Sunshine State Showcase

This past March I sat down with my dear friend, Heidi Jamila,in my campsite at Suwannee Spring Reunion at the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak, Florida, the same festival where we met more than a decade ago. We became fast friends, she eventually moved to the Florida Panhandle where we ended up in a band called Sweater Puppets together and then she got a day job she relocated to Europ...

Tire Fire joins the Sunshine State Showcase to discuss their unique brand of "mystical, chaotic, and harmonious" music. Recorded on-location at Suwannee Spring Reunion , the band shares the stories behind their songwriting. During our time together we explored the realities of being a professional musician in Florida today, the importance of live music over streaming numbers, and the practices in...

Prepare yourself for four days of incredible Americana and roots music in one of the most beautiful camping resorts in Florida? This week on Sunshine State Showcase, I am  giving you the ultimate preview of the Suwannee Spring Reunion, happening March 19th through 22nd at the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak. Think of this as your personal roadmap to the festival; we are covering ever...

Back in October at Suwannee Roots Revival, I found myself tucked under the pines with a band whose music has ventured far beyond the campground, the Henhouse Prowlers. These four outstanding pickers from Chicago have toured more than 30 countries, performed in embassies around the world, and counting. We recorded this conversation right at my campsite. We talked about everything: the evolution of...

Suwannee Roots Revival Festival PreviewThere comes a time when everyone needs a fearless escape one that revives your soul and reminds you who you are. For me, that time always comes with Suwannee Roots Revival. In this episode, I share my love for this magical festival happening October 9–12 at The Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak, Florida. I walk you through this year’s incredible l...

What does it take to turn the wild wonder of Florida into song? In April, I sat down with singer-songwriter Rachel Grubb at the Florida Americana Music Festival, surrounded by the live energy of the Florida Sand Music Ranch. Rachel’s music has always resonated with me as a fellow Floridian, and it was a treat to catch her set and then talk with her about the creative process, her love for rural Fl...

Back in April I recorded this conversation with The Ain’t Sisters live at the Florida Americana Music Festival. It was one of the best weekends I’ve had in a long time. I got to share my original songs, soak up some incredible performances, and record interviews from my camp, thanks to Foggy Longbritches and their generous hospitality. This conversation with Barb and Arrie was one of my favorites....

As creatives, we often ponder over what we will leave behind. We wonder how to spark a fire in the world, build meaningful relationships, and create a community that celebrates creativity. Our dreams involve: 🌿 Overcoming our struggles with greater strength. 🌿 Accepting the raw truth. 🌿 Producing art that profoundly connects with those we encounter on our journey. This episode features singer-s...

In this episode, we meet Clearwater's own Joshua Reilly and discuss his remarkable journey as a musician, from performing in local clubs to supporting his community by organizing regular songwriting events in the Clearwater area. Joshua also shares updates on releasing singles with Ybor City Records, planning a vinyl EP, and his approach to collaborating with other musicians. Stick around after th...

Have you ever feared looking back on your life and realizing you never pursued your true passion? In this episode of Sunshine State Showcase, we take a close look at the inspiring journey of singer-songwriter Laura Lonero from the Tampa Bay area. Laura shares how she conquered self-doubt, embraced her love for music, and has recently released recorded music! From her early days playing at open mic...

This episode of Sunshine State Showcase features Bear & Robert, a husband-and-wife duo who blend folk and blues seamlessly, creating a sound that embodies the spirit of Florida. During our conversation, recorded at the Barberville Spring Frolic—a music festival held at the Pioneer Settlement in Barberville, Florida—Franc Robert and Cindy Bear share their musical journey, the joy and challenges...

As creatives, we often ponder over what we will leave behind. We wonder how to spark a fire in the world, build meaningful relationships, and create a community that celebrates creativity. Our dreams involve: Overcoming our struggles with greater strength. Accepting the raw truth. Producing art that profoundly connects with those we encounter on our journey. This episode of Sunshine State Showcase...

Join me, Ashley, , as I relive a weekend of heartfelt tunes and reunions at the Suwannee Roots Revival. From the nostalgic paths of the music park to the eclectic sounds that define its stages, this episode is a personal journey through a festival that's as much about community as it is about music. Tune in and experience the Suwannee spirit through my eyes. Festival Focal Points: Journey Back to...

Today we're exploring Hotel Defuniak's Timeless Charm! Join Ashley on an unforgettable journey through historic Downtown DeFuniak Springs, Florida, as she unexpectedly stumbles upon Cafe NOLA and an encounter with Chef Ernie. Explore the rich history of Hotel DeFuniak, one of Florida's oldest towns, and discover why it's considered one of the most haunted hotels in the state. Chef Ernie shares fas...

Can a small Florida town reclaim its vibrant past? Jeremiah Campbell takes us on a journey to unearth the rich history hiding beneath his adopted hometown of DeFuniak Springs. His memories and storytelling transport us back to the town’s little-known past as a thriving hub of arts and culture in the late 1800s. Discover the captivating tales Jeremiah shares from his deep roots in this community, a...

Join us for a special episode where we take you on a journey through Defuniak Springs, a Florida gem steeped in history, culture, and community. Meet Nancy Hasty, a playwright and actress who has come full circle from her roots in Florida to the busy streets of New York City and back. Today, she's a driving force in the Defuniak Springs creative scene, bringing the spirit of the arts to this charm...

There's a saying, "Do what you do best and outsource the rest." This mantra guided me as I embarked on the "Sunshine State Showcase" journey. Seeking artwork that would encapsulate our podcast's spirit, I was introduced to Brianna Bennett by Heather Parker of Floriopolis, a cherished community art center in St. Andrews. Brianna's emails unveiled artwork that was distinct and captivating, perfect f...

Are you ready to meet the artists, soulful musicians, captivating storytellers, and community champions who light up Florida? You're in the right place! Welcome to the "Sunshine State Showcase", where we meet mostly in person with the amazing folks who add color, melody, and narratives to Florida's vibrant canvas. From musicians, visual artists, to playwrights, to the folks running small businesse...

Are you captivated by the unique blend of arts, culture, and history that makes Florida unlike any other state? Journey with Ashley Feller, a native Floridian, as she brings you the untold stories of the Sunshine State's vibrant creative landscape.🎤 Why Listen? Dive into a kaleidoscope of creativity featuring singer-songwriters, writers, storytellers, dancers, visual artists, and the heartbeat of...