and Drivin N’ Cryin. […]

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