The Lazy Days of Summer Never Ends This Fort Myers Songwriter Fest

The Lazy Days of Summer Never Ends This Fort Myers Songwriter Fest

So, now What? It’s the end of September, so it’s not quite summer and not quite fall; hold on, it’s always summer in Southwest Florida. What better way to continue our endless summer than with the Island Hopper Songwriter Fest?

Each year in this bustling corner of Southwest Florida, more specifically, Captiva, Downtown Fort Myers, and Fort Myers Beach. There is held an annual songwriter festival that spans 10 days in September. Since its commencement 7 years ago, it has drawn songwriters and fans from across the United States and the globe. Making this a very attractive place for music lovers to enjoy hundreds of free performances in venues showcasing some of country music’s best singer-songwriters.

With the reappearance of many songwriters, the Island Hopper Songwriter Fest offers up new artists every year. Making the songwriter festival a command event of your summer. I want to start with the Island Hopper headliner first off. Gary LeVox is one of the three founding members of Rascal Flatts. Their debut album, released in 2000, sold over 2.3 million records and has gone 2x platinum. Rascal Flats decided to disband in 2020 when Lenox decided to begin releasing solo music. In 2021 he released his first solo EP called One on One. He will perform at the Pink Shell Beach Resort and Marina on September 25th; ticket purchases will be required.

The Island Hopper, as stated above, extends over three regions of Lee County and specific dates over the ten days. The Island Hopper Fest runs for 10 days on Captiva Island from September 16th through the 18th. Being hosted by venues such as Key Lime Bistro, RC Otters, or Mucky Ducks. Located in the very heart of “Olde Captiva,” the location makes it easy for you to enjoy the fine shops, fabulous restaurants, art galleries, an old-style general store… and, most importantly, our famous Captiva beach with the most beautiful sunsets in the world! I do have to admit they are absolutely gorgeous. Is there a superior way to experience a Captiva sunset than hanging at Mucky Duck? Located right on the beach at Captiva with special guests Sam Munsick, Tyler James Bellinger, or Tim McGeary, to name a few.

Our next stop on this songwriter train is to the heart of the ever-gorgeous and historic Downtown Fort Myers. Shows begin September 19th through the 20th, with shows being held at some of the most picturesque bars and restaurants Fort Myers offers. Venues like City Tavern on Bay Street, or maybe you’re more into an outside courtyard approach; then you’ll definitely be interested in the Social House on Hendry Street. Did I mention these shows are free of charge? You just need to show up and enjoy the music. We can’t leave out the Ms. Berne Davis’s legacy with shows being held at the world-class venue Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center right on First Street. Purchasing a ticket for the SBD is required, but all proceeds go back to the art center.

We round out this songwriting soirée with our feet in the sand and fruity drink to our lips in Fort Myers Beach. Venues range from Nervous Nellies, a casual, family-fun restaurant that boasts a large selection of appetizers, fresh seafood, over-stuffed sandwiches, and a most amazing venue for the music of Essex County. Country music has hip-shaking Georgia boys, sweet-crooning duos, and more than its fair share of tall, dark, and predictable singing songs about love, loss, and alcohol. Not choosing favorites here, but my MOST favorite Bar & Grill on the beach has to be Yucatan Beach Stand Bar and Grill, located on Old San Carlos Blvd. Hosting 5, yes that is correct, 5 artists such as The Clouses, Paul McDonald, and Joey McGee. Did I mention they also boast the best grouper sandwich in Southwest Florida? Yes, the best grouper sandwich in SWF.

I could not be more excited for the 2022 Island Hopper Fest. An amazing group of singer-songwriters from Nashville and nationwide. Most shows are free except for a few ticketed experiences like our headliner shows.

You can stay up-to-date on all the Island Hopper has to offer by visiting www.islandhopperfest.visitfortmyers.com or downloading the app or your IOS or Android device. You will also be able to follow along before, during, and after the event on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

If you are interested and want to come to Fort Myers for any or all of these notable artists, click on the link for The Hibiscus House B&B. And remember, when you stay at the Hibiscus House B&B, you always enter as guests and leave as friends.

Bob Brooks
The Hibiscus House B&B, Fort Myers, FL.