A live music event that was held for the first time in 2023 will expand to two weeks worth of singer/songwriter performances this year.
The Ellijay Songwriters Festival will run from May 20-June 2 with more than 70 shows at 15 local venues, noted Ray Green, festival promoter. Green announced plans for the festival last week.
Green said, “enthusiastic community and regional support, additional sponsors and overwhelming songwriter interest” factored into the decision to expand the festival, which was previously a four-day event held over Memorial Day weekend.
The festival venues will include multiple local wineries, pubs and restaurants, as well as others including the Gilmer Arts Playhouse and White Path Golf Club. More than 60 of the shows will be free and open to the public, while others will be ticketed events.
The musicians who will be appearing include a mix of newer and veteran songwriters whose styles include country, pop, blues, Americana and rock. Featured performers are either from Nashville, Tenn., or assorted places in Georgia, Green noted.
Already scheduled are such singer/songwriters and bands as: John Cable, Robin Salmon, Mark Miller, Pat Terry, Stephen Simmons, Drew Ashworth, Leah Belle Faser, Cotter Hill, John Paul Barry, Kristin Tinsley, Jadie Lee, Gabe Myers, Ned Abernathy, Evan Crowther, Will Tipton, Sarah Mac, Ethan Senger, Anna Shinholster, Shaun Michael, Grace Milton, Connor Priest, Surrender Hill, Dylan Altman, Dawn Loves Nash, the Magic Birds Band and others.
“The second annual Ellijay Songwriters Festival will bring together thousands of music fans for 14 days of live performances as we celebrate the art of songwriting. Everyone will have the opportunity to meet the songwriters, listen to their songs, hear the stories behind the songs, attend amazing north Georgia culinary experiences, and enjoy mountain life in Ellijay,” said Green. “Our goal is to provide something for everyone and encourage local residents and visitors to discover the variety of businesses, activities, adventures, agritourism and natural resources that Gilmer County has to offer.”
The festival’s philanthropic commitment will again be part of the proceedings this year with a portion of event proceeds benefiting two local entities.
“Ray Dog Productions has a proud history of philanthropy in the communities we serve,” Green said. “Our sponsors and partners are delighted to announce that proceeds from the (2024) festival will once again benefit both Gilmer Arts and Gilmer County Schools music programs that help kids pursue their musical passion and dreams.”
For more details and a full schedule of events, see EllijaySongwritersFestival.com.