About this episode

The episode features a discussion with festival producers Jennifer Steele and Russell Carter about the impact and evolution of the 30A Songwriters Festival.

Every Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend since 2010, the 30A Songwriters Festival has turned South Walton’s quiet winter season into a destination built around music, storytelling, and community. On this episode of the HWY 331 Podcast, host Kerri Parker sits down with festival producers Jennifer Steele and Russell Carter to reflect on 17 years of a songwriter-focused festival that has become a cultural and economic cornerstone for Walton County. They share how intentional curation, in-the-round performances, and deep community partnerships shaped the festival — and why its partnership with the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County is essential to sustaining year-round arts programming. The conversation also offers insider insight into the 2026 lineup and what first-time attendees can expect from a weekend that transforms neighborhoods, venues, and listening rooms into an immersive musical experience — drawing visitors not for the weather, but for the music.

People in this episode

Host: Kerri Parker

Guests: Jennifer Steele, Russell Carter

Topics covered

• music
• songwriters festival
• community
• cultural events
• arts programming

Keywords

• 30A Songwriters Festival
• music
• community
• Walton County
• arts programming
• Kerri Parker
• Jennifer Steele
• Russell Carter

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: 30A Songwriters Festival, Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County

Places: Walton County

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• Connect with Anna Fisher: Emerald Coast Theatre Company. · September 14, 2025 · 25 min
• Connect with Keep Walton County Beautiful · August 25, 2025 · 13 min
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