13th Annual Swamp Writers Festival Jan 11-15 at Stinky's Bait Shack

 Stinky’s Bait Shack is hosting the 13th Annual Swamp Writers Festival January 11-15, 2023. Featuring local favorites like the legendary Duke Bardwell, the micro-festival extends over five days with performances by more than a dozen musicians taking the stage at the famed Bait Shack on 30A. The Swamp Writers Festival is free and open to the public.

The Swamp Writers festival is an alternative to the 30A Songwriters Festival happening in our community over the same dates. “We originally started this festival in response to our local musicians that were otherwise displaced during the week of the 30A Songwriters Festival. It’s their livelihood. Also, many locals couldn’t afford the ticket prices of the festival. We started a micro-festival of our own and named it The Swamp Writers Festival,” said Jim Richard, owner of Word of Mouth Restaurant Group.

Since inception, The Swamp Writers Festival has grown exponentially. Veteran professional musician Tim Jackson has played at The Swamp Writers Festival year after year. “To me this micro-festival is really cool. You see a similar type of smaller festivals within larger ones in major music cities like Austin’s South By Southwest. Its longevity and growth is a testament to the people who support local original live music,” said Jackson.  Through the years of performances at The Swamp Writers Festival, many surprise artists take the stage with Jackson who has become a favorite co-writer for songwriters all over the country.

The Swamp Writers Festival is part of a year round commitment of supporting local musicians and rallying a community of music lovers. Another Word of Mouth Restaurant Group entity, Red Fish Taco, is an official stage for 30A Songwriters Festival. With over 30 venues for the festival, Red Fish Taco is one of the few offering a full menu and a full service bar. “We love everything about this opportunity to serve our community and music lovers,” said Richard. “Our team is gearing up to make these festival days some of the most inspiring days of our lives.”

Wednesday, January 11
7-9pm — Sara Jean Carter & Austin Moody

Thursday, January 12
6-7:45pm Sara Jean Carter & Austin Moody
8-10pm The Forrest Williams Band

Friday, January 13
5-7pm Duke Bardwell
7:30-9:30pm Dread Clampitt
10-12pm Dave Jordan

Saturday, January 14
3-5pm Sugarcane Jane
5:15-7:15pm Big Daddy O
7:30-9:30pm Dread Clampitt

Sunday, January 15 - Sunday Brunch Live Music at Stinky’s Fish Camp
11 am - 2 pm The Steenos with John Reinlie
4-6pm Big Daddy O
6:30-8:30pm Sugarcane Jane
9-12pm The Pickled Pickers

For more information about The Swamp Writers Festival please contact Lori at Stinky’s Bait Shack, (850) 622-2248. Hours of operation daily from 7 AM to 9 PM.

You can follow Stinky’s Bait Shack on Instagram @stinkysbaitshop and Facebook @stinkysbaitshack and visit their website at www.stinkysbaitshop.com.

Stinky's Bait Shack is Scenic 30A’s only live bait retailer and outfitter. The Bait Shack is also a live music venue with a full bar. By morning, it serves as a coffee bar serving New Orleans Cherry Coffee with biscuits and grits. Located next to Stinky's Fish Camp, The Bait Shack has become a staple stop for those wanting Stinky's Fish Camp and Bait Shack gear and merchandise.  Stinky’s Bait Shack is part of Word of Mouth Restaurant Group that also owns South Walton restaurants Stinky’s Fish Camp, Red Fish Taco and Trenasse located in New Orleans, LA.