Annual festival to feature free concerts and more
A nationally recognized music festival that takes place across Southwest Florida is just about ready to commence.
This year’s Island Hopper Songwriter Fest runs from Sept. 18-27, with tickets now available for special performances featuring acclaimed artists including Broadcast Music Inc. singer-songwriters.
Two artists will lead the lineup: headliner and platinum-selling singer-songwriter Edwin McCain and country music rising star Alexandra Kay.
“While most Island Hopper shows are free, ticketed experiences give fans a chance to get even closer to the artists and enjoy unique performances in special settings including sunset cruises and dinner experiences,” said festival officials in a release.
Now in its 12th year, the Island Hopper Songwriter Fest — which was named one of the Top 5 music festivals by USA Today 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards — gives fans the opportunity to see the country’s top singer-songwriters perform up close with vibrant Southwest Florida settings as a backdrop.
In addition to the ticketed performances, singer-songwriters will take the stage for more than 80 performances during the 10-day music fest. Attendees catch a live Island Hopper performance at the following four locations around the Southwest Florida area:
• Captiva Island from Sept. 18-20
• Cape Coral from Sept. 21-22
• Downtown Fort Myers from Sept. 23-24
• Fort Myers Beach from Sept. 25-27
“This year also brings an exciting new addition to the festival experience,” said event organizers.
The new “Stars on the River” concert includes performances from headliners and BMI singer-songwriters LOCASH and Kay at the Caloosa Sound Amphitheater on Sept. 23, providing a spectacular setting for live music in downtown Fort Myers.
Additional special ticketed experiences include:
• Sept. 20: Sunday Brunch with Dylan Altman and Tim James at the ‘Tween Waters Inn & Marina on Captiva
• Sept. 21: Songwriter Dinner with Bridgette Tatum and Alex Rohan at Gather in Cape Coral
• Sept. 21: Westin Unplugged featuring headliner and platinum-selling songwriter Edwin McCain at The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village
• Sept. 24: Luminary’s Dinner Experience with Nate Bass of British brother trio Essex County at the Luminary Hotel & Co.’s culinary theater in downtown Fort Myers
• Sept. 24: ACMA Showcase with Roy Schneider, Anthony Wayne, Bill Metts, Tim McGeary and Matt Hannam at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center in downtown Fort Myers
• Sept. 26: Music on the Mound featuring Frank Myers and Lauren Mascitti at the Mound House on Fort Myers Beach
• Sept. 26: Sunset Songwriter Cruise featuring Robinson Treacher out of Fort Myers Beach aboard Adventures in Paradise
• Sept. 27: Headliner Michael Ray will close out Island Hopper with a pool-party performance at the Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina on Fort Myers Beach
The Island Hopper Songwriter Fest is presented by BMI, iHeartRadio’s Cat Country 107.1, the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association, and Fort Myers — Islands, Beaches and Neighborhoods.
For the full lineup and ticket information, download the Island Hopper app or visit Islandhopperfest.com.
To reach CJ HADDAD / cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com, please email