Island Hopper Songwriter Fest returns
The Island Hopper Songwriter Fest, a 10-day music festival in Lee County with an emphasis on country performers, is set to begin in Captiva Sept. 16 working its way to Fort Myers Sept. 19-22 and then Fort Myers Beach from Sept. 23-25.
Fort Myers Beach will be hosting dozens of musicians, from local star Sheena Brook to the festival’s headliner: Rascal Flatts lead singer Gary LeVox.
LeVox will headline the Pink Shell Beach Resort pool party Sunday, Sept. 25 at 5 p.m. The show will also feature country band Essex County. Tickets to see Levox will run for $49.
Most of the other shows will be free, with the exception of the headlining performers.
A full schedule of groups for the festival can be found at https://www.island-hopperfest.visitfortmyers.com/schedule.
The Pink Shell Beach Resort on Fort Myers Beach will host two free shows on Saturday, Sept. 24, featuring musicians Autumn Nicholas and Kaylee Bishop at 1 p.m., followed by Dave Pahanish and Sam Grow at 2:30 p.m.
Dave Pahanish co-wrote the chart-topping country music singles “Do You Believe Me Now” by Jimmy Wayne, “American Ride” by Toby Keith and “Without You” by Keith Urban. Pahanish has also had songs recorded by Tim McGraw.
Brook, of Fort Myers Beach, will be hosting a female empowering musicians kickoff at Cabanas Beach Bar and Grille in Fort Myers Beach on Friday, Sept. 23. “The F.E.M.” concert will begin at 7 p.m. and will kickstart the Fort Myers Beach set of shows.
Beginning at 7 p.m., Alana Springsteen will lead a female cast at Cabanas that will also include Lala Deaton, Katie Lyon and Nicholas. The nightcap starts at 8:30 p.m. and will feature performances from Brook, Megan Linville and Kayley Bishop Both shows are free.
Brook will also return to Cabanas for a free concert Saturday with the group Late Night Jam, Sept. 24, at 10 p.m. Brook will play Nervous Nellie’s on Sunday, Sept. 25, at 3 p.m. with Kristen Merlin.
In addition to the Cabanas shows, Brook will be performing a number of shows on Captiva, in Fort Myers and Fort Myers Beach. Her Fort Myers Beach appearances will also include a free show at the Yucatan Beach Stand Bar & Grill on Saturday, Sept. 24, at 2:30 p.m.
Other Fort Myers Beach venues participating in the Island Hopper Songwriters Fest are Matanzas on the Bay, Pierside Grill and Famous Blowfish Bar and Shucker’s.