Bangles' Susanna Hoffs says ‘This is the Place' as South Walton gets its own theme song (SONG)

“Sand and turquoise water forever” is how visitors to South Walton most often describe the destination’s 26 miles of pristine beach nestled along Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast.  And now that sentiment has been put to music, courtesy of internationally renowned singer/songwriter Susanna Hoffs of the Bangles.  Titled “This is the Place,” the upbeat song will be officially unveiled during the Bangles’ live performance as part of the 30A Songwriters Festival, to be held Jan. 13-15, 2012 at multiple venues throughout South Walton.

“We believe this song beautifully captures the essence of the South Walton lifestyle,” notes Dawn Moliterno, executive director of Visit South Walton.  “It is a musical interpretation of what our visitors tell us they most love about our 15 beach neighborhoods — that feeling of escape, of total relaxation, of every day being a new day.  We are honored and delighted to have someone as accomplished as Ms. Hoffs produce a lyrical theme for our destination.”

The TDC used $75,000 in BP restoration funds to pay Hoffs for the song

Now in its third year, the 30A Songwriters Festival is produced by the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA), presented by Visit South Walton and sponsored by Seaside and 30A.com. 

The event is hugely popular with music lovers, due to the caliber and variety of talent and the intimate venues in which they perform.  According to CAA Executive Director Jennifer Steele, the festival is “an amazing coming together of musical talent with over 100 artists participating in storytelling, musical performances and spontaneous jam sessions.  It’s rare to see these artists in up-close-and-personal settings.  In fact our headliners, the Bangles, were featured performers on ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars” in October.”  In addition to the Bangles, this year’s line-up includes such names as Rodney Crowell, Amy Ray of the Indigo Girls, Joan Osborne, Miles Zuniga of Fastball, Matthew Sweet, Sam Bush Band, David Wilcox, Jeffrey Steele, Shawn Mullins, Jim Lauderdale and Mary Gauthier.  Most venues are intimate listening rooms, with headliners performing in outdoor amphitheaters.  For more information on the 2012 30A Songwriters Festival, including artists, venues, accommodations packages and tickets, visit 30ASongwritersFestival.com.

The release of “This is the Place” marks the debut of South Walton Sounds.  This and other sounds throughout the year will be compiled on Visit South Walton’s website in recognition and celebration of the community. The destinations Facebook page and YouTube channel will also feature artists and updates.

South Walton offers opportunities for music fans in addition to the 30A Songwriters Festival.  Darius Rucker, former lead singer of Hootie & the Blowfish and now solo artist, will perform a concert May 13, 2012 as the finale to ANNIKA & Friends at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort.  The inaugural event will feature Hall of Fame golfer Annika Sorenstam and 25 of her celebrity friends and athletes for an amazing weekend filled with golf, fine dining and music.  All year long the recently opened First Note Music Hall in Blue Mountain Beach shuffles through a constant variety of national caliber performances in an intimate setting.

All 15 South Walton neighborhoods have some connection to the music industry.  Country music clearly leads the genres but a wide variety of gifted artists find their perfect beach locally, from alternative rock’s All American Rejects favoring Blue Mountain and Dune Allen beaches to 10-time Artist/Entertainer of the Year Kenny Chesney relaxing in Seaside and WaterColor.  The area’s local beauty, lifestyle and appreciation for the arts apparently appeals to many, including CMT award-winner Kellie Pickler who tweeted her engagement to songwriter Kyle Jacobs from Rosemary Beach.  Grayton Beach is where one immensely talented singer/songwriter prefers to “soak up the sun” and is “my kinda party” for a six-time 2010 CMT award-winner and Artist of the Year.  Alys Beach is the favorite hangout for a Grammy trio who seem to enjoy “our kind of love.”  South Walton also boasts an abundance of local musical talent, further evidence that “this is the place” where creativity flourishes.

Singer/songwriter Susanna Hoffs formed the Bangles with Debbie and Vicki Peterson 30 years ago in her family’s Brentwood, California garage.  Though their first recorded release was in 1982, it was their 1984 album, “Different Light,” that skyrocketed them to fame with hit singles “Manic Monday” and “Walk Like an Egyptian.”  In 1988 they released their biggest-selling single, “Eternal Flame,” from their “Everything” album.  After disbanding in 1990, the band reunited in 2000 releasing the album “Doll Revolution” in 2003.  Their latest album, “Sweetheart of the Sun,” was released in September 2011 to much critical acclaim.  Ms. Hoffs resides in California with her husband, director Jay Roach, and their two sons.