Songwriters Festival

More music, more venues at this year's event

STORY BY BREANNA MANLEY

SThe Third Annual Lake Martin Songwriter’s Festival is right around the corner, and with 17 confirmed venues set for a myriad of songwriters, locals and visitors to the lake are in for a great time. This must-attend event is set for July 26 through 30 and will take place on some of the favorite stages around the area, including Chuck’s, Copper’s Grill at Stillwaters, The Local at 41 Main, Niffer’s at Lake Martin and more. With more venues added this year for stellar performances by big name songwriters, Tallapoosa County Tourism Director Sandra Fuller said this year’s festival will be the best one yet.

“The committee is working and meeting every day as the festival grows closer.

We’re working on host houses now and just prepping for the event,” Fuller explained.

According to Fuller, 35 percent of the artists performing have been featured at the festival in previous years, but bringing in new songwriters each year is something the committee prioritizes. This go around, visitors will see familiar faces but also some new, talented artists that are excited to share their music.

One of the headliners for the four day event is Jeffrey Steele, who will take to the stage at Russell Crossroads on Friday, July 28. Steele is a five-time Grammy nominee and has been recognized by BMI for over 65 million airplays for hits he wrote for bigname artists, including Keith Urban, Jimmy Buffett, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill and more.

Along with writing several hits for well-known artists, Steele has been named to the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and has won over 35 BMI country and pop awards. To hear some of his songs, such as Knee Deep, My Wish, and Something to be Proud Of, as well as songs from other gifted songwriters, visit the Town Green on July 28.

Taking to the stage at Copper’s on Saturday, July 29, is Adam Hood along with his band. Hood, an Opelika native, has used his natural talent and artistry to prepare songs for Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town, Travis Tritt and more throughout the country music industry. With relatable lyrics and his own unique countenance, Hood has connected with audiences through his music. To hear some recent songs from his album, Bad Days Better, head out to Copper’s for the Saturday show.

Another artist not to be missed on stage is William Michael Morgan, a true performer who built his songwriting career on his Southern vocals, honest lyrics and hard work. Following the release and success of his debut album, Vinyl, Morgan has performed over 50 times at the Grand Ole Opry and has been featured by the Country Music Hall of Fame as a highlighted artist. You won’t want to miss his performance, so keep an eye on the festival schedule to see when and where he’s playing.

To keep the good times rolling, Keith Stegall, Alan Jackson’s longtime producer, is joining songwriters for the festivities this year. Stegall is a Grammy award winning producer and writer of multiple hits, including I Hate Everything by George Strait, Don’t Rock the Jukebox by Alan Jackson and I Do (Cherish You) by 98 Degrees.

Bridgette Tatum came onto the scene in 2009 by cowriting She’s Country, recorded and released by Jason Aldean. This hit song reached over 1 million plays and held the No. 1 spot on the chart for two consecutive weeks. Tatum, a native of Florence, South Carolina, has been making her mark on the music industry ever since.

Also set to perform, Harper Grace, an American Idol alum, is gearing up to release new music this year and currently resides in Nashville. The Texas native is newly signed to Curb Records and Jones Entertainment Group.

Facing Page: Clockwise from

Top: Keith Stegal; 17 venues will feature songwriters this year; Karyn New, Jeffrey Steele; Left: Main Street in Alexander City was closed for a finale concert.

Dillon Dixon also will be in attendance this year, and he plans to perform some of the most iconic pieces he’s written for artists such as George Jones, Alabama, Rodney Atkins and more. You might have even heard a few of his songs for blockbuster films.

Karyn Williams, a Christian artist, will take to the stage during the festival, too. Married to songwriter Brian White, who will also be participating in the concert series this year, Williams is a highly soughtafter artist who has shared the stage with Third Day, Mandisa, Mark Shultz and more throughout her career. With a captivating voice and several hits under her belt, you won’t want to miss her performance.

White has made a name for himself alongside his wife. With a slew of CMA and Grammy nominations and two Dove Awards to point to, White has advanced his songwriting career seemingly overnight. Some of his songs have been recorded by Rascal Flatts, Trace Adkins, Jason Aldean, Gary Allan, Rodney Atkins and more. Catch his performance to hear some of your favorite tunes.

Catch all these songwriters and many more over the span of the festival. You won’t want to miss it. To learn more about the artists and the schedule, which had not yet released at Lake magazine’s presstime but is coming soon, head over to the Songwriters Festival website, lakemartinsongwritersfestival.com.