Gulf Coast Musicians and Charities Take Center Stage at Perdido Key Music Festival

R. Ken Cooper • March 23, 2026

The annual event raises money for the Frank Brown Foundation and the Gulf Coast Musicians Medical Fund

Gulf Coast Musicians and Charities Take Center Stage at Perdido Key Music Festival

Perdido Key, Fla. — (OBA) —  The Perdido Key Music Festival brings together live music and charity every year. Since 2013, it has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for over 50 causes. Mark A. McBride, Sean "Pee Wee" Tierce, and Taylor Garrard co-founded the event. Two Gulf Coast organizations will receive all proceeds this year.


The 2026 Festival will take place on Saturday, May 2, and Sunday, May 3, at the Flora-Bama Tent Stage on Perdido Key. Music begins at 1:00 p.m. and continues until 10:00 p.m. each day. Admission is open only to guests aged 18 or older.


Saturday's lineup begins with the Cedric Brooks Project at 1:00 p.m., followed by Johnny Hayes & The Loveseat Drivers at 3:00 p.m., then the Marshall Morlock Band at 5:30 p.m. Taylor Hunnicutt headlines at 8:00 p.m., and the Willie Traywick Band closes the night at 10:30 p.m. in a non-ticketed set.


Sunday begins with Saucy Fuzz featuring Chris Beverly at 1:00 p.m. Red and the Revelers perform at 3:00 p.m., followed by River Dan at 5:30 p.m. Glen Templeton headlines at 8:00 p.m. The Bruce Smelley Band concludes the weekend at 10:30 p.m., also without requiring tickets.


Tickets went on sale March 11 at 10:00 a.m. A weekend general admission pass costs $50. Weekend VIP passes are $100, with only 150 available. A Sunday-only VIP pass is $60 (if available), and day-of-door tickets will be sold on Sunday for $30 (if available).


This year's proceeds will benefit the Frank Brown International Foundation for Music and the Songwriters' Festival, as well as the Gulf Coast Musicians Medical Fund. The Frank Brown Foundation continues the work of Joe Gilchrist, who co-founded the Flora-Bama and launched the Frank Brown Songwriters' Festival.


The Gulf Coast Musicians Medical Fund was founded in 2018 by Webb Dalton, a songwriter and musician, after he lost three close friends who could not afford medical care. The fund helps working musicians cover medical costs. Many performers on the Gulf Coast work without health insurance or a financial safety net. Donations from events like this one can step in when a musician faces a health crisis.


Co-founder Mark A. McBride often talks about the late Joe Gilchrist, who believed that "Music Makes the World a Better Place." McBride shares his own perspective: "Music is good for our souls."


The festival has evolved from a modest community event into a meaningful tradition with tangible outcomes. Over 13 years, it has supported more than 50 charities and reached thousands of music fans. That track record keeps people coming back.


For tickets and updates, visit
PerdidoKeyMusicFestival.com. The festival's Facebook page at facebook.com/PerdidoKeyMusicFestival has the latest news and announcements.

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