Cape Coral a showcase location for Island Hopper Songwriter Fest
Ten-day music festival to feature 80-plus performances, most of them free
A nationally recognized music festival that takes place across Southwest Florida is set to hit stages across Southwest Florida this Friday.
This year’s Island Hopper Songwriter Fest runs from Sept. 18-27, with tickets available for special performances featuring acclaimed artists including Broadcast Music, Inc. singer-songwriters.
“While most Island Hopper shows are free, ticketed experiences give fans a chance to get even closer to the artists and enjoy unique performances in special settings including sunset cruises and dinner experiences,” said festival officials in a release.
Now in its 12th year, the Island Hopper Songwriter Fest is among the top music festivals in the country, giving fans the opportunity to see top singer-songwriters perform up close with vibrant Southwest Florida settings as a backdrop.
In addition to the ticketed performances, singer-songwriters will take the stage for more than 80 performances during the 10-day music fest.
In Cape Coral, the music goes live this coming Monday and Tuesday as scenic venues feature nationally known names.
“We love bringing Island Hopper to Cape Coral,” said Matthew Cummings, communications director, Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau. “There’s great energy in the Cape, and the waterfront venues and love for live music really lend themselves to what Island Hopper is all about.
“Island Hopper also creates meaningful activity for local businesses in September. The music brings people together while creating deeper connections with the places and businesses that make Cape Coral unique.”
Taking place at waterfront venues such as Gather and The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village, attendees will hear familiar tunes in an intimate setting.
“These venues give you a chance to really connect with the artists,” Cummings said. “You’re not sitting in a huge arena, you’re just a few feet away, hearing the stories behind the music. That’s what makes Island Hopper special and naturally connects festival goers with local hospitality businesses. The venues are also an important part of the experience.”
As for the artists in the Cape this year, Cummings said the lineup features a really great mix.
“You’ll hear accomplished songwriters alongside artists you may be discovering for the first time,” he said. “That’s part of the Island Hopper experience. You might come out for someone you know and leave talking about someone completely new.”
Taking the stage will be Bridgette Tatum and Alex Rohan at Gather, as well as platinum-selling songwriter Edwin McCain at The Westin Cape Coral. Both shows are on Sept. 21.
“Edwin McCain at The Westin Cape Coral Resort is certainly a highlight,” Cummings said. “People know songs like ‘I’ll Be’ and ‘I Could Not Ask for More,’ but hearing those songs — and the stories behind them — in an intimate setting is a completely different experience. The Songwriter Dinner at Gather is another special experience. But we also tell people not to overlook the artists they haven’t heard of yet. That’s often where the surprises are.”
Cummings added that catching an Island Hopper show, wherever that may be across the region, is setting the stage for a great night out.
“It’s an easy, fun night out in September,” he said. “Meet up with friends, grab dinner or a drink and hear some talented songwriters, with most shows free to attend. And you don’t have to go far as it’s all happening right here in Cape Coral.”
The Island Hopper Songwriter Fest is presented by BMI, iHeartRadio’s Cat Country 107.1, Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association and Fort Myers – Islands, Beaches and Neighborhoods.
For the full lineup and ticket information, download the Island Hopper app or visit Islandhopperfest.com.
Attendees catch a live Island Hopper performance at these four locations around the Southwest Florida area:
• Captiva Island, Sept. 18-20
• Cape Coral, Sept. 21-22
• Downtown Fort Myers, Sept. 23-24
• Fort Myers Beach, Sept. 25-27
“This year also brings an exciting new addition to the festival experience,” said event organizers.
The new “Stars on the River” concert includes performances from headliners and BMI singer-songwriters LOCASH and Alexandra Kay at Caloosa Sound Amphitheater on Sept. 23, providing a spectacular setting for live music in downtown Fort Myers.
Other special ticketed experiences include:
• Sept. 20: Sunday Brunch with Dylan Altman and Tim James at ‘Tween Waters Inn and Marina on Captiva.
• Sept. 21: Songwriter Dinner with Bridgette Tatum and Alex Rohan at Gather in Cape Coral.
• Sept. 21: Westin Unplugged featuring headliner and platinum-selling songwriter Edwin McCain at The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village.
• Sept. 24: Luminary’s Dinner Experience with Nate Bass of British brother trio Essex County at Luminary Hotel & Co.’s culinary theater in downtown Fort Myers.
• Sept. 24: ACMA Showcase with Roy Schneider, Anthony Wayne, Bill Metts, Tim McGeary and Matt Hannam at Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center in downtown Fort Myers.
• Sept. 26: Music on the Mound featuring Frank Myers and Lauren Mascitti at Mound House on Fort Myers Beach.
• Sept. 26: Sunset Songwriter Cruise out of Fort Myers Beach aboard Adventures in Paradise featuring Robinson Treacher.
• Sept. 27: Headliner Michael Ray will close out Island Hopper with a pool-party performance at Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina on Fort Myers Beach.
For the full lineup and ticket information, download the Island Hopper app or visit Islandhopperfest.com.
To reach CJ HADDAD, please email cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com