The group arrives in Key West. Pictured are: Front row (l to r): Wendell Mobley, Kylie Sackley, Virginia Davis, Jenn Schott, Melissa Pierce, Frank Myers, Vickie McGehee, Amber White, BMI's Bradley Collins, Cliff Cody; Back row (l to r): BMI's Mark Mason, Philip White, Fred Wilhelm, James Dean Hicks, Natalie Howard, Patrick Davis, Lee Brice, Brian Davis, BMI's Charlie Feldman and Eddy Raven. (Photo by Alan Mayor)

The festival also saw its first wedding this year, as songwriters D. Vincent Williams and Melinda Hutchings tied the knot while friends and peers looked on and wished them well.

The Key West Songwriter Festival is the brain child of Hog's Breath Saloon general manager Charlie Baur, and has grown from a weekend's worth of shows for the locals into a week-long extravaganza featuring many of the hottest writers in the country. BMI's inaugural role began in the festival's infancy and has ripened into that of devoted supporter and sponsor. The number of BMI affiliates in attendance continues to grow each year as coveted slots multiply through the addition of nearby venues. "This has become a vital event for Music Row," BMI's Mark Mason reflected. "Really, it has the feel and significance of a SXSW for songwriters."

Hog's Breath Saloon's recently opened listening room hosted various combinations of songwriters throughout the festival. Pictured are: (l to r): Jim Collins and Wendell Mobley. (Photo by Alan Mayor)

Songwriting elder statesman Hugh Prestwood attended the Key West festivities for the first time this year. "This was my first time at the festival. It was one of the most delightful experiences of my musical life -- a whirlwind immersion in a tropical Oz populated with amazing, hard-partying songwriters," he mused. "I came away inspired, rejuvenated and a bit hung-over. If good fortune allows, I am determined to be there every year."

Songwriting luminary Hugh Prestwood wowed fellow songwriters and audiences alike. (Photo by Alan Mayor)

One is hard-pressed to find views that rival Key West's panorama. (Photo by Alan Mayor)

Following their In-The-Round performance at the Key West Tropic Theatre are Tim Nichols, Marc Beeson, Craig Wiseman, Kendall Marvel, Jeffrey Steele and BMI's Shelby Kennedy. (Photo by Alan Mayor)

A cruise ship docks in Key West. (Photo by Alan Mayor)

BMI writers Melinda Hutchings and D.Vincent Williams tie the knot poolside at the Mango Tree Inn in Key West.

Festival organizers were presented with hand-painted mini ukuleles from their appreciative friends at BMI. Pictured are (l to r): BMI's Mark Mason, Hog's Breath owner and festival chairman Charlie Bauer, Mango Tree Inn owners Peggy and Johnny Newberry, "We've Got the Keys" event manager Nadene Grossman.

BMI's Mary Loving and writer Vickie McGehee grab some shade at the Cinco de Mayo pool party, which featured acoustic performances by Detox & the Redneck Rock Stars, Brian Davis and James Otto. (Photo by Alan Mayor)

Some of the guys hang out during some down time. Pictured are (l to r): BMI's Mark Mason and songwriters Brett James, D. Vincent Williams, Chuck Jones and Jeffrey Steele. (Photo by Alan Mayor)

Jeffrey Steele	Scotty Emerick	Tim Nichols

Each spring, top Music City tunesmiths, emerging talent and country fans from all over the globe gather to enjoy the event's intimate performance settings and soak up the sun. Shows offer listeners a unique glimpse into the stories behind hit songs and the minds that create them, thrusting the often unsung heroes of the hits into a well-deserved spotlight. Numerous neighborhood venues, all within walking distance of the Hog’s Breath, host performances daily. Easy bike rides and casual strolls to and from shows integrate participants warmly into the community.

Jedd Hughes	Vicki McGehee

The eleventh year of the festival boasts yet another stellar line-up. Nearly 50 BMI songwriters are scheduled to perform, featuring today's hit songs and over two decades' worth of favorites. "The people in Key West are what make this festival special," says BMI's Mark Mason. "The entire community adopted the event, and it has catapulted from under the radar to one of the most highly anticipated annual festivals. Tons of hit songs have actually been written in Key West-it's a hotbed for creativity. Our writers simply love to attend."

BMI songwriters and artists scheduled to perform this year include Eddy Raven, Cliff Cody, Chuck Cannon, Jeffrey Steele, James Dean Hicks, Vicky McGehee, Wendell Mobley, Hugh Prestwood, Andi Zack, Kris Bergsnes, Phillip White, D. Vincent Williams, Randy Houser, Robert Lee Castleman, Jim Collins, Tim Nichols, Frank Myers, Keith Stegall, Cory Morrow, Scotty Emerick, Max T. Barnes, Arliss Albritton, Wayd Battle, Dallas Davidson, Brian Davis, Rob Hatch, Chuck Jones, Tammi Kidd, Scott Kirby, David Lee, Jim McCormick, Steve McEwan, Jon McElroy, Shane Minor, Jerrod Niemann, James Slater, D. Tox, Billy Joe Walker Jr., Chad Warrix, Fred Wilhelm, Patrick Davis, Jenn Schott, Lee Brice, Dillon Dixon, Kylie Sackley, Amber White, Jason Michael Carroll, Jedd Hughes and Kendell Marvel.

Tickets are on sale for the Friday and Saturday night concerts in the Hog's Breath Writers Room. Advance tickets are $25.00 per person, per night; prices rise to $30.00 per person each night at the door. Please call 305.296.4222, Monday through Friday between 10:00am and 3:00pm to purchase tickets in advance. An official $5.00 Festival Pass entitles participants to discounts on Budweiser and Bacardi brand beverages and more throughout the week.

For the complete festival schedule, ticket information, performer profiles and line-up, please visit www.kwswf.com or call 305.296.4222.

Hit songs written by BMI songwriters performing at the 11th Annual Key West Songwriters' Festival:

Chuck Cannon
"Dreamwalkin'"
"How Do You Like Me Now"

Jeffrey Steele
"The Cowboy in Me"
"Hell Yeah"

Scotty Emerick
"Beer
for My Horses"
"As Good As I Once Was"

James Dean Hicks
"National Working Woman's Holiday"
"Goodbye Time"

Vicki McGehee
"When I Think About Cheatin'"
"All Jacked Up"

Wendell Mobley
"Fast Cars and
Freedom"
"How Forever Feels"

Hugh Prestwood
"Hard Rock Bottom of Your Heart"
"Ghost in This House"

Robert Lee Castleman
"The Lucky One"
"Restless"

Jim Collins
"The Good Stuff"
"She Thinks My Tractor's Sexy"

Tim Nichols
"Live Like You Were Dying"
"I'll Think of a Reason Later"

Frank Myers
"I'm Already There"
"My Front Porch Looking In"

Keith Stegall
"Dallas"
"I Hate Everything"

Artists slated to appear on the BMI Stage on Friday, September 23 include the Austin Collins Band, Kate York, Monte Warden, Patrick Davis and the Massacoustics; Saturday's performers include Kacy Crowley, the South Austin Jug Band, Free Sol, the Lost Trailers and the Real Heroes. On Sunday, the BMI Stage features Naturally 7, Kelley Hunt, Austin Hartley-Leonard, Donna the Buffalo and Inara George. Click here for the full three-day concert schedule and additional information.

Austin Collins	Lost Trailers

"The BMI Stage at the ACL Festival will present 15 hot artists this year, all of whom are not only great performers, but also exceptional composers of original music," said Phil Graham, Senior Vice President, Writer/Publisher Relations. "As an organization representing songwriters, BMI strives to expose new talent to the public. It doesn't get any better than this!"

Inara George	Massacoustics

With a sell-out total audience of more than 210,000 last year, the ACL Festival has in just three years become one of the nation's premiere live music extravaganzas. The event showcased more than 120 artists last year, from rock to gospel and country to reggae.

Kate York	Naturally 7

"BMI has made a major contribution in bringing great talent to the Festival for the last three years," said Charlie Jones, executive producer and principal at Capital Sports & Entertainment, which organizes the Festival (and co-produces the television series with KLRU-TV). "Nobody knows writer/entertainers better than BMI, and their support has been an important part of the festival's success."

Kelley Hunt	Patrick Davis

Last year, more than 300 members of the news media attended the Festival, including at least 15 radio stations and six local television stations. Two national cable networks, VH-1 and E! Entertainment, originated programming from the event. Attendees wishing to relive the Festival can purchase CD and DVD compilations of the performances.

The Festival reflects the spirit of its namesake television program, Austin City Limits. Now in its 31st season, this award-winning series created by KLRU-TV in Austin is the longest-running popular music program in television history.

BMI's Bradley Collins and Mark Mason, James Dean Hicks, Charlie Bauer, Tim Nichols, Key West Mayor Jimmy Weekly, Philip & Amber White, Chris Wallin and Craig Wiseman

The roster of talent who performed during the festival included BMI-Award winning tunesmiths Bart Allmand ("You Can't Take the Honky Tonk Out of the Girl"), Chuck Cannon ("American Soldier"), James Dean Hicks ("Jesus and Mama"), Chuck Jones ("Love a Little Stronger"), Jay Knowles ("She'll Leave You With a Smile"), Kendell Marvel ("Right Where I Need To Be"), Wendell Mobley ("I Melt"), Tim Nichols ("Live Like You Were Dying"), James Slater ("In My Daughter's Eyes"), Keith Stegall ("I Do Cherish You"), Phillip White ("I'm a Survivor") and D. Vincent Williams ("I'm Movin' On").

Patrick Davis and Jedd Hughes at Hog's Breath Saloon

Additional performers on the bill were Asylum Records artist Lee Brice, Patrick Davis ("This Life"), Dillon Dixon ("For a Lack of Better Words"), D-Tox, BNA Records artist Morgane Haynes, MCA Nashville artist Jedd Hughes, EMI Music Publishing writer Jamey Johnson, Key West songster Scott Kirby, Cory Mayo ("Break the Record"), Vicki McGehee ("When I Think About Cheatin'"), RCA Nashville artist John Pierce, Kylie Sackley ("Nothin' 'Bout Love Makes Sense"), DreamWorks Music writer Jen Schott, Dallas Davidson and Randy Houser ("Honky Tonk Badonkadonk").

D. Vincent Williams, Dillon Dixon and James Dean Hicks at Green Parrot

Other sponsors included Sheraton Suites Key West, the Conch House, Pirate Scooters, Hampton Inn, Fairfield Inn, Nashville Underground, Hyatt Key West, Barcardi, Budweiser, Louie's Backyard, Kelly's, NSAI, American Airlines and ClearChannel.

Jen Schott performs at Southernmost Hotel & Resort	Kylie Sackley and Charlie Bauer

Chuck Cannon at Schooner Wharf	Wendell Mobley at the Hog's Breath Saloon Writers Room

Jamey Johnson, Kendell Marvel and Randy Houser at Schooner Wharf

Philip & Amber White perform on the Fury catamaran

Festival coordinator and MC Drew Reid, EMI's Tom Luteran, BMI's Perry Howard, Dallas Davidson

Chuck Jones and Keith Stegall at Pier House

James Slater and Tim Nichols at Schooner Wharf

photos by Alan Mayor and Brian Tipton

Bart Allmand	Chuck Cannon	Kerry Harvick

The roster of talent includes BMI-Award winning tunesmiths Bart Allmand ("You Can't Take the Honky Tonk Out of the Girl"), Chuck Cannon ("American Soldier"), Kerry Harvick ("Til' Nothing Comes Between Us"), James Dean Hicks ("Jesus and Mama"), Chuck Jones ("Love a Little Stronger"), Jay Knowles ("She'll Leave You With a Smile"), Kendell Marvel ("Right Where I Need To Be"), Wendell Mobley ("I Melt"), Tim Nichols ("Live Like You Were Dying"), James Slater ("In My Daughter's Eyes"), Jeffrey Steele ("Chrome"), Keith Stegall ("I Do Cherish You"), Phillip White ("I'm a Survivor") and D. Vincent Williams ("I'm Movin' On").

James Dean Hicks	Chuck Jones	Kendell Marvel

Additional performers on the bill include Asylum Records artist Lee Brice, Patrick Davis ("This Life"), Dillon Dixon ("For a Lack of Better Words"), BNA Records artist Morgane Haynes, Randy Houser ("Honky Tonk Badonkadonk"), MCA Nashville artist Jedd Hughes, EMI Music Publishing writer Jamey Johnson, Key West songster Scott Kirby, Vicky McGehee ("When I Think About Cheatin'"), RCA Nashville artist John Pierce, Kylie Sackley ("Nothin' 'Bout Love Makes Sense"), and Dreamworks Music writer Jen Schott.

Morgane Haynes	Lee Brice

Venues hosting performances are founding sponsor Hog's Breath Saloon, Schooner Wharf, Pier House Resort, Hilton Key West Resort, Virgilio's, Green Parrot, Blue Heaven, Fury, Southernmost Hotel & Resort, Ocean Key Resort and Mangoes. Hog's Breath Saloon General Manager Charlie Bauer serves as festival coordinator.

Wendell Mobley	Tim Nichols	James Slater

Jeffrey Steele	Keith Stegall	Phillip White

Additional sponsors include Sheraton Suites Key West, the Conch House, Hampton Inn, Fairfield Inn, Nashville Underground, Hyatt Key West, Barcardi, Budweiser, Louie's Backyard, Kelly's, NSAI, American Airlines and ClearChannel. All shows are free to the public except the Friday and Saturday night shows in the Hog's Breath Writer's Room ($20 advance, $25 at the door). To reserve tickets, call (305) 296-4222.

D. Vincent Williams	Patrick Davis	Dillon Dixon

Randy Houser	Scott Kirby	Vicky McGehee
photo by PJ Pettigrew

Kylie Sackley	Jen Schott

]]> 2005-05-09T18:00:00-05:00 http://www.bmi.com/news/entry/234086 Artists, Cannon, Chuck, Davis, Patrick, Hicks, James Dean, Mobley, Wendell, Sackley, Kylie, Schott, Jennifer, Slater, James, Steele, Jeffrey, White, Jason, White, Phillip, Musical Styles, Singer-Songwriter Key West Songwriters Fest - one of the country's premier celebrations of performing songwriters - featured top Nashville writers during four days of top shelf entertainment (May 12-16). Nine-year sponsors Hogs Breath Saloon and BMI presented returning BMI superstars Chuck Cannon ("How Do You Like Me Now", "American Solider"); DreamWorks Nashville recording artist Scotty Emerick ("Beer For My Horses," "I Love This Bar"); 2003 BMI Country Songwriter of the Year Jeffrey Steele ("Hell Yeah," "The Cowboy In Me"); and Jason White ("Red Rag Top").

Pictured at the Hog's Breath are (front row) Key West festival founder Drew Reid, Jason Sellers, James Dean Hicks, (back row) BMI's Bradley Collins, Phillip White, Dillon Dixon, Amber White, Wendell Mobley, Susan Haynes, Patrick Davis, Scotty Emerick, D. Vincent Williams, Jennifer Schott, Vicky McGehee, Chuck Cannon and BMI's Mark Mason.

BMI KWSF first-timers included Patrick Davis, Dillon Dixon, Sony Nashville recording artist Susan Haynes, James Dean Hicks ("Sweet Kisses," "Jesus and Mama"), Vicky McGehee (six Gretchen Wilson cuts), Wendell Mobley ("There Goes My Life," "I Melt"), Australian CMA winner Kylie Sackley, DreamWorks Music staff writer Jennifer Schott, James Slater ("In My Daughter's Eyes"), Phillip White ("I'm Movin' On," "I'm a Survivor"), singer/songwriter Amber White and D. Vincent Williams ("Hands of a Working Man," "I'm Movin' On").

Next year's festival is set for May 11-15, 2005.

Jeffrey Steele	Jason White

James Slater	KWSF coordinator Charlie Bauer of the Hog’s Breath Saloon, Chuck Cannon

BMI’s Mark Mason and Scotty Emerick with Million-Air certificate for “Beer For My Horses”	BMI's Mark Mason presented Rivers Rutherford with Million-Air honor for “Shut Up and Drive”

Wendell Mobley, D. Vincent Williams

Amber & Phillip White

Phillip White [center] received Million-Air certificate for “I’m A Survivor” from BMI’s Mark Mason (r) and Bradley Collins

Photos by Alan Mayor

Chuck Cannon	Scotty Emerick	Jeffrey Steele

Returning BMI writing superstars include Chuck Cannon ("How Do You Like Me Now", "American Solider"); DreamWorks Nashville recording artist Scotty Emerick ("Beer For My Horses," "I Love This Bar"); 2003 BMI Country Songwriter of the Year Jeffrey Steele ("Hell Yeah," "The Cowboy In Me"); and Jason White ("Red Rag Top").

Jason White	Patrick Davis	Dillon Dixon

Making their KWSF debuts are BMI writers Patrick Davis, Dillon Dixon, Sony Nashville recording artist Susan Haynes, James Dean Hicks ("Sweet Kisses," "Jesus and Mama"), Wendell Mobley ("There Goes My Life," "I Melt"), Australian CMA winner Kylie Sackley, DreamWorks Music staff writer Jennifer Schott, James Slater ("In My Daughter's Eyes"), Phillip White ("I'm Movin' On," "I'm a Survivor"), singer/songwriter Amber White and D. Vincent Williams ("Hands Of a Working Man," "I'm Movin' On").

James Dean Hicks	Wendell Mobley	Kylie Sackley

The Key West venues hosting the dozens of performances are nine-year sponsor Hogs Breath Saloon with Budweiser, Ocean Key Resort, Louie's Backyard and Mango's. Hog's Breath Saloon General Manager Charlie Bauer serves as festival coordinator.

James Slater	Phillip White	D. Vincent Williams

All shows are free to the public except the Friday and Saturday night shows in the Hogs Breath Writer's Room ($15 advance, $20 at the door).]]> 2004-04-20T18:00:00-05:00 http://www.bmi.com/events/entry/500099 Artists, Bishop, Rand, Davis, Patrick, Leslie, Steve, Sideman, Billy, Awards, Musical Styles, Pop, Rock, Singer-Songwriter, Regions, Nashville, Showcase, Showcase Templated Rand Bishop- Rand Bishop is a Grammy Nominated, Canadian BMI award-winning songwriter with over 180 cuts to his credit. Notable artists who have recorded Rand's songs include Tim McGraw, Lorrie Morgan, Doug Stone, Beach Boys, Heart, Cheap Trick, Indigo Girls, Richie Havens, Peter Noone, The Searchers, The Outlaws, Vanilla Fudge among others. Rand’s song, “My List”, recorded by Toby Keith, spent five weeks at number one on the Billboard country singles chart in the spring of 2002

Patrick Davis- With the release of "Chances Are," Davis, now in his early twenties, will be embarking on a national tour to promote the release. The album showcases Davis' talent as a songwriter and performer, highlighting his own brand of Alt.Country Rock-n-Roll that blends The Sounds of early rock-n-roll & old-country. Among those taking notice of his musical development is Hootie and the Blowfish's guitarist, Mark Bryan, who produced Davis' full-length debut, as well as "The Demo," which Davis self-released in January of 2002

Steve Leslie - Cuts by Mark Chesnutt, Neal Mccoy, Kenny Rogers, George Strait, Darryl Worley. Has current D. Worley single, Tennessee River Run

Billy Sideman- Cuts for: Vicki Sue Robinson, Evelyn "Champagne" King and Irene Cara. Toured extensively as guitarist for Motown songwriting legends Ashford and Simpson. Signed with Sony-Tree Music publishing Nashville in 1999 Currently signed to Calin America Music Publishing ]]> 2003-09-10T02:00:00-05:00 http://www.bmi.com/events/entry/500100 Artists, Davis, Patrick, Fuller, Innis, Torres, John, Awards, Musical Styles, Country, Pop, Rock, Singer-Songwriter, Regions, Los Angeles, Showcase, Showcase Templated

John Torres – This singer-songwriter from Los Angeles has a passion for music and a dream to live by faith. A UCLA grad, he performed in numerous college music competitions and won 4 awards in the process. Also an actor, John played the lead role at the Freud Theater’s production of “Jesus Christ Superstar.” After performing the song “Wrong” (written by Damon Intrabartolo) on the Urban Legends: Final Cut soundtrack, he is devoting his time to performing as much as possible. Go to www.johntorres.com for more information.

Innis – This Burbank, CA native moved to Mexico to follow a career as a vocalist, although he spoke no Spanish. He released his self-titled album, which went gold and climbed the Mexican charts. He’s won the Hiraldo Award for “Best New Artist of the Year 2000,”and has toured the world. His return to Los Angeles has also landed him an acting role on the FOX television series, “24.”

Patrick Davis – Raised in South Carolina and a hit on the South Eastern circuit, Davis has released his debut full-length effort, “Chances Are.” The album showcases Davis’ talent as a songwriter and performer, highlighting his brand of Alt. Country, Rock-n-Roll that blends The Sounds of early rock and old country. Now on tour for this release, Davis has also opened for numerous artists such as Delbert McClinton, Leon Russell, David Allen Coe and others. Go to www.patrickdavismusic.com for more information.

Fuller – Another performer from S.C., Fuller’s debut release, “Get This Started,” is fueled by pop-rock songs enlivened with captivating guitar hooks that evoke hints of Rick Springfield, Matchbox Twenty and Third Eye Blind. Of his music, Fuller says, “I writer songs I would want to hear when I’m listening to the radio, tunes that stick in my mind and words I can identify with.” Go to www.fullertime.com for more information.