Sweet Sounds

Sugarland’s Kristian Bush and the Gulf Coast Symphony blend country and classical at the Island Hopper Songwriter Fest

This is the concert you don’t want to miss. Kristian Bush, Grammywinning singer-songwriter and half of the country duo Sugarland, will perform with the Gulf Coast Symphony at the sixth annual Island Hopper Songwriter Fest. The Sept. 22 concert will take place at the Florida Repertory Theatre in downtown Fort Myers.

For the first time, country and classical sounds come together for a performance at the festival, promising lovers of both musical genres a special show. Bush will bring his multiplatinum talent to the stage, and the symphony, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary, will show festivalgoers how classical music can work beautifully with country songs.

“We’re excited to showcase our community’s outstanding Gulf Coast Symphony with the star power and talent of Kristian Bush,” said Tamara Pigott, executive director of the Lee

County Visitor & Convention Bureau. “This addition to this year’s Island Hopper lineup can only be described as a once-ina-lifetime performance, not to be missed.”

ABOUT ISLAND HOPPER

The Island Hopper Songwriter Fest, Sept. 20-29, takes place over 10 days and offers a range of free performances. The event kicks off on Captiva Island Sept. 20-22, moves to downtown Fort Myers Sept. 22-26, and ends at Fort Myers Beach Sept. 27-29. The festival offers an opportunity to meet the artists who write songs for country superstars and to hear their stories up close and personal.

GET THE APP

The official Island Hopper mobile app, designed to enhance the festival experience, will make it easy for anyone to navigate the event. It is available to download for iOS and Android users. Features of the app include: first chance to purchase tickets for select performances, personalized schedule, artist information, performance times and venues, festival coupons, Island Hopper hotel deals, festival maps, updates and alerts.

NOTABLE NEW ACTS

First-time performers at the festival include Sam Williams, the 21-year-old grandson of legendary Hank Williams, and Sawyer Fredericks, the season 8 winner of NBC’s The Voice. Both artists will perform on Captiva.

Island Hopper Songwriter Fest is produced by the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau, iHeartMedia, Cat Country 107.1 and BMI, the largest music rights organization in the United States.

Visit islandhopperfest.com. Follow the festival hashtag #islandhopperfest, as well as the event’s Twitter, Instagram and Facebook feeds.

Kristian Bush, half of the multiplatinum-selling country duo Sugarland, performs with the Gulf Coast Symphony on Sept. 22 at the Island Hopper Songwriter Fest. When Sam Williams takes the stage, festivalgoers will be wondering how his music and talent compare to his grandfather Hank Williams’ style. Recognized as an Americana artist with an old soul, Sawyer Fredericks attracted a growing fan base after a season 8 win on TheVoice.