Black Dirt Management is pleased to announce the Havana Songwriters Festival will return to the eastern bank of the Illinois River in historic downtown Havana, IL May 19-21, 2023. We've gathered some of the finest songwriters from the Midwest and beyond for a weekend of intimate performances and an unmatched listener experience. Held at host venues throughout downtown Havana, performances are presented in “rounds” of 3-4 writers providing a unique opportunity to witness spontaneous collaborations and hear the stories behind the lyrics and melodies. Band Showcases are held outdoors after the Songwriter Rounds on Friday & Saturday night, and on Sunday afternoon where performers and attendees can stretch out and rock out. Ticket holders will also have an opportunity to meet performers and mingle with other attendees at the Saturday Morning Social/Songwriter Jam at Stella Mae’s Coffee Shop.
Weekend passes are $60 (+ service fee) and include admission to all Songwriter Rounds, Saturday Morning Social/Songwriter Jam and Band Showcases. These tickets are limited to 60 to ensure an intimate experience for performers and attendees. Tickets are not sold for individual Songwriter Rounds. Tickets to Bands Showcases may be purchased individually at the venue where capacity is 300.
Wristbands for weekend pass holders may be picked up at the opening reception at Lulu’s Craft Beverage from 5-6pm on May 19th and at the check in table at each Songwriter Round throughout the weekend.
Venues: Lulu’s Craft Beverage, The Cove Center, The Main Room, The Beer Garden on Main, Stella Mae’s Coffee Shop
(full schedule below)
SONGWRITERS PERFORMING IN THE ROUND
BAND SHOWCASES
VENUES
SCHEDULE
EXPLORE HAVANA
-LODGING-
Downtown lodging and camping (RV and tent) options are available within walking distance to venues through Airbnb and the Park District’s Riverfront Campground. Evening Star Camping Resort is located 6 miles east of town and features sites with 20- 30- or 50-AMP electric service, pull-thru's and easy back-ins. Full hook-up, water/electric, primitive campsites and air conditioned cabins are available. You can also find lodging just North of town at Quiver Beach and just South of town at Matanza Beach on Airbnb.
-DINE/DRINK-
You’ll find several restaurants and bars in our historic downtown. Attendees will receive a map with amenities at check-in.
-SHOPPING, ART & NATURE-
Downtown is home to several unique boutiques and shops, an art gallery and beautiful Riverfront Park at the foot of Main St. on the Illinois River. The areas natural resources provide abundant opportunities for bird watching, hiking, boat watching and visiting historical sites. Check out www.historichavanaillinois.com and this recent Illinois Farm Bureau article “Hit the Road to Historic Havana for a Spring Getaway” for more information.
FAQ
-Lu Lu’s Craft Beverage and The Main Room are 21+ venues. Stella Mae’s and The Cove Center are all ages venues, and the Stag Tap Beer Garden is all ages until 9pm.
-We do not sell day passes or tickets to individual Songwriter Rounds. Tickets to Bands Showcases may be purchased individually at the venue.
-Songwriter rounds are general admission seating and are typically 75-90 minutes long. Please refrain from conversation during these performances to ensure the best experience for performers and attendees.
-Weekend passes are sold through our ticketing system, Eventbrite. Click here to purchase.
Any questions not addressed here may be directed to Kim at blackdirtmanagement@gmail.com. We look forward to seeing you in Havana, Illinois May 19-21, 2023!
Be sure to check out our local sponsors! Historic Havana Lofts, Lu Lu’s Craft Beverage Co., Stag Tap and Evening Star Camping Resort.
QUESTIONS? EMAIL KIM AT BLACKDIRTMANAGEMENT@GMAIL.COM
PAGE DESIGN BY KIM ANDERSON