Latest News
7/15/2026: 2027 SONG CONTEST NEWS - YOUNG SONGWRITER'S CATEGORY:
We are excited to announce that we have added a category for youth entries into our annual song contest. Youth up to the age of 23 are encouraged to apply! The top three entries voted by the judges will be invited to perform their songs at the 2027 Will McLean Festival. "This is something that the late Margaret Longhill, who started the Will McLean Festival in 1992, would be so happy about," says Song Contest Coordinator, Donna Green-Townsend. "Margaret always felt that the young musicians and songwriters were the future of the festival." Please share the link to our song contest page with young musicians you know!
6/10/2026: Performers and Songwriters - Performer and Song contest portals are now open and accepting applications for the 2027 festival. Deadline for both is 9/30/26.
Applications for our Young Musician's Family Camp-In will open 9/15/26 - Check out our Young Musicians Page and Stay Tuned!
The 2026 Song Contest had 80 entries. Thanks to all who entered and Congratulations to the Top Ten!
4/16/25 - Sunday Sampler East, a new concert series in Melbourne Village Florida, is up and running! Many thanks to Will McLean Foundation members, Tina Eno & Sharon Osuna, also to Marcy Brenner who are taking the lead to create a new venue for live acoustic music in east central Florida. Here is a link for this year's line up and more information about the venue.
06/20/24 - We are sad to announce the recent passing (6/15/24) of Dennis Devine, an original member of the Will McLean Foundation and its first webmaster. Dennis was a musical mentor to many and band member of many groups including Don Grooms, New Sand Mountain Wildcats and The 97th Regimental String Band. He also produced CD projects for many Florida based acts. You can find his obituary and make comments on Legacy.com
06/20/24 - We are sad to announce the recent passing (6/15/24) of Dennis Devine, an original member of the Will McLean Foundation and its first webmaster. Dennis was a musical mentor to many and band member of many groups including Don Grooms, New Sand Mountain Wildcats and The 97th Regimental String Band. He also produced CD projects for many Florida based acts. You can find his obituary and make comments on Legacy.com
05/15/24 - We are sad to announce the recent passing (5/11/24) of David Berry, a musician and Foundation member. Although a relative newcomer to the Florida music scene, David immersed himself as a festival volunteer and musician teaching himself to play dulcimer, dobro and lap steel. He performed as part of the group, "Just Folks". Comments/memories can be made on TributeArchive.com.
12/07/23 - This year's 2024 song contest had 83 entries. Thanks to all who entered! Congratulations to the Winner, Jim Bickerstaff and the rest of the finalists. Read more and listen to the songs submitted by these songwriters.
Mark your calendar for March 8-10, 2024. The top 3 will be featured in a showcase during our annual Will McLean Music Festival.
