Broadcast Music, Inc.® (BMI®), the global leader in music rights management, is pleased to announce the initial lineup for the 23rd Annual Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association’s Key West Songwriters Festival, presented by BMI. Set for May 9-13, 2018, the Key West Songwriters Festival will feature top hit-makers alongside up-and-coming talent in venues across the eclectic island.

BMI and Sony Music Nashville once again will collaborate on this year’s Main Stage Duval Street Concert on Saturday, May 12th which will spotlight performances by Columbia Nashville’s Tyler Farr, Monument Records’ Walker Hayes and Arista Nashville’s LANCO. In the wake of Hurricane Irma, TreeVibez Music and Big Loud will be hosting a benefit for Keys Strong Hurricane Relief featuring Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley of Florida Georgia Line, Morgan Wallen, Raelynn, and more. The star-studded lineup will take the stage at the San Carlos Theater on Wednesday, May 9. Other top notch performers at the festival will include Warner Music Group recording artists Frankie Ballard and Ashley McBryde, BMI’s 2017 Country Icon Bob DiPiero, Songwriter Hall Of Famer Even Stevens, Heather Morgan, Robert Earl Keen, Paul Thorn and many more.

“We are thrilled to continue our tradition of booking excellent talent at the Key West Songwriter’s Festival. BMI continues to book legends but also puts a focus on the discovery of up-and-coming talent. The festival continually allows us to be ground zero for providing opportunities for fans to discover new artists and writers. ” says Mason Hunter, AVP, Creative, Nashville. “We are excited to have Sony Music Nashville returning again with their big street show. This year, we are happy to support Keys Strong in their efforts to rebuild this unique landscape in the wake of Hurricane Irma. We are so appreciative of Florida Georgia Line and their team for stepping up to benefit those who are struggling.”

“Not many people know that when FGL first started playing shows, we would pile in to BK’s Tahoe and head south to perform in the bars and clubs all around Key West. So this place is a really special one for us,” shares Tyler Hubbard.

Brian Kelley adds, “We believe that music is healing and are beyond blessed to bring our Nashville community to Key West in support of the relief efforts. Spreading the love to a place that first welcomed us and our music completes the circle in a way. We’re looking forward to being back.”

Attendees will have the chance to check out more than 100 songwriters playing free shows at venues across the island. Other shows include the annual NSAI “Bluebird at Blue Heaven” show and the Robert Earl Keen Bloody Mary Brunch at the Smokin’ Tuna. Ticketed shows for the festival will include theatre shows at the San Carlos Institute, the Tropic Cinema, the Key West Theater and The Studios of Key West.

Proceeds from the Key West Songwriters Festival will benefit KeyStrong and the BMI Foundation, a nonprofit that since 1985 supports the creation, performance, and study of music through awards, scholarships, grants and commissions. Sponsors include SunTrust Bank, Texas Roadhouse, and Xperi.

For updates, follow @BMI on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook, and use hashtag #BMIKeyWest.

For a complete listing of shows, venues, participating songwriters and more, visit www.keywestsongwritersfestival.com.