Sign up to win prizes and for exclusive updates about this year’s festival
April 24-26, 2026
The Shaelyn Band is a Florida-based, national recording and touring band capable of shifting from classic, soul, blues and funk, to rock. The band formed in 2020 and has continued to develop and grow, building on the foundation of family first and sharing genuine love with each and every heart they connect with. On September […]
The Little Mercies are an award-winning folk and old-time trio of songwriting multi-instrumentalists. Bronwyn Chelette, Shanice Richards, and Rosalee Walsh united from diverse musical backgrounds through their love of old-time music, giving them the versatility to blend genre lines. ‘Boy Genius meets The Chicks,’ The Little Mercies deliver performances that feel both intimate and electrifying— […]
Born and raised in Reno, Nevada, Willy Vlautin has published seven novels, The Motel Life (2007), Northline (2008), Lean on Pete (2010), The Free (2014), Don’t Skip Out on Me (2018), The Night Always Comes (2021), and The Horse (2024). A new novel, The Left and The Lucky, will be published by Harper in April […]
Based out of Tallahassee, Florida, The Funky ‘Taters play music that will “make a dead man dance.” Our unique style of Southern Gulf Coast music is based on jazz and blues, distinguished by a funky second-line beat similar to that of many New Orleans bands. In addition to a funky bass and inspired lead guitar, […]
Newly appointed Music Director of the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra, and Music Director of the New Bedford Symphony Orchestra, Yaniv Dinur is lauded for his insightful interpretations and unique ability to connect with concertgoers of all ages and backgrounds. Season 25/26 marks the beginning of Dinur’s ninth season with the New Bedford Symphony. Under his leadership, […]
Stephanie Burt is a poet, literary critic, and professor with nine published books, including two critical books on poetry and three poetry collections. Burt’s essay collection Close Calls with Nonsense was a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award. In her book Taylor’s Version: The Poetic and Musical Genius of Taylor Swift, Burt offers […]
Stop Light Observations is a dynamic four-piece group hailing from Charleston, South Carolina. Their versatile sound is a unique blend of blues, pop, and indie rock infused with electronic beats and the soulful vocals of Will Blackburn. From songs like “2young” to “Security,” their music is a true reflection of their unique personalities, and their […]
Steph Post is the author of the novels A Tree Born Crooked, Lightwood, Walk in the Fire, Holding Smoke, Miraculum and Terra Incognita—gold medal winner of the 2024 Florida Book Award. She graduated from Davidson College as a recipient of the Patricia Cornwell Scholarship for Creative Writing and a winner of the Vereen Bell Writing […]
Sean Dietrich or ‘Sean of the South’ is a columnist, humorist, multi-instrumentalist, and stand-up storyteller known for his commentary on life in the American South. His work has appeared on The Today Show and in Newsweek, Southern Living, Garden and Gun and Reader’s Digest. His column appears weekly in newspapers throughout the U.S. He has […]
We are SAST Middle School Rock Band! We’ve performed at Adderley Amphitheater, the All-American City Conference in Denver, FSU, and much more. Our program focuses on creating a community of life-long musicians. Students pick the music, and we perform songs from Metallica, Black Sabbath, Blondie, Led Zeppelin, and many others. Be prepared to be amazed […]