The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is proud to highlight a diverse line up of more than 150 artists performing, May 6th through the 10th, in more than 40 live shows at the Key West Songwriters Festival presented by BMI, a leader in music rights management. As a sponsor of the 20^th annual event, FRLA is thrilled to bring five days and nights of well-crafted songwriting to the idyllic island of Key West from Wednesday, May 6 through Sunday, May 10 in conjunction with VISIT FLORIDA.

“We are honored to sponsor the Key West Songwriters Festival as it celebrates its 20^th year showcasing songwriters and headlining acts in a one-of-a-kind destination,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “This event gives festival-goers the chance to hear the stories behind chart-topping hits and experience the restaurants, bars and hotels in Florida’s southernmost paradise.”

A majority of the shows during the festival are free including “in-the-round” sessions with writers, the kick-off party presented by SunTrust Bank at Ocean Key Sunset Pier, and a concert in the heart of Duval Street featuring Grammy-nominated vocalist Chris Young. Additionally this year, the impressive list of artists performing at some of the island’s most popular beaches, boats, bars, resorts and historic theatres consists of Rhett Akins, Robert Earl Keen, Dean Dillon, Jeffrey Steele, Guthrie Trapp and The Mule Kickers, Aaron Watson, and many more.

Proceeds from the Key West Songwriters Festival benefit the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a pediatric treatment and research facility leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases.

Please go to www.KeyWestSongwritersFestival.com for the festival schedule and a full list of songwriters who will be performing.