They write the songs

Martha’s Vineyard has a rich music history. The Wampanoag, of course, were the first to grace the Island with musical expressions, as they do today, and there were sea chanteys during the whaling era. Singer-songwriters Carly Simon, James Taylor, and others jump to mind during the heyday of the coffeehouse era in the mid- to late-20th century. Today, there is a rich musical ecosystem of bands, solo acts, and open-mics.

In 2012, Matt Casey, who has a house in West Tisbury, started adding to the Island’s musical wealth with his Martha’s Vineyard Songwriters Festival. From the very start, Casey brought Nashville songwriters to the Island: “I grew up coming to the Vineyard from age 7. It’s my favorite place in the world. Add that to the fact that I was a songwriter in Nashville, and the festival combined my two loves.”

Casey continues, “It started at my house. People who had never written songs, or who had just started, learned from professionals who’d written songs for huge stars. That’s how it works in Nashville. It’s not always the artists who write the songs themselves, but they work with these songwriters.”

The festival has grown into a multi-venue event, running Sept. 17-20 this year, with three ticketed shows at the Strand and smaller free events at Nomans, the Port Hunter, Sandbar and Grille, and Midnight Taco.

The heart of the festival lies in its unique “writer rounds,” as they are known in Nashville, where the masterminds behind favorite radio hits share the stage with the industry’s brightest emerging talent. Similar to Nashville, here on the Vineyard, audiences won’t just hear the music; they will hear the songwriter’s personal struggles, road miles, and the exact moments that shaped the lyrics.

This year’s roster brings an elite group of storytellers to the Island. The Friday and Sunday shows feature “Hit Makers.” This tier features seasoned Nashville giants who have penned chart-topping tracks for massive artists like Morgan Wallen, Ella Langley, Blake Shelton, and Kenny Chesney. Some of the artists include CJ Solar, who co-wrote the first of Morgan Wallen’s more than 20 no. 1 songs, “Up Down.” There will also be Johnny Clawson, who wrote one of Ella Langley’s first No. 1 songs, “Weren’t for the Wind.” Sunday’s performance will also include the Vineyard’s own Wolftrap, Seán McMahon, and Alex Karalekas.

Saturday night features “Rising Stars,” spotlighting the next generation of musical powerhouses. These artists will perform their own material and mingle with fans afterward. Among them is Morgan Johnston, who grew up on her family farm on Cape Cod. Morgan’s passion for songwriting and performing was evident early on, and she showcased her ability at shows around town before moving to Nashville in 2016. Fuller will also perform, showcasing versatility in a style similar to Sturgill Simpson, Chris Stapleton, and Tyler Childers. Another is Presley Tennant, who has performed for crowds exceeding 30,000, and shared the stage with some of country music’s biggest names, including Tim McGraw, Carly Pearce, Blake Shelton, Cole Swindell and Post Malone. Martha’s Vineyard’s own Dock Street Fight Club will likewise be appearing.

Casey is proud of the festival’s local angle. “Way more local acts are participating this year, in addition to Nashville acts. Along with Dock Street Fight Club, Seán McMahon, Wolftrap, and Alex Karalekas, there are Jodi Trealoar and Martin and Kelly, who tour most of the year nationally, but have a home on the Island and play on their off days. I’m really happy that Martin and Kelly are such a big part of the festival, because they have been involved since it was just a songwriter’s workshop in my family home in West Tisbury, helping run and grow it through the years.” 

Casey explains that the festival offers a different kind of country music experience: “It focuses not only on polished performances, but also on the people, ideas, and experiences that shape a song before it reaches the radio. For fans, the event offers a chance to hear music up close, and learn how songs are created. For aspiring writers, it provides an inside look at Nashville’s songwriting process. And for the Island community, it brings together visitors and residents around live music in some of Martha’s Vineyard’s most recognizable towns and venues.”

He adds, “Most importantly, I want people to have a great time and hear some songs they know and sing along and dance. But I also want to give people a more intimate view. To learn about the process and the artists. It’s also showing the ‘Hit Makers’ and ‘Rising Stars’ what Martha’s Vineyard is all about. Some have never even heard of it. Some believe what they see on TV about it being an enclave for the rich, and don’t realize the year-round community consists of regular, down-to-earth people. So, it’s educating both sides and bringing people together through music.”

Martha’s Vineyard Songwriters Festival 2026 runs from Sept. 17 to 20. For tickets, visit marthasvineyardsongwritersfest.com/shows. (Strand ticketholders will get preferred seating, no lines, and VIP gifts at the other venues.)