Get ready pirates, music lovers, island timers and vagabonds, because the 2025 version of Mile 0 Fest is nigh upon us. This year’s event is yet again shaping up to be an unforgettable celebration of original music combining the best escapist ideals created by Jimmy Buffett and Jerry Jeff Walker with a world class vacation destination.
This year's lineup is stacked with legends, rising stars, and everything in between, promising a diverse and electrifying experience. In our preview, we are going to forego talking about festival mainstays such as Shane Smith and the Saints, The Red Clay Strays, Randy Rogers Band and Wade Bowen. We will instead focus on those artists making their inaugural trek to Key West or their second.
The Smokin’ Tuna (RIP) is still in transition, so everyone’s homebase bar is now in flux and some amazing other local establishments are picking up the slack. Make sure you keep up with the changes on the Mile 0 app. Also, late night Duval jams are back! Particularly on Tuesday night, but also happening on Saturday. Those bar jams after the mainstage are what helped to solidify Mile 0 as an event like no other. Now, for the first time post-Covid the festival organizers have been able to bring them back!
Now to some musical highlights to consider for your planning next week.
Steve Earle: This iconic songwriter and performer needs no introduction. Expect a raw and powerful set filled with songs you know by heart. He’s one of the last folks standing that ran the highways with Townes and Guy. His musical output is legendary and his backing band is always aces. This will be a buzzed about set.
Cody Canada and Family: The wait is over for Ragweed lovers and Cody is reinvigorated. Take note of The Smokin Oaks and Waves in April as they are the offspring of the Ragweed boys and will be having their own moments in the sun. The Canada and co clans will be taking a look back and look forward throughout the week. Some special guests will be jamming with Cody to close the night on Thursday. If there’s one show you don’t want to miss all week, it’s this one.
James McMurtry: A master storyteller with a cynical wit, McMurtry's performances are always thought-provoking and deeply moving. Your soul will be stirred and your brain will be running after McMurtry is done. Super stoked to see him at the fest.
Darrell Scott: Renowned songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer. He's known for his poignant and introspective songwriting that landed him hits with artists such as Garth Brooks, The Chicks, and Tim McGraw. But, it’s his live performances that made him legendary. I once heard Drew Kennedy remark after watching Darrell Scott perform, “I could have sworn he had more arms than an octopus up there as he was playing guitar.” See it and you’ll understand.
Stephen Wilson Jr.: This distinctive singer/songwriter is quickly making a name for himself with his soulful voice, insightful lyrics and one of a kind guitar picking. His turns of phrase are supremely
49 Winchester: These Virginia boys got a little overshadowed on their maiden Mile 0 voyage as it was the same year Red Clay debuted. However, they have continued to only get better and better. They are now roots music leaders and poised to put on the best sets of the week.
Ellis Bullard: We once described Ellis as Moonpies meets Sturgill. It still fits. He headlined our annual River Jam event in 2023 and has been bringing the honky tonk heat ever since. Step aside and let him lay the tonk down. Get out of the way or get run over by the Ellis Bullard experience.
Josh Weathers: We tried to tell y’all. We posted about him last year before the festival. We’ve been talking about his generational talent for almost 20 years. Weathers showed up to Mile 0 Fest an unknown to many, and ended up leaving the festival a new favorite of thousands. I’ll never forget a woman during the yacht rock jam with Courtney Patton and Josh that remarked “Who the hell is that guy and why is he up there?” as the show began. Then he opened his mouth to sing and she turned to her friend and said “Holy shit!” Make sure you catch Josh Weathers if you’re going to be in Key West
Taylor Hunnicutt: Alabama soul. Bama is taking over with the likes of Red Clay and Adam Hood, and in steps Hunnicutt to throw her booming voice and boisterous lyrics into the mix.
Tanner Usrey: Usrey's blend of country, southern rock and blues is captivating audiences across the country. His band features twin guitars and they get greasy in all the right ways. He made waves last year that will only expand in 2025.
Kat Hasty: Kat Hasty is captivating, different and entertaining. Her perspective is one that is fun to watch take hold over an audience. We are excited to see what she does at Mile 0 this year and beyond.
Whether you're a seasoned MOFer or hitting Duval for the first time, Mile 0 Fest 2025 will be the best time you have all year.