Rolling Stones' Chuck Leavell to Headline Inaugural Songwriter Festival at Lanier Islands Resort

BUFORD, Ga. - EntSun -- Legendary Rolling Stones keyboardist Chuck Leavell will headline the inaugural Songwriters at the Lake Music Festival at Lanier Islands Resort November 13-15, 2026. Presented by Ingles, the three-day festival will bring acclaimed Southern songwriters – including Randall Bramblett, Jimmy Hall, Joanna Cotten, and two dozen additional artists to the resort for a can't-miss musical weekend. As the trees reflect fiery shades of red, orange, and gold on the waters of Lake Lanier, Leavell and his fellow musicians will play host to a series of events on multiple stages throughout the Islands – including a main lakeside concert on Saturday, November 14. Designed to celebrate the legacy of songwriters and invest in Georgia's next generation of music creators, the festival will allocate a portion of its proceeds to the Georgia Mountain Food Bank, the Georgia Music Foundation, the Jarrard Burch Songwriter Foundation, and other worthy charities.

"Bringing music lovers and fall colors together, the Songwriters at the Lake Music Festival will present an opportunity to hear hit songs and learn the stories behind the lyrics from their original songwriters," said Jody Jackson, Executive Director of Songwriters ATL – the event's producer. "Between its scenic waterfront venues, depth of experience hosting events of this size and scope, accommodations for anyone looking to make a weekend of it, and convenience to Atlanta, Lanier Islands Resort is the ideal destination for our three-day festival. Songwriter festivals – like those hosted in Pensacola, Key West, and 30A – have a rich and evolving history. We're excited to build on that tradition with an intimate, elegant festival that's a mix of storytelling and music."

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Jackson also shared that the resort's 1,200 acres of breathtaking natural beauty along the shores of Lake Lanier were only part of the appeal. With lakeside accommodations, multiple dining options, and a wealth of amenities, Lanier Islands Resort offers festivalgoers the opportunity to turn a weekend of live music into a complete fall getaway. He was also impressed by the convenience of all eight stages – each within a short walk or golf cart ride of one another - as well as the resort's ability to pivot to an indoor venue in the event of inclement weather.

"Ingles is very excited to be the presenting sponsor for the inaugural Ingles Songwriters at the Lake Music Festival," said Melissa Leavell, Ingles Advertising Director. "With the event taking place at beautiful Lanier Islands Resort and featuring some of the South's most amazing singer-songwriters, this event should not be missed. Ingles has a rich history supporting musical talent and concert events that fit our customers and community."

"Songwriters at the Lake represents exactly the type of signature events we're building at Lanier Islands," said Matthew Bowling, President of Lanier Islands. "We're creating year-round reasons for people to visit, from summer concerts and holiday experiences to festivals like this that showcase world-class talent in an unforgettable setting. We believe this will become one of the Southeast's premier songwriter festivals while also supporting outstanding charitable organizations."

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Festival passes are just $129 and include resort gate fees and access to songwriter performances throughout the three-day festival. Tickets can be purchased at www.SongwritersATL.com, (http://www.SongwritersATL.com) and overnight reservations (https://be.synxis.com/?Hotel=45779&Chain=32791&arrive=2026-11-13&depart=2026-11-15&adult=1&child=0&group=261113SONG) can be made online at LanierIslands.com or by calling 770-945-8787. Nightly rates start at $209, and resort fees will be waived for festival goers.