Hit Songwriters Catch Their Hog's Breath

Posted by amyclark on 08/24/2008

4/2/2008 Staff Florida will welcome over 100 of Country Music's chart-topping songwriters later this month at the 13th annual Hog's Breath Key West Songwriters' Festival presented by Cherry Heart Music.  The 2008 festival begins Wednesday, April 30th with the Copyright Exchange VIP Kick-off Party, and runs through Sunday, May 4th. Working with international performing rights organizations ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC, the Hog's Breath festival organizers have put together a star-studded line-up of successful tunesmiths.  This year's performers include:

  • Texas singer/songwriter, Robert Earl Keen
  • former Mavericks lead singer, Raul Malo
  • Jeffrey Steele, who wrote "What Hurts the Most" by Rascal Flatts
  • Scotty Emerick, writer of Toby Keith hits
  • Lee Brice, who penned "More Than a Memory" for Garth Brooks
  • Multiple award-winner, Keith Follese
  • Chuck Cannon, co-writer of Toby Keith's "How Do You Like Me Now?", as well as hits for many others
  • legendary Don Schlitz, whose first of many cuts was Kenny Roger's "The Gambler"

Both songwriters and Country Music lovers enjoy the festival's intimiate atmosphere. Reveling in the creative vibe and tropical temperatures of the Key West, fans can meet the talented folks that wrote their favorite songs and learn how the songs came about.  The Key West Songwriter's festival includes approximately 8-12 performances and jam sessions each day with multiple songwriters.  A "big stage" outdoor show will be featured this year, as well as a new festival-style concert Saturday night in the parking lot of the Hog's Breath Saloon, which stars the Jeffrey Steele Band.  Sunset sailing excursions are available for both Friday and Saturday nights, on which select songwriters and fans can ride the Fury Catamaran for some early evening performance against the Key West sunset. “We are so proud to be the very first “presenting sponsor” for this great event, and we’re honored to help carry on a grand Key West tradition,” says Gratton Stephens, President and CEO of Cherry Heart Music. For lodging information in Key West, contact the Key West Chamber of Commerce at 1-800-LAST-KEY (800-527-8539), or visit the Keys Web site at www.fla-keys.com For more information about the Key West Songwriters' Festival and a detailed schedule of performances, visit www.keywestsongwritersfestival.com or myspace.com/kwswf or call Hog's Breath at (305) 296-4222.