Sweetwater Photography: 2014 Island Hopper Songwriters Festival

2014 Island Hopper Songwriters Festival

Captiva, FL

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On September 26, 2014, I traveled to Captiva, FL to attend the Ft. Myers Island Hopper Songwriters Festival. The festival was hosting songwriters from all over the country including several nationally known country music songwriters. Also in attendance was upcoming singer/songwriter, Steven Whitson, from Nashville, TN. I have always enjoyed hearing the story behind the song. And when I was asked to help photograph Steven's adventures during the event, I became even more excited about the festival.

The first event we attended was a tribute session for Cowboy Jack Clement. A few hours later, the festival officially started with the VIP party. Several top country music songwriters performed at the event. What a way to start the festival! Everyone was looking forward to finally starting the weekend activities.

Billy Montana

Kristen Kelly

Jeff Cohen

Steven Whitson was the winner of Song and Chance video contest. As a result, he was invited to attend the festival and share the stage with some of the top country songwriters. He was the first to be interviewed about the event. We all knew this weekend would be a new adventure for Steven. And great things would come out of this event. And we were not disappointed. The response to Steven and his music was overwhelming. He shined during his sessions and gained a lot of new fans. During this performance at the RC Otter, he received several standing ovations. After the show, he was mobbed by the audience.

It was an honor to take on the responsibly of photographing Steven. It was a lot of fun! The festival is going to be an annual event. I can't wait until next year's event.

Denise
Sweetwater Photography
www.sweet-water-photography.com
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