In anticipation of the inaugural 30A Songwriters Festival coming January 15-17, I will spotlight many of the artists who will be performing throughout the Festival.

Today's spotlight is on...

SHAWN MULLINS

I had the opportunity to hear Shawn live for the first time in Atlanta in August at one of my favorite music venues, Eddie's Attic. He was extremely kind and told me he was excited to be a part of this Festival.

Shawn is most famous for his super hit, "Lullaby." Here is a clip from You Tube I just found of Shawn's performance...


...at Eddie's the night I was there. He talks about the story behind the song and his inspiration for his songs, which are real people.

One of my favorite songs by Shawn is "Gulf of Mexico," which I heard he wrote at another festival just a few hours from here, the Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival.

"...then I hear a voice from
my soul's core sayin "freedom's just a
metaphor, you got nowhere to go"
and the rain pours down like a
holy waterfall over the gulf of mexico
over the gulf of mexico." - lyrics from "Gulf of Mexico"

You can hear "Gulf of Mexico" on 30A Radio.org or on the dial at 107.1. You can also hear a live interview with Shawn in which he talks about...

The Cultural Arts Association of Walton County is calling all businesses to be a part of Gallery Quest, the ArtsQuest event formerly called the Champagne Shopping Tour. Gallery Quest will kick off the 21st anniversary of ArtsQuest on Friday, May 1, 2009.

Due to the popularity of the Shopping Tour, the CAA has decided to expand the event to a day-long event and rename it Gallery Quest. Rather than concentrating on a few hours and featuring champagne, the CAA wants to take the entire day to showcase all the artistic endeavors in Walton Coutny. This will give each venue the opportunity to be creative in presenting their unique business.

All businesses, galleries, shops and eateries on or near the 30-A corridor are invited to participate. The criteria to participate are
1) Membership in the CAA – levels begin at $35;
2) Original art must be showcased during the event – this is not only limited to the visual, literary or performing arts, and the showcase could include haute couture, wine-making or fine cuisine;
3) Serving complimentary refreshments is optional; and
4) Featuring live artist demonstrations is encouraged.

All of the participating venues will be included in a Gallery Quest guide that includes a map of each location. This piece will be part of the 2009 ArtsQuest program guide that reaches 75,000 readers throughout Northwest Florida.

To be included in this highly anticipated event of ArtsQuest...

If you are a business that wants to take part in the CAA’s event, Gallery Quest (formerly Champagne Shopping Tour), CulturalArtsAssociation.com for details or request an application at 850.622.5970 or culturalarts@embarqmail.com. Gallery Quest will kick-off ArtsQuest on Friday, May 1. All galleries, shops, eateries and organizations are invited to participate!

CAA’s workshops are coming up this weekend and next week: Basket weaving with Carol Dickson on Feb. 7, Acrylics with Susan Lucas on Feb. 11 and 13. Both will take place at the Bayou Arts Center on Hogtown Bayou.

If you haven’t already, show the arts some love this month!

Share The Love…

Saturday, February 14, 2009
10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Tour five unique homes along the Beaches of South Walton. Tickets are $25 and include prize drawing entry, lunch discounts and a complimentary poster featuring artwork by 2009 Artist of the Year Michael McCarty. Proceeds benefit the CAA's Educational Giving Program which provides grants to Walton County teachers and need-based students.

Valentine Tour of Homes tickets are on sale at seven different outlets around the community. This Tour is a major fundraiser for the Cultural Arts Association and enables the organization to give over $20,000 annually to Walton County teachers and need-based students for arts supplies and education. Especially during these difficult economic times, it is crucial for us all to continue to support artistic and cultural endeavors in Walton County, especially non-profits. Please purchase your Tour ticket soon, and then spend Valentine's Day exploring some of the most beautiful and interesting homes the Beaches of South Walton has to offer. Artist of the Year Michael McCarty will be at Home 4 in Alys Beach giving away and signing his beautiful "McCarty Heart" poster art.

The night of Valentine’s Day, Sinfonia will have a special treat for all music, theatre and dance lovers, and CAA Members can take advantage of a $5 discount on each ticket purchase. On loan from the Chicago Symphony, "Beyond the Music: Classical...