The 16th Annual 30A Songwriters Festival: A Personal Reflection

There’s something almost ethereal about the 30A Songwriters Festival. Maybe it’s the salty air mingling with the sound of acoustic guitars, or perhaps it’s the deep connection between artists and listeners in those intimate venues along Scenic Highway 30A. Whatever it is, this year’s 16th annual festival reminded me why I love music and the Gulf Coast in equal measure.

Stretching across 25 unique venues, the 30A Songwriters Festival, a fundraiser for the Cultural Arts Alliance (CAA) of Walton County, transformed this stretch of Florida’s coast into a haven for music lovers. From Rosemary Beach to Blue Mountain Beach, nearly 20 miles of pristine coastline played host to artists whose craft is rooted in the art of songwriting. This wasn’t just a festival—it was an experience, a community of passionate musicians and fans gathering to celebrate storytelling through song.

One of the standout moments for me was my time with Maggie Rose, an artist whose presence and talent resonate deeply. Maggie’s performance with Devon Allman was a highlight of the weekend, a moment of pure magic that left the audience spellbound. When I sat down with her, she shared the special connection she has with Devon and how their collaboration on These Days was a tribute to both Jackson Browne and Devon’s father, Gregg Allman.

“Devon has become a friend of mine over the years and although we don’t get to sing together enough, it’s always special when the occasion arises,” Maggie told me. “I recorded These Days with him a few years ago to pay tribute to his father, who recorded his own version of the song for his record Laid Back. Like Gregg, we revere the mastery of songwriting that Jackson Browne demonstrated in writing that song at such a young age, and it felt like an awesome opportunity to perform it together in front of a crowd that came together for a festival to celebrate what is—in my opinion—the greatest part of the creative process that is songwriting.”

Maggie’s career has been nothing short of remarkable. Hailed for her “powerhouse vocals” by People Magazine, she recently released her critically acclaimed album No One Gets Out Alive, which earned a GRAMMY nomination for Best Americana Album. Rolling Stone praised it as “dazzling” and “cathartic,” while Billboard called it “superb.” Over the years, Maggie has shared the stage with legends like Dave Matthews Band, Tedeschi Trucks Band, and Eric Church, and captivated audiences with performances on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, CBS Saturday Morning, and NBC’s Today. Her seamless fusion of rock, soul, Americana, and folk has cemented her as one of the most dynamic and versatile artists today. Now, as she continues to reach new heights in her career, Maggie and her husband, Austin, are joyfully preparing to welcome their first child, adding yet another beautiful harmony to their ever-evolving story.

I also had the pleasure of catching up with Laura Rogers and Lydia Slagle of The Secret Sisters. Hailing from Muscle Shoals, Alabama, their harmonies are like liquid gold, steeped in the rich musical heritage of their hometown. As we talked, they reflected on what makes this festival so unique.

“It’s like all these people that you love are near, you know,” Laura shared. “Even if you don’t get to see them play, it’s nice to think, ‘Oh yeah, I saw where so-and-so’s playing down the road from us tomorrow.’” Lydia chimed in, adding, “It’s a rare festival experience. People come here to escape, to sit and listen, and not think about what might be going on at home. That’s why we love playing here.”

Their words ring true. The festival isn’t about distraction—it’s about presence. The audience here doesn’t just listen; they absorb, they feel, they connect.

Beyond the music, the weekend was a feast for the senses. Townsend Catering and Chef David Townsend served up dishes that could only be described as soulful. His Southern Shrimp and Grits was a revelation, and I’m thrilled to share his recipe in this issue for readers to recreate at home. Music and food have always been intertwined, and at the 30A Songwriters Festival, both were nothing short of extraordinary.

As I left this year’s festival, I couldn’t help but start counting down the days until next year’s festival. If you’ve never been, make plans now—I promise you won’t regret it. The 2026 30A Songwriters Festival is sure to be another unforgettable weekend of music, connection, and storytelling. See you there.

Looking Ahead: The Music Section of Coastal Lifestyle Magazine

With this issue, we are thrilled to introduce a brand-new section of Coastal Lifestyle Magazine dedicated to Music on the Gulf Coast. Live music is an integral part of life here, and we want to bring our readers closer to the artists, venues, and experiences that define the sound of our coastal communities.

Over the coming months, we will be featuring some of the most exciting venues along the Gulf Coast, including The Wharf in Orange Beach, The Hangout in Gulf Shores, and the legendary Flora-Bama.

The Wharf is known for its top-tier lineup of national acts and its spectacular waterfront setting. Concertgoers can enjoy a night under the stars with some of the biggest names in music, creating unforgettable memories along the Gulf. Meanwhile, The Hangout in Gulf Shores is synonymous with fun, blending great music with the laid-back beach vibe that defines this region, drawing fans from across the country for an incredible mix of performances right on the sand.

Finally, no discussion of Gulf Coast music would be complete without mentioning the Flora-Bama. An institution in its own right, this iconic venue straddles the Alabama-Florida state line and has been a beloved gathering place for musicians and music lovers alike. From its famous annual Mullet Toss to its legendary live performances, Flora-Bama is where music, coastal culture, and community collide in the best possible way.

In addition to these well-known venues, we’ll also be supporting several smaller spots where the locals go—the hidden gems that might not always make the headlines but offer some of the most authentic live music experiences around such as AJ’s in Grayton Beach, Florida, Ground Zero Blues Club in Biloxi, Mississippi, Seville Quarter in Pensacola, Florida and Johnny B’s Front Porch in Lillian, Alabama. These magical and sometimes secret locations are what make the Gulf Coast’s music scene so unique. Stay tuned as we uncover and highlight these special places, bringing our readers closer to the heart of the coastal music community.

Music is more than entertainment—it’s a reflection of the culture and soul of the Gulf Coast. Through this new section of Coastal Lifestyle Magazine, we will celebrate the artists, venues, and experiences that make this area a true music destination.

So, whether you’re a seasoned concertgoer or someone looking to explore the Gulf Coast’s vibrant music scene, stay tuned. There’s so much to discover, and we can’t wait to take you on this journey.

See you at the next show.