Fridays | March 22-May 3 | Old Florida Fish House on 30A
By Lori Leath Smith
Over the past few years, our area has become known as one of the best for songwriters to gather and perform some of their heartfelt lyrics and amazing vocals. Each has a story with a passion to tell it in song to their listeners. How blessed we are to have this most beautiful and unique coastal backdrop, impeccable dining and magnificent musical mecca. As music lovers, we crave it — no experience is better!
That’s why Old Florida Fish House, already known as an acclaimed, exceptional dining and live entertainment venue, is bringing a brand-new concert series to your door—the Lakeside Songwriters Concert Series! Each Friday this spring from March 22 through May 3, this intimate concert series, set against the picturesque backdrop of Eastern Lake and 30A, will showcase creators and performers of some of the best-known music of our time.
“Our new Lakeside Songwriters Concert Series promises to be an extraordinary experience for music enthusiasts, offering them a unique opportunity to engage with acclaimed artists in an intimate setting,” said Old Florida Fish House owner Keith O’Leary. Locals and visitors alike will not only have the chance to enjoy captivating musical performances, but also get to know them by participating in pre-show meet and greets with the artists themselves. “We are thrilled to provide a platform for these incredibly talented artists to share their creations and connect with their fans in a more intimate way,” he said.
Featuring a lineup of top-notch, popular talent, the Lakeside Songwriters Concert Series kicked off with Craig Campbell on March 22nd, and Keith Stegall and Bradley Gaskin on March 29th. Michael Morgan continues the series on April 5th, Charles Esten on April 12th, Leslie Satcher and Kevin Mac on April 19th and Bryan White on May 3rd.
Each artist brings their own distinct style and expertise, promising an array of musical genres and captivating tunes. As the first in the series, Craig Campbell is a renowned country singer and songwriter from Georgia known for his distinctive voice and heartfelt lyrics. Developing a passion for music at an early age and influenced by classic country legends, his career spans over two decades and Craig has established himself as a talented artist with a genuine connection to his audience. His debut self-titled album, “Craig Campbell,” released in 2011, features hit singles like “Family Man” and “Fish,” earning him recognition and praise within the country music community.
Craig’s music is characterized by its authenticity, often drawing inspiration from personal experiences and relatable themes. He has a knack for crafting songs that resonate with listeners, blending traditional country sounds with a modern twist. In addition to his success as a solo artist, Craig has also contributed his songwriting talents by penning hits for other artists. Whether performing on the Grand Ole Opry stage or connecting with audiences during live shows, he continues to leave a lasting impression with his soulful performances and relatable storytelling.
On March 29th, Keith Stegall and Bradley Gaskin took the stage.
Keith is a Grammy award winning producer and writer of multiple #1 hits including “I hate everything” by George Strait, “Don’t Rock The Jukebox” by Alan Jackson, and “I Do (Cherish You)” by 98 Degrees. Keith Stegall is one of Nashville’s most celebrated men behind the scenes. As Alan Jackson’s longtime producer, the pairing has sold over 60 million records. With the Zac Brown band, Stegall produced the group’s first three albums, resulting in the group’s first nine singles to reach #1 on the country charts. Stegall is currently president of Dreamlined Entertainment Group, a Nashville-based production and publishing company specializing in songwriter/artist development.
Singer-songwriter Bradley Gaskin signed with Columbia Nashville in 2010 and released his debut single, “Mr. Bartender,” which he wrote solely by himself. Bradley’s single charted on country radio for 20 weeks that led him to a Top 40 country hit. Soon after his immediate success, Sony shelved the artist along with the rest of the music. The spotlight for Bradley slowly faded, so he decided to take a break and focus on other options for a career. The artist put down his Gibson J45 and went back to a life he’d known before his music stardom, being a normal working man. He filled his days hanging sheetrock and later worked as a full-time janitor at an elementary school. Bradley could have settled into a normal life, but he knew that wasn’t what he was supposed to do. There were plenty of others cheering him on when Jack Cole, a seasoned friend, offered him a deal of a lifetime.
“Why don’t we record the music you want to write?” Jack said. Jack started 30A Life Records sealing the deal with Bradley Gaskin as his very first signed artist. Bradley is currently tracking his first full-length record in over a decade with Grammy Award winning producer Keith Stegall. The first single will be released this summer.
The Lakeside Songwriters Concert Series not only offers an exceptional musical experience, but also provides an opportunity for attendees to indulge in a delectable dining experience. For those looking to enhance their evening, the Dinner and Show VIP Package offers premium seating, a delicious five-course dinner during the show, and a glass of beer, wine or champagne.
Tickets are available for purchase at www.oldflfishhouse.com/lakesidesongwritersconcert. Early booking is recommended to secure the best seats for this highly anticipated event. The artist meet and greet will begin at 6 p.m., with the show starting at 7 p.m.
Located at 33 Heron’s Watch Way in Santa Rosa Beach, Old Florida Fish House is a renowned dining and entertainment destination offering exceptional food, live music and unique experiences in Santa Rosa Beach. With a commitment to providing unforgettable moments for guests, Old Florida Fish House continues to be the go-to destination for food and entertainment enthusiasts on 30A and the Emerald Coast. For more information, visit OldFloridaFishHouse.com.
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