Fred Knobloch (www.jfredknobloch.com)

Fred is one of the originators of the "In The Round" concept which began at the Bluebird Cafe` in Nashville in the 1970's. He's had hits like Meanwhile with George Strait(#2) and Back In My Arms Again for Lorrie Morgan(#3). Fred's music ranges from country to blues, and he is known as a consummate performer.

Ralph Murphy

In addition to being an eloquent advocate and teacher of songwriters, Ralph has enjoyed hits with Crystal Gayle's Half The Way(#1) and He Got You, a #1 for Ronnie Milsap. Ralph gives workshops and travels the world on behalf of writers in his capacity as a vice-president of ASCAP. With career turns as a producer, publisher, songwriter and executive, there is little in the music business Ralph hasn't seen.

Steve Leslie

Steve's songs have hit the charts with Darryl Worley (Second Wind) and Mark Chestnutt's #4 (Let It Rain). Another excellent stage performer and accomplished guitarist, Steve has also had cuts by Kenny Rogers, George Strait and Neal McCoy. Steve moved to Nashville from Tallahassee in 1992.

Drew Reid (www.drewreid.com)

Festival Director Drew Reid will be presenting material from his new historically oriented project The American War 1861-1865 plus recent originals and songs from his first CD Journey Proud. He writes for the Country Grapevine (www.countrygrapevine.com) and gravitates between Nashville and Southwest Florida.

Janie Cribbs (www.janiecribbs.com)

Raised in Ireland and schooled on the stages of Europe, Janie hails from Whidbey Island in Puget Sound, Washington. Her distinctive blend of folk, blues and rock with guitarist Joe Reggiatore is well known in the Seattle and Los Angeles music scenes.

Pat McCune

No stranger to Southwest Florida audiences, fingerstyle guitarist extraordinaire McCune makes his sixth festival appearance. Pat regularly works a circuit from Key West in the south to Alaska in the north. His albums Live Tradition and Ear Phone Stuff are perennial favorites.

Bob Bowman (www.bobbowman.com)

Singer/songwriter Bob Bowman works year 'round in the greater Ft. Myers area and on the barrier islands, with occasional forays to New York and Boston. He is presently at work on a follow up to his CD Living In The Wind.

Wildfire

One of Southwest Florida's top bands, Wildfire has opened for Toby Keith, Montgomery Gentry, Tracy Byrd, Trick Pony, Joe Diffie and any other top Country act touring Southwest Florida in the past four years. A blend of dynamic vocals and masterful playing drives their sound. Wildfire has an eclectic repetoire, playing lesser known songwriter gems alongside tried and true favorites, and is always a crowd pleaser.

The Troublestarters

A long time island favorite, The Troublestarters released their first CD earlier this year. Led by Jim Jensen and fronted by the guitar and vocals of Corky Dunford, they blend rock with their own concoction of locally themed island jazz.