The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA) is thrilled to announce that tickets are on sale for the highly anticipated annual Valentine Tour of Homes , set for Saturday, February 8, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. , and Sunday, February 9, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.  This beloved event offers an exclusive opportunity to step inside some of Walton County’s most captivating spaces, showcasing breathtaking interiors, renowned architectural design, and scenic settings. It’s the perfect way to infuse your winter beach weekend with inspiration and charm. This year’s tour highlights an extraordinary collection of homes located in Santa Rosa Beach, Alys Beach, Rosemary Beach, as well as residences in the New Urbanist town of SEASIDE® . Tour tickets are $40 in advance through Sunday, February 2 and $50 beginning Monday, February 3 through the event weekend. Each ticket is valid for the entire weekend with one entry per house. Tickets can be purchased in advance on the CAA’s website, CulturalArtsAlliance.com/upcoming-events , and will also be available for purchase at all of the locations throughout the weekend. To enhance your experience, home addresses, directions, parking information, and design details will be available on the CAA website prior to the tour. The 2025 Valentine Tour of Homes weekend is presented by Visit South Walton with additional support from Emerald Coast Magazine, HWY 331.com , Homeowner’s Collection Vacation Rentals, SEASIDE®, the Seaside Institute™, Rosemary Beach Realty, and Alys Beach. All net proceeds benefit the CAA's ‘Art For All’ Program, which provides support to Walton County schools, teachers, students, artists and arts organizations to further arts education in the community.      Please note that all homes on the tour are private residences. For questions regarding accessibility, contact the CAA office in advance, and accommodations will be made to the best of our ability. To volunteer, visit culturalartsalliance.com/volunteer . Volunteers receive a complimentary event ticket. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind experience to explore the beauty and creativity that make Walton County a cherished destination. Mark your calendars and secure your tickets today! For more information about the Valentine Tour of Homes and the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County, call 850-622-5970 or visit CulturalArtsAlliance.com .

The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA) is proud to announce The Foster Gallery’s Spring rotation of artists featured in a partner exhibition at the Coastal Branch Library located at 437 Greenway Trail in Santa Rosa Beach. Original work by twelve regional artists will be featured in the exhibit which runs through April 30, 2025. The public is invited to attend a special morning celebrating art and creativity on Saturday, February 15 from 10 a.m. - Noon . Meet the artists and enjoy some coffee and light breakfast bites all while connecting with fellow art enthusiasts in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. All ages are welcome. The selected featured artists are Elena Filshtinska, Harriet Nix, Janis Mars Wunderlich, Joseph Cantin, Katherine Duda, Kim Clark, Kim Salesses, Linda Kaye Moriarity, Mary McCollum, Masha Edmond, Sierra Swan, and Susan Julio. All rotation artists are members of the Cultural Arts Alliance. All exhibited works are for sale, and online for viewing and purchase at CulturalArtsAlliance.com/foster-gallery .  For Coastal Branch library hours, please visit waltonlibraries.com . For more information, including class schedule, ceramics services and space rental of the Bayou Arts Center for private events , call 850.622.5970 or visit CulturalArtsAlliance.com .

The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA) invites visual artists of all disciplines to apply to participate in the juried 37th Annual ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival planned for May 3 & 4, 2025 in Walton County, along Northwest Florida’s beaches. ArtsQuest will take place in the Town Center of Grand Boulevard , which is also home to other large-scale events including the 30A Songwriters Festival and the South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival. Located along the Scenic Highway 98 corridor, Grand Boulevard is easily accessible from regional drive and fly markets, including Dallas, Houston, Memphis, Atlanta, Nashville, Birmingham, Mobile, Pensacola and Tallahassee. The Town Center also offers upscale shopping, restaurants and three on-site hotels. “We are excited to embrace our 37th year of creativity in the community, a passion for art and an event that brings extraordinary artists and art collectors together," said CAA Events Director Allie Anderson. "We look forward to celebrating and recognizing the craftsmanship and vibrant artistry ArtsQuest brings to Walton County.” Artists may apply in the categories of Mixed Media, Oils, Acrylics, Works on Paper, Photography, Wood, Metal, Fiber, Glass, Ceramics, Sculpture, Jewelry, Pastels, and more and will be juried by art industry professionals. The jury fee is $50 and booth fees start at $375. The final application deadline is February 7, 2025. ARTISTS MAY APPLY TO THE EVENT AT: Zapplication.org ArtsQuest Artist benefits include : Limited to 200 juried artists Attendance of 5,000 quality art buyers $10,000 in cash prizes Program listing Exceptional artist hospitality Easy, convenient Friday load-in Drive to your booth for load in/load out Free artist parking onsite Corner and double booth options Booth sitters Overnight security Indoor restroom facilities Live music and entertainment Food vendors & full cash bar, along with existing restaurants in Grand Boulevard Grand Boulevard and the surrounding area offer affordable accommodations, including hotels, camping and condo and home rentals. Limited discounted hotel accommodations will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival is a featured event for Art Month Walton County with a reputation of artist centered promotion and execution and as such implements an extensive festival media plan directed to drive and fly markets including print, radio, digital and social media advertising, in addition to local signage. These marketing efforts combined with artist benefits, exceptional location and repeat local and visiting educated patrons who are eager to get to know and purchase makers' works make this long running and highly anticipated event a must on the calendar for artists of exceptional quality. Awards are given based on the Judges’ evaluation and scoring of each artist’s body of work as displayed in the booth. ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival is a Cultural Arts Alliance signature event that helps to fulfill our mission to bring high-quality artistic experiences to the community. Call the CAA office at 850-622-5970 for details.

The Cultural Arts Alliance (CAA) of Walton County is excited to announce Clay for a Cause: Bowls of Love , a brand new visual arts education and fundraising event. Scheduled for Thursday, March 6, 2025, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the picturesque Bayou Arts Center (BAC), this initiative combines culinary delight and artistic expression to benefit Caring & Sharing of South Walton and the CAA’s growing Pottery Studio. Guests attending Bowls of Love  will savor a variety of delicious soups generously provided by Stinky’s Fish Camp and Grayze Provisions, with more to be announced. Each soup will be served in a take-home, one-of-a-kind ceramic bowl handmade by local artisans, making for a meaningful and memorable dining experience. Adding to the excitement, the CAA Pottery Studio lead instructor and ceramic artist Jessica Batson will create a collection of bisque-fired bowls for custom painting by renowned local artists, including Kendall Boggs, Bradley Copeland, Wes Hinds, Andy Saczynski, Andi Scurto, and others to be announced. These beautifully adorned bowls will be auctioned during the event to raise additional funds, showcasing the remarkable talent of our community’s creatives. “Proceeds from the Bowls of Love  event will enable Caring & Sharing of South Walton to meet the growing needs of our community. Since 2023, the number of clients we serve has doubled, and we now provide over 1,000 local families each month with food, financial assistance, counseling, and case management services,” said Caring & Sharing Executive Director Carly Barnes. “We are excited about this new partnership, as it offers an exciting opportunity to bring the community together to make the project successful. We look forward to growing our relationship with the Cultural Arts Alliance, engaging new supporters, and creating hands-on opportunities for people to support their neighbors in need.” “The Cultural Arts Alliance’s Pottery Studio has experienced incredible growth since its inception in 2019, thanks to support by Shawn & Richard Tomasello and the collaboration of many ceramic artists,” said CAA Director of Programs and Creative Placemaking Courtney Malone. “Starting with just two wheels and a kiln, the studio has expanded into a vibrant hub for 3D arts education, now boasting ten wheels, specialized equipment, monthly classes, specialty workshops, live demonstrations at CAA events, and an Open Studio program that includes offering firing services for the broader community. This growth reflects the CAA’s commitment to fostering creativity and meeting the increasing demand for accessible arts education.” Tickets for Bowls of Love will be on sale soon at CulturalArtsAlliance.com/upcoming-events . Individuals and businesses interested in supporting the Clay for a Cause: Bowls of Love  program can contact Gabby Callaway at gabby@culturalartsalliance.com  for details.   The Bayou Arts Center is located at 105 Hogtown Bayou Lane in Santa Rosa Beach, FL. For more information about the CAA and the BAC Pottery Studio, call 850-622-5970 or visit CulturalArtsAlliance.com .

The Cultural Arts Alliance (CAA) of Walton County is calling all artists who are current members of the CAA to submit an application to be considered for the 2025 Foster Gallery Spring Rotation. The exhibit will be hosted at one of our community partner locations, The Coastal Branch Library, Feb. 1 through Apr. 30, 2025.   Please review the guidelines carefully and submit an application prior to the noted deadlines. ABOUT THE FOSTER GALLERY The Foster Gallery is named for the late Susan Foster, a founder of the Cultural Arts Alliance. The Foster Gallery features regional artist rotations as well as special exhibitions, artist receptions and openings, and symbolizes the support the CAA strives to give artists in our community, including those who are members of the CAA. This rotation will showcase member artworks at one of our community partner locations.   EXHIBIT LOCATION AND HOURS OF OPERATION   Coastal Branch Library Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. at 437 Greenway Trail, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 HOW IT WORKS Fifteen (15) to twenty (20) artists may be selected for this rotation. Artists are not required to work at the host location, however, they must be current members of the CAA (members do not have to be local). Not a member yet? It's easy to join online .    TIMELINE   Call to artists:  December 17, 2024 - January 12, 2025  Artist notification: January 14, 2025  Art Drop-off and Pick Up date: January 27, 2025  Rotation begins: February 1, 2025  Rotation ends: April 30, 2025, 5:00 p.m.  We look forward to seeing your unique creations and celebrating the diverse talents of our creative community. Don't miss this opportunity to showcase your work and connect with fellow artists and art enthusiasts. HOW TO APPLY  Please study the criteria  and submit an application online prior to 11:59 p.m. on January 12, 2025. You will need to set up an account with Submittable if you do not already have one. You only have to set up your account one time, but you will need to submit to artist calls individually.

The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA) is pleased to announce Art for All grants totaling $9,500 were recently awarded to Walton County teachers to support arts education and creative projects for more than 900 K-12 students. In decades of fostering creativity, the CAA has awarded more than $855,000.  Fourteen Teacher Grants benefiting nine area schools, including Abadie Academy, Bay School, Freeport Elementary, Freeport Learning Center, Freeport Middle School, Seaside Neighborhood School, South Walton Academy, South Walton High School, and The WISE Magnet School were awarded. The purpose of the Teacher mini-grant is to enhance the visual, literary and performing arts experience of all Walton County school-age children K-12 in public schools, private 501c (3) schools, and home schools through funding for special enhancement activities established by a teacher. “The CAA was founded on giving, and we are committed to making a deeper impact each year by funding arts education initiatives,” said CAA President & CEO Jennifer Steele.  “By investing in arts education, we’re enhancing classroom experiences and empowering young minds to think critically, express themselves, and contribute meaningfully to their communities. These programs reaffirm our commitment to cultivating a vibrant, arts-infused Walton County where everyone experiences the power of the Arts.” Applications for teachers, students, artists, and arts organizations can be found and completed online at CulturalArtsAlliance.com/artist-resources . The next deadline for submissions is May 15, 2025.

The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA) is proud to announce The Foster Gallery’s Fall/Winter rotation of artists are featured in a partner exhibition at the Coastal Branch Library located at 437 Greenway Trail in Santa Rosa Beach. Original work by eleven regional artists will be featured in the exhibit which runs through January 31, 2025. The public is invited to attend a 'Creative Cafe' morning event celebrating the exhibiting artists and their work on Saturday, December 7 from 10 a.m. - Noon. Meet the artists and enjoy coffee and light breakfast bites all while connecting with fellow art enthusiasts in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. All ages are welcome. The selected featured artists are Amber DeCicco, Elena Filshtinska, Capri Boyle Jones, Robyn Martins, Linda Kaye Moriarity, Pam Ridler, Ridge Roberts, Kim Salesses, Blair Supplee, Sierra Swan, and Sherry Sweet Tewell. All artists are members of the Cultural Arts Alliance. All exhibited works are for sale, and online for viewing and purchase at CulturalArtsAlliance.com/foster-gallery .  For Coastal Branch library hours, please visit waltonlibraries.com . For more information on the CAA, including memberships, donations, class schedule, ceramics services and space rental of the Bayou Arts Center for private events, call 850.622.5970 or visit CulturalArtsAlliance.com .

The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA) and South Walton Artificial Reef Association (SWARA) are proud to reveal the five sculpture designs chosen by jury for permanent exhibition in the seventh installation of the Underwater Museum of Art (UMA).  The 2025 installation will include the following sculptures: Seahorse  by Jessica Bradsher (Greenville, NC), Concretion  by William Braithwaite (United Kingdom), The Neptunian Oak  by Nathan Hoffman (Highlandville, MO), Happy Hour  by Sarah Wilkinson (United Kingdom), and Hometown  by Mandy Yourk (Panama City, FL).    Named in 2018 by TIME Magazine as one of 100 “World’s Greatest Places,” and recipient of the 2023 CODAAward for Collaboration of the Year, the UMA is the cornerstone of the CAA’s Art In Public Spaces Program and augments SWARA’s mission of creating marine habitat and expanding fishery populations while providing enhanced creative, cultural, economic and educational opportunities for the benefit, education and enjoyment of residents, students and visitors in South Walton.  UMA sculptures are deployed with SWARA’s existing USACOA and FDEP permitted artificial reef projects that includes nine nearshore reefs located within one nautical mile of the shore in approximately 58 feet of water. The 2025 installation will join the 47 sculptures previously deployed on a one-acre permit patch of seabed off Grayton Beach State Park, further expanding the nation’s first permanent underwater museum.  Deployment of the 2025 UMA sculptures is slated for Summer. Visit UMAFL.org for more information on timeline and events surrounding the installation. Project and sculpture sponsorships are available. Please contact Gabby Callaway at gabby@culturalartsalliance.com  for details.   2025 UMA SCULPTURE AND ARTIST DETAILS SEAHORSE  artist Jessica Bradsher is based in Greenville, NC. As an outdoor sculpture artist, she often creates with the themes of horses and hair. Seahorse  will be her 9th full size welded horse and the piece will incorporate a fun twist on its mane and tail as they appear to flow with the ocean waters. Surreal horses inspire the imagination and the idea that anything is possible if you can dream it into existence. CONCRETION is a concrete and steel sculpture by artist William Braithwaite. Concretion  will add an interesting architectural intervention in the Gulf, asking a question about the relationship of art, architecture and the natural world. Using repetitive shapes and forms Braithwaite will build a large form that has both geometric and linear values. The sculpture describes visual relationships; it is a way for the artist  to make sense of architecture and its aesthetic values and provide a way of trying to understand abstract relationships. Readers may recognize Missouri-based artist Nathan Hoffman from his 2024 UMA sculpture Poseidon’s Throne. For the 2025 installation, Hoffman will create THE NEPTUNIAN OAK ,  a conduit for life and movement although being a representation of a dead and lifeless tree at its first landing on the ocean floor. It’s dislocated from its usual environment, however it will still function with great purpose. Even in death, a tree is a vessel for life. The hollowed out trunk and limbs will invite life to inhabit and explore its many crevices and grooves, swimming into and out of the voluminous space. Sections of big thick, chunky bark will provide surface area and many attachment points for life to flourish. A large tree commands your attention and deserves respect from the many years it’s lived and hardships it’s endured. This tree will be a reminder of the cycle of life and death and rebirth as new growth overtakes its once colorless and lifeless form. The submerged tree is also a reminder of rising sea levels and the rapidly changing earth. As living trees create oxygen through photosynthesis, in death this tree will do the same by giving algae a place to grow. If we could all be more like trees. HAPPY HOUR by   UK based   artist Sarah Wilkinson is based on a margarita cocktail glass and provides the visiting divers with time to enjoy an oversized cocktail while diving the underwater museum site. The main purpose of the sculpture is to encourage marine life to transform the sculpture into a living reef. All surfaces of the concrete glass, together with the lime pieces attached to the cocktail glass, will have crevices and texture to attract marine life and algae to take up home on the sculpture. It is hoped that a cocktail of marine life will eventually inhabit the cocktail glass.  HOMETOWN  by Panama City artist Mandy Yourick uses simple shapes to explore the multiple meanings of home. The inspiration for this sculpture is the site itself. The Gulf waters, specifically off the shore of Grayton Beach, which are home to Yourick. This is where she first learned to swim in open water and where she spent many years making memories with friends on the shore. As the sixth generation of her family to be born and raised in the Florida Panhandle, she has deep connections to the area and is committed to the longevity of its biodiversity. Yourick hopes this playful sculpture becomes a hometown for generations of marine life to come.

#GivingTuesday is more than just a day to give back—it’s a global movement that inspires generosity and sparks community. This year, we invite you to celebrate #GivingTuesday by upgrading your membership or joining our arts organization as a Circle of Champions member  and becoming part of a community that believes in the power of creativity to transform lives. Why Join Us? When you become a member, you’re not just supporting the Arts—you’re making a statement about the importance of culture and creativity in our community. Here’s how your membership makes a difference: Nurturing Local Talent:  Your support helps us provide resources, workshops, and exhibition opportunities for emerging and established artists. Expanding Access:  Membership funds enable us to offer free or reduced-cost art programs, making art accessible to students, teachers, artists and arts organizations, underserved communities, and those who need it most. Building Community:  Art has the power to bring people together, and your membership helps us create shared experiences through public art, performances, and cultural events. Member Benefits As a member, you’ll enjoy a range of exclusive benefits, including: Discounts on tickets and workshops. Invitations to member-only gatherings where you can connect with fellow art enthusiasts. The joy of knowing you’re actively supporting the Arts in your community. Why Give on #GivingTuesday? #GivingTuesday is about turning collective action into impact. By joining on this special day, your membership amplifies the message that the Arts matter and helps ensure its vitality for future generations. It’s a chance to invest in creativity and make a lasting difference. How to Join Becoming a member is easy! Visit CulturalArtsAlliance.com/join to explore the different levels of membership and choose the one that’s right for you. Whether you’re an individual, a family, or a business, there’s a place for you in our vibrant arts community. This #GivingTuesday, let’s come together to create, inspire, and transform. Join us and be part of something bigger—because art has the power to change the world, and it starts with you. Together, we’ll shape a brighter, more creative future.

The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching lives through the arts, is excited to announce their upcoming feature on 'Empowered with Meg Ryan,' a nationally televised program that highlights inspiring stories of community transformation. The segment, filming on November 19th, will be distributed to stations nationwide, showcasing the CAA's impactful initiatives and their dedication to fostering a vibrant arts scene in Walton County. It will discuss the imperative relationship between the organization and the community, and will discuss events and initiatives that are fostering growth and engagement. "We are thrilled to be featured in an upcoming episode of Empowered with Meg Ryan, which highlights the importance of the CAA's cross-sector partnerships and their impact on the community we serve," said Jennifer Steele, President & CEO. "Our organization's mission is to foster creativity through the inclusive and collaborative advancement of the arts, making them accessible, meaningful, and inspiring for everyone. This opportunity allows us to share our story with a national audience, showcase the creativity and passion that drive us, and invite new friends and supporters to join our mission." The CAA aims to cultivate a supportive environment where the arts can thrive. They achieve this by providing essential funding, educational programs, and advocacy for local artists and arts organizations. Through their tireless efforts, the CAA has become a cornerstone of the Walton County community, enriching the lives of residents and visitors alike. Empowered with Meg Ryan's segment on the CAA promises to be a heartwarming and inspiring look at the transformative power of art. Viewers will gain a deeper understanding of the CAA's vital role in nurturing creativity, self-expression, and cultural appreciation in Walton County.

30A Songwriters Festival will celebrate its 16th year with performances on the main stage at presenting partner Grand Boulevard’s Town Center in Miramar Beach with headline performances by renowned artists MELISSA ETHERIDGE, AMOS LEE, THE JAYHAWKS, THE DEVON ALLMAN PROJECT, MAGGIE ROSE, and SECRET SISTERS . The festival welcomes for the first time to 30A CHARLIE STARR & BENJI SHANKS (BLACKBERRY SMOKE), NATALIE HEMBY, BRANDY CLARK, CHUCK PROPHET & HIS CUMBIA SHOES, LINDSAY LOU (BAND), BRETT DENNAN, the STEWS, LANGHORNE SLIM, CHRIS KNIGHT, JOSH JOPLIN GROUP, WILLI CARLISLE, BEE TAYLOR (BAND), JONTAVIOUS WILLIS, JOSH ROUSE, PAUL MCDONALD & THE MOURNING DOVES, TYLER RAMSEY, ANDREA VON KAMPEN, JILL SOBULE, BURRIS, KYLE DAVIS, JADA CATO, BETH BOMBARA, MALLORY JOHNSON, JESSICA SHARMAN, DAVID BORNÉ, ANNA GRACE . Returning to perform two shows each throughout the weekend are songwriting legends DARRELL SCOTT, LIVINGSTON TAYLOR, WILL KIMBROUGH, ELLIS PAUL, SHAWN MULLINS, VICKI PETERSON & JOHN COWSILL, JOHN PAUL WHITE, TOMMY PRINE, RUTHIE FOSTER, HAYES CARLL, HOLLY WILLIAMS, JOHN FULLBRIGHT, BLACK OPRY REVUE, LILLY HIATT, SUSAN WERNER, CHUCK CANNON, JEFF BLACK, DAN BERN, GRIFFIN HOUSE, CHARLIE MARS, RANDALL BRAMBLETT, JEFFREY STEELE, STEVE POLTZ, KELLY WILLIS, BOB SCHNEIDER, MARY GAUTHIER, CERTAINLY SO, DAVID RYAN HARRIS, CHRIS STILLS, EMERSON HART, JOHN DRISKELL HOPKINS, ADAM HOOD, ABE PARTRIDGE, CHASTITY BROWN, COUSIN CURTISS, WILL HOGE, RYANHOOD , with more to come. We are pleased to announce the following additional confirmed artists: SARAH CLANTON, JACK BARKSDALE, ELIOT BRONSON, MIKE KINNEBREW, LIZ LONGLEY, GRAYSON CAPPS, CAT RIDGEWAY, LILLY WINWOOD, CAITLIN CANNON, BRADLEY COLE SMITH & NELSON NOLAN, JENNIFER LYNN SIMPSON, SARA HELLS, THE SAND OLE OPRY WITH MIKE WHITTY and many more. Many More Artists Will Be Announced Over the Next Few Weeks—Stay Tuned Melissa Etheridge – Melissa Etheridge stormed onto the American rock scene in 1988 with the release of her critically acclaimed self-titled debut album, which led to an appearance on the 1989 Grammy Awards show. For several years, her popularity grew around such memorable originals as “Bring Me Some Water,” “No Souvenirs” and “Ain’t It Heavy,” for which she won a Grammy® in 1992. Etheridge hit her commercial and artistic stride with her fourth album, Yes I Am (1993). The collection featured the massive hits, “I’m the Only One” and “Come to My Window,” a searing song of longing that brought Etheridge her second Grammy® Award for Best Female Rock Performance. In 1995, Etheridge issued her highest charting album, Your Little Secret, which was distinguished by the hit single, “I Want to Come Over.” Her astounding success that year led to Etheridge receiving the Songwriter of the Year honor at the ASCAP Pop Awards in 1996. Etheridge has toured with her band extensively this year including co-headlining bills with Indigo Girls and Jewel. Amos Lee – With a laid-backed style, dusty, evocative voice and acoustic Americana sound, Philadelphia-native Amos Lee straddles a range of genres in his quest to connect honestly and emotionally with his audience. Along with his acclaimed albums such as Mission Bell and Mountains of Sorrow, Rivers of Song, and his gold-selling 2005 eponymous debut album, Amos Lee, the artist is well known for his association with a long list of collaborators and touring partners, from Paul Simon to Zac Brown Band. “My favorite time in music is probably 1970-75. Still Bill by Bill Withers, Harvest by Neil Young, John Prine’s first album, James Taylor’s One Man Dog—I hope I can bring the same sort of spirit I hear on those records,” he says. From old-timey to reverential, soul to Appalachian, funk and jazz – his musical career has been spent exploring the American songbook’s capacity to hold and express his emotional tides. Lee’s sharp ear and soulful approach to songwriting has resulted in a rich catalog of contemporary, classic songs beloved by his growing audience. “Sweet Pea,” “Windows Are Rolled Down,” and “Colors” are a few jumping off points for an artist who is well worth the deep dive. On his eleventh studio album, Transmissions, singer-songwriter Lee continues to expand his sonic range while sharpening his closely observed lyrics that squarely address death, aging, and love. We are thrilled to welcome Amos Lee this January for his debut performance on the 30A Songwriters Festival mainstage. The Jayhawks - The incredible harmonies and distinctive arrangements of The Jayhawks set them apart from the rest of the Minneapolis music scene that emerged in the 1980s. Over the course of almost 4 decades, 11 albums, countless memorable live shows and enough personal drama to fill a couple of Behind the Music episodes, this beloved band soared to heights few ever achieve while winning the hearts and minds of numerous critics, fans and peers in the process. After releasing 2 Indie albums in the 80s, The Jayhawks had become a driving force and inspiration behind the growing Americana movement in the early 1990s. Combining the talents of singer-songwriters Gary Louris and Mark Olson, The Jayhawks released their major label debut, the acclaimed Hollywood Town Hall (1992) on the Def American label. This was followed by Tomorrow the Green Grass (1995), which produced the alternative radio hit single “Blue.” When Olson left to pursue a solo career, Louris singularly took over the songwriting role in The Jayhawks creating the band’s enduring sound on some of their best selling and well-received albums including Sound of Lies (1997), Smile (2000) and Rainy Day Music (2003). Louris continues to write and tour with the longtime core group of Marc Perlman, Karen Grotberg, and Tim O’Reagan. While the touring line-up has changed over the years and Olson briefly reappeared in 2010 to record and tour, this classic lineup maintains a commitment to excellence and forward motion in their shows and in their recordings. Paging Mr. Proust (2016), was produced in Portland with Peter Buck and Tucker Martine and found the band moving in several new exciting directions. The band’s 10th studio album, Back Roads And Abandoned Motels, was released in the summer of 2018, featuring Jayhawks versions of songs Gary Louris had previously written with other artists plus 2 new compositions. In July 2020 The Jayhawks released their latest album, XOXO, that features songwriting and lead vocal contributions from all 4 core members. The Jayhawks have made music in 4 different decades and are as vital now as they were in 1985. They definitely have earned their reputation as a true American treasure. The Devon Allman Project – Devon Allman has blues-rock in his DNA. That distinctive sound has been shaping his music since he first started playing guitar as a teenager, all the way to his recent albums with the Allman Betts Band. But for his first solo album in eight years, Allman freed himself of any genre expectations, picked up a bass guitar, and wrote a series of so ngs informed by R&B, funk, and alt-rock. “Previously on my records, I was carving out something that I felt needed to fit into contemporary blues or straight-ahead rock & roll,” Allman says. “That wasn’t on my mind this time. Instead, the goal was to write music that moves me.” The result is Miami Moon, an undeniably feel-good album . Recorded at Criteria Recording Studios in Miami, the legendary outpost where Allman’s father, Gregg, and the Allman Brothers Band cut LPs like 1972’s Eat a Peach, the album has shades of Curtis Mayfield, Sade, and even The Cure. Devon will be joined on stage by several guest artists throughout his set that will include both his original songs and a number of brilliant Allman Brothers classic recordings played in tribute to one of the greatest southern bands of all time.  Charlie Starr & Benji Shanks – Charlie Starr, lead vocalist and guitarist for American rock band Blackberry Smoke, will be joined by longtime friend and musician, Benji Shanks, for an acoustic performance. Starr is a native of Lanett, Alabama and was born into a musical family. Playing guitar became one of Starr's passions, in addition to writing and singing. In December 2017, he was named as one of Music Radar's top 23 guitarists, a list that includes "rock guitar gods" including Keith Richards of Rolling Stones, Slash of Guns N' Roses, and Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top, amongst others. Blackberry Smoke is in the midst of a landmark year following the release of their new album, YOU HEAR GEORGIA. The album debuted as the best-selling Americana/Folk album in the country on May 28th 2021. It entered at #1 on the Billboard Top Americana/Folk Albums chart with resounding praise from fans and critics. Starr and Shanks will be performing intimate, acoustic arrangements of songs Starr has penned as well as some of their favorite songs by other artists. Maggie Rose – Hailed for her "multi-genre talents" by Billboard and deemed a "star" by Rolling Stone, acclaimed singer-songwriter Maggie Rose has released her ambitious new album No One Gets Out Alive. Hearkening back to early '70s Laurel Canyon, the music deals in both dark and uplifting themes- disillusionment in relationships, ageism, female empowerment and living in the moment, among them, with Maggie's big, soulful voice taking center stage. Maggie successfully straddles the worlds of pop, rock, soul, Americana and folk, unencumbered by genre specifics. Recorded with a dream team including members of Jason Isbell's 400 Unit, Alabama Shakes and Gregg Allman's band, the record was produced by GRAMMY-Award winner Ben Tanner, mixed by Bobby Holland and arranged by conductor Don Hart (Phish, Lyle Lovett). A respected fixture of the Nashville community, Maggie has played the iconic Grand Ole Opry over 100 times and marquee festivals including Austin City Limits, Bonnaroo, and Newport Folk Fest. A true road warrior, she has shared the stage with the likes of Kelly Clarkson, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Heart, Joan Jett, Eric Church, Gov't Mule, The Mavericks, Fitz & The Tantrums, St. Paul & The Broken Bones and The Revivalists among others. In her first appearance at 30A, Maggie will set the headline stage on fire and follow it with a marquee evening performance - do not miss her! Secret Sisters – Since their 2010 self-titled debut, The Secret Sisters have brought their spellbinding harmonies to songs that untangle the thorniest aspects of life and love and womanhood. In the making of their new album, Mind, Man, Medicine, Alabama-bred siblings Laura Rogers and Lydia Slagle found their songwriting transformed by a newfound sense of self-reliance and equanimity, threading their lyrics with hard-won insight into the complexities of motherhood, commitment, compassion, and self-preservation in an endlessly chaotic world. Centered on a kaleidoscopic sound that boldly blurs the edges of country-folk, the duo’s fifth full-length ultimately confronts many of modern life’s harshest challenges while leading the listener toward a more open-hearted state of mind. The Festival is happy to bring back the Secret Sisters to 30A, this time to both the headline stage and for an evening performance. The 30A Songwriters Festival production team transforms amphitheaters, town halls, restaurants, theaters, bars and covered patios into unique music venues with state-of-the-art sound systems with capacities ranging from 100 to 1000 seats indoors and 6,000 outdoors. WMOT, based in Nashville, will again interview and record select artists at the Festival for its World Cafe sessions aired throughout the year in conjunction with WXPN in Philadelphia. "I have had the good fortune to see Melissa Etheridge with her band several times on tour this summer with the Indigo Girls," comments Russell Carter, President of Russell Carter Artist Management and Festival Co-Producer. "Melissa is one of the greatest female rock n roll vocalists ever, and her lean mean band is perfectly tuned to support her immense talent." Carter continues, "can I say how happy I am to get the Jayhawks to swing south all the way from Minneapolis to the panhandle to perform on the main stage - I know they are a favorite of many loyal 30A fans who have requested them for years: “I’m Going To Make You Love Me,” “Waiting For the Sun,” “Blue” and that’s just a start. We welcome the Jayhawks - arguably the best living, working Americana band in the country!" "The 30A Songwriters Festival stands apart in South Walton as the sole cultural event that brings all of the communities on 30A and surrounding areas together, in harmony, to produce a four-day, around the clock presentation of extraordinary music, food, and wine. " says Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County President & CEO, January 20, the 30A corridor is wall to wall music venues, world class musicians and music fans - exclusively! If you haven’t experienced this immersive melodic experience, join us in 2025."  Adds Carter, "There is a direct correlation between the success of the 30A Songwriters Festival and the richness of cultural arts experiences in our communities, including an Art in Public Spaces program (murals and sculptures), the Underwater Museum of Art, local theater, Flutterby Children's Arts Festival, and the ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival." Learn more and purchase tickets at 30ASongwritersFestival.com .

The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA) announces the return of one of Walton County’s most beloved fall events, the Flutterby Arts Festival, which will take place Sunday, November 10 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. in Watersound® Town Center.  In its 32nd year, the Flutterby Festival will feature many returning and new activities for kids of all ages, including arts & crafts projects, live performances, interactive workshops, a student butterfly art exhibit , a butterfly wing creation station, a Monarch butterfly learning center, face painting, student performances, live painting, ceramics demonstrations, carnival games, an inflatable slide, butterfly parades and an Artist Market of professional artists and crafters exhibiting and selling their work throughout the day.  This year’s featured Flutterby artist is Idris Dupuis of Dune Lakes Elementary school whose artwork is featured on the official 2024 Flutterby promotional materials. Festival merchandise will be available for sale and food trucks will be on site to sell lunch items, sweet treats, and beverages (for kids and their parents). Attendees can also enjoy a self-guided walking tour of the Watersound® Monarch Art Trail (WMAT) featuring audio from the sculpture artists about their art works as well as information about the surrounding native landscaping. The WMAT is an Art in Public Spaces project that includes eight original sculptures installed along South Watersound Parkway’s existing mile-long walking and bike path. The trail was created in 2021 with support from The St. Joe Community Foundation, and use of the area was made possible by The St. Joe Company.  The Flutterby Festival weekend is presented by the Watersound ®  Origins Community, Watersound ®  Town Center, and the St. Joe Community Foundation with support from the Visit South Walton and Watersound Fountains.  Admission to the Flutterby Festival is free and open to the public. Some activities require tickets, which can be purchased at the CAA welcome and information tents within the Festival. Parking, including accessible parking, will be available on-site.  Volunteers are needed to help create all the fun! Please visit CulturalArtsAlliance.com/volunteer to sign up.  For more information on the Flutterby Festival, and the CAA, please visit CulturalArtsAlliance.com  or call 850-622-5970.