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.

Share this article w/ Friends...

oMayor Tony Kennon and City Council Address Town Hall Meeting
By R. Ken Cooper May 7, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Orange Beach residents packed a town hall meeting Wednesday night with standing room only. Residents voiced concerns about a proposed pirate-themed dinner theater that could be built on a 24-acre property near Terry Cove across from the Dollar General. The proposed Pirates Voyage Dinner...
National Tourism Day Puts Focus On Gulf Coast Travel
By johnmawake May 7, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — National Tourism Day is on the calendar as destinations across the U.S. promote travel and local attractions. On Alabama’s Gulf Coast, tourism shapes daily business. Hotels, rentals, restaurants, and charter crews rely on visitors. City budgets and jobs can rise or fall with travel demand.
Officer Peyton Hardy Named Patrol Officer Of The Month For March 2026
By OBA Staff May 7, 2026
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — Officer Peyton Hardy has been named Patrol Officer of the Month for March 2026, following a period of high activity and consistent performance. The recognition highlights his work responding to calls, making arrests, and maintaining a visible presence. Supervisors cited his productivity and
Jennifer Claire Moore Foundation Announces 28th Annual Rodeo
By R. Ken Cooper May 7, 2026
Robertsdale, Ala. — (OBA) — The Jennifer Claire Moore Foundation has announced plans for its 28th Annual Professional Rodeo in Baldwin County. The event is expected to bring families together for entertainment and community support. Organizers say the rodeo also raises awareness of youth mental health. Funds collected
Orange Beach Residents Invited to Town Hall Meeting About the Dinner Theater
By OBA Staff May 6, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Orange Beach residents are expected to weigh in on a proposed dinner theater development at a Town Hall meeting tonight, Wednesday, as city leaders seek public input ahead of key decisions on the project. The meeting will be held at the Orange Beach Performing Arts Center after the City Co
Least Terns Nesting Season Begins Along the Gulf Coast
By R. Ken Cooper May 6, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The City of Orange Beach reports that Least Terns have entered their active nesting season along local beaches. The small shorebirds are beginning courtship and nesting behaviors that will continue through the summer. Officials say residents and visitors may notice increased activity along
Anglers Head To Orange Beach For The Start Of Billfish Tournament Season
By R. Ken Cooper May 6, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The Orange Beach Billfish Classic is set to bring some of the most exciting offshore fishing competition to the Alabama Gulf Coast this spring. The tournament will be held at The Wharf Marina in Orange Beach, Alabama. It is the first event in a larger series of billfish tournaments spannin
Orange Beach Lady Makos Soccer 2026 - Photo by Shelley Patterson, C-Shelz Photography
By John Mullen May 5, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – When it comes down to it, St. Luke’s is actually 2-1 v. Orange Beach in girls soccer this year, but the rivalry goes all the way back to last year’s state tournament. The Area 1 co-champions in Class 4A split their regular-season games this spring and ended up tied for the area title. St. L
New Wetland Reserve Near Bon Secour River Headwaters Progresses
By Guy Busby May 5, 2026
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Foley officials are continuing work on a new wetland preserve designed to improve water quality and provide public access to a restored natural area. The project focuses on stream restoration near the headwaters of the Bon Secour River. City leaders say the site is already showing environmental b
Orange Beach Council To Review Pirate Dinner Theater Proposal
By John Mullen May 5, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Orange Beach is on the cusp of what’s expected to be a lively town hall meeting with the possibility of a Pirate’s Voyage Dinner Theater expected to take center stage. Residents looking for a preview can attend a rare morning council work session the day before at City Hall, with a review o
Show More