30A Songwriter Radio The Blog that Officially Rocks
Butch The One Eyed Drummer
If you’ve spent any time listening to the podcasts at 30A Songwriter Radio, you’ve probably heard him before you even knew who he was.
Derek Givans – The Musicians Musician
Some people enter your life through music and never really leave. Derek Givans is one of those people. Long before there was a 30A Songwriter Radio Music & Coffee shop, before the thousands of interviews, live performances, podcasts, and videos, there was a little restaurant called Beach Bistro on Scenic Highway 30A. When I opened Beach Bistro, I needed live music. Derek Givans became the very first musician I hired to perform there.
The Rise of Country Music in Florida
For decades, country music’s heartbeat has been associated with Nashville, Tennessee. Texas built its own fiercely independent Red Dirt movement. Georgia gave us a generation of stadium-filling stars. Yet quietly—and then seemingly all at once—Florida has emerged as one of the most exciting and influential regions in modern country music.
The Music and Evolution of Mose Wilson
Some artists come and go through the revolving door of live music. Others become part of the story.
For those of us at 30A Songwriter Radio, Mose Wilson has long been part of ours.
Long before he emerged as a solo artist, Mose first caught our attention as a member of Hotel Oscar, a band that brought a fresh sound, thoughtful songwriting, and undeniable chemistry to every stage they stepped onto. As their audience grew, so did our appreciation for the creativity and authenticity Mose brought to the music.
Review: Gotta Do Somethin’ — JoE Fingas
There are musicians, and then there are local legends. Along the Emerald Coast, JoE Fingas has long occupied that rare space where talent, authenticity, and longevity intersect. A veteran performer known for his commanding keyboard work and unmistakable vocals, Fingas has spent decades earning the respect of fellow musicians and audiences alike. His latest release, Gotta Do Somethin’, feels less like a new chapter and more like the culmination of a life devoted to music.
Emily Stuckey: Where Is She Now?
There were literally thousands of moments during our days of interviews at 30A Songwriter Radio, including those from my house and the ones from the coffee shop. Of those mements there were a few huge stand out moments to me, one of which was a by Emily Stuckey during the show, performing her original song “You’re Still No Good”.
Cadillac Willy: The Soundtrack of the Emerald Coast
On Florida’s Emerald Coast, live music is woven into everyday life. From open-air beach bars to local festivals and waterfront venues, music helps define the laid-back energy that draws people to Destin and 30A year after year. Few bands capture that atmosphere better than Cadillac Willy.
The History of Local Music
Nestled along the Florida Panhandle, Walton County has long been shaped by a blend of rural Southern traditions, Gulf Coast culture, Native American heritage, and coastal tourism. While the county is often celebrated today for its beaches and resort communities, its musical history tells a deeper story about community life, faith, labor, storytelling, and cultural exchange across nearly two centuries.
Thursdays with Brooke Washor
I met up with Josette and Big Dog Odin at Shelby’s Beach Bar to hang out for a bit, and to see Brooke Washor perform. Brooke is kicking off her 2025 season with a very busy schedule performing at various venues. If you would like to see her live show and grab some great food […]
Holiday Hills Bluegrass Festival
Bid Dog Odin and I ran into the Buffalo Nickel band members in DeFuniak Springs and they reminded us that there was a bluegrass festival going on in Laurel Hill, Florida. I looked at Odin, Odin looked at me and we said “we are in!”. The event is full of folks, mostly campers in RVs […]
Aubrey Jane performs at Shelby’s
While rushing back from the beach with Odin I heard some live music at Shelby’s on the corner of 393 and 30A. I had to get home quickly but saw a young lady that was fininshing up a song. I did not have time to stay, but will make time soon! This is from Aubrey’s […]
Forrest Williams Band Returns!
Forrest and Pharrel Williams of the Forrest Williams Band moved back to Arkansas leaving us all sad and lonely. The band packed every venue it set foot in for many years. Lucky for us, they came back in March and played some local gigs, and while looking at their Facebook page, they will be performing […]
The Coffee Shop Revisited
We went to revisit the Coffee Shop we built to see live music and the current owners Shawn and Tiffany. Wow, they really are doing a wonderful job of keeping the dream alive and bringing it to the next level. My coffee was absoloutely fantastic and so was the music. It is as cozy as […]
Prodigal Blues on 30A
Josettte and I went to see Prodigal Blues perform at Red Fish Taco on 30A. The band consists of Nick Turner, Andy Stucky, Scott Shovea, and Cameron Mitchell. Let me point out a few things about these dudes. Let’s start with Nick. Nick’s guitar solos are OFF THE CHAIN, or as the kids say these […]
Sticky Tim on The Forgotten Coast
The weekend prior to the devastation of Hurricane Helene, we decided to stroll off to the The Forgotten Coast of Florida and the Big Bend area. At the time, the Hurricane was set on a mostly unknown course. We booked a very interesting Airbnb in Eastpoint Florida named Smuggler’s Cove that consists of three very […]
Jared Herzog: Gulf Place Farmer’s Market
We went for another Sunday afternoon stroll, and forgot that Gulf Place had the Farmer’s Market on Sunday late afternoons with live music. I have seen Jared’s name on the Sowal.com calendar for music for years now, but have not had the pleasure to meet him (still haven’t). I did have the pleasure to hear […]
Dion and Friends at Papa Surf
Odin and I found ourselves with the day off and no real plans. So we decided to “toodle” around, something I learned from my dad Wild Bill Ireland but he calls it “piddling”. So we toodled and we piddled. Our 1st stop was old reliable Shelby’s Beach Bar and Grill, where Odin relaxed and I […]
Loved Realtor Ricky Fannin Releases Album
Locally loved real estate agent Ricky Fannin releases a new album that includes lyrics of songs written by himself. Ricky is a well respected real estate professional that primarily focuses on North Walton County Florida, but apparently has another passion that he is extremely talented at. Over the years, Ricky has shown dominance in various […]
The Whiskey Dix at Outcast Bar & Grill
The Whiskey Dix performed at Outcast Bar & Grill and they turned out a lot harder than you would think. The variety of music and crowd engagement proved that The Whiskey Dix are certainly not a flop. They rose to the occasion performing country, rock, hip-hop, and even some originals including a song about an […]
Brett Stafford Entertains Red Fish Taco
Took the 1979 Trans Am out for a sunset cruise and randomly ran into family at Red Fish Taco. Brett Stafford was there making a Monday feel like a Saturday night! Kids dancing, guests singing, hell I even jumped up and grabbed the microphone to sing David Allan Coe! Great fun at Red Fish Taco […]
Timmy Hood Delights Shelby’s Guests
Talk about a crowd pleaser, let’s talk about Timmy Hood! Timmy performed Sunday evening at Shelby’s Beach Bar and Grill at Gulf Place in Santa Rosa Beach. We have spoke with Timmy several times on Sundays and have always enjoyed his music, and him in general. Other than the incredible voice and delivery, I noticed […]
Mat Hall Trio ROCKS The Big Chill
The Mat Hall Trio totally rocked a FULL HOUSE at The Big Chill on 30A Mat Hall lead the band on guitar and vocals, Derek Givans dominated drums and vocals, and Lucas Garret popped the bass guitar. They played a wide variety of music, that everyone enjoyed. The Big Chill is a great family friendly […]
Harrison Prentice at Gulf Place
Odin and I were cruising through Gulf Place when they happened to be setting up the Sunday evening farmers market. I heard someone jammin, and discovered Harrison Prentice. He was bad ass on the guitar! We didn’t get to hear him sing, but he is sure on our short list of who to go see […]
Todd Sentilles at Shelby’s Beach Bar & Grill
Shelby’s Beach Bar & Grill is our go to for dog walking and a cocktail. The food is excellent there too, Rasheed in the kitchen makes sure every plate is prepared to perfection. The front of the house is as accommodating as they can possibly be. One of my many favorite things about Shelby’s is […]
Cadillac Willy Packs Out Red Fish Taco
I saw Cadillac Willy on the line up performing at Red Fish Taco on 30A, and I knew we had to go see them. These guys go way back, even in the early days of 30A Songwriter Radio, they were already a local established band. I have not seen them in awhile performing together, and […]
Catalyst Heats Up The Big Chill on 30A
Odin and I decided to go check out The Big Chill on 30A because we had heard that Catalyst was performing. That place was JAMMIN! Catalyst had the packed out crowd in rare form, one big family style party! So many classics played, it was awesome! The band makes everyone just want to throw down […]
Benefit for Helen Redd
The benefit concert for Helen Redd was a huge success! The bands were amazing. Redd even performed herself! It was wonderful to see the turnout of folks to support the cause. Clearly the community has a love for this 30A icon, Helen Redd! The benefit description: Benefit Concert For Helen Redd (REDD’S PUB) at Warehouse […]
Hunter Dawson at Boathouse Oyster Bar
We have known Hunter Dawson for many years now, since the launch of 30A Songwriter Radio back in 2013. We decided to hang out at the Destin Harbor for the day. We were enjoying the Sunset at The Red Door Saloon, when I heard a very familiar sound down on the harbor at the Boathouse, […]
River Dan – The King of Outlaw Country
We were strolling around town trying to decide what pet friendly place we would be taking our giant dog Odin for some fun. When looking through the music venues and bands playing, I saw one band that I had never heard of, River Dan. I thought to myself, Redfish Taco, new band, pet friendly——yes! Those […]