Archive: SHAMc 2015

Before the doors of the Safety Harbor Art & Music Center officially opened, the SHAMc community was already pulsing with creativity. Events were held in a variety of spaces around town—including Sideshow, a temporary venue rented near SHAMc that served as our hub for performances and gatherings until the building was complete. 2015 was a year of momentum, music, and magical moments that helped lay the foundation for everything that SHAMc has become today.

We launched the year on January 3 with an unforgettable concert at Sideshow by Ryan Montbleau. Known for his soulful songwriting and powerful vocals, Ryan connected deeply with the crowd during an intimate performance that set the tone for a vibrant year of art and music.

Spring brought one of our biggest events: the Safety Harbor SongFest, held March 28 and 29 at the Safety Harbor Waterfront Park. This two-day celebration of original music featured a powerhouse lineup, including Shawn Mullins, Steep Canyon Rangers, Joseph Arthur, Jim Lauderdale, Meiko, Ryan Montbleau, Kawehi, Seth Walker, David Jacobs-Strain, The Vespers, and Caroline Kole. With beautiful weather and a crowd of thousands, SongFest 2015 was a joyful, music-filled weekend by the bay.

As fall arrived, October kicked off with our participation in Safety Harbor’s 3rd Friday on October 18, where we hosted a lively Oktoberfest celebration from 10am to 5pm at the downtown gazebo. Just days later, between October 20–24, we hosted a Video/Music Show to preview and rate possible artists for the upcoming 2016 SongFest. It was a fun and interactive way to involve the community in shaping the future of our flagship music festival.

On October 28, our creative energy shifted from music to sports with a Lightning Game Fundraiser, bringing fans together to watch hockey and raise funds for SHAMc in a new and playful way.

November was packed with performances. On November 9, Victoria Vox delivered a beautifully melodic set, followed that same evening by a global fusion concert from Mamajowali, a trio blending West African, Latin, and Americana styles into an energetic, genre-defying sound. The next day, November 10, we welcomed Joe Craven for a hands-on Improvisation Workshop, inviting musicians of all levels to explore spontaneity, creativity, and connection through sound.

Later in the month, on November 16, Charlie Mars brought his signature blend of introspective lyrics and soulful melodies to a warm and welcoming SHAMc audience.

December closed out the year with two stunning performances. On December 6, Erick Baker shared stories of love, life, and purpose through his heartfelt songs. Then on December 12, Rising Appalachia lit up the night with a powerful fusion of folk, soul, jazz, and mountain traditionals. Sisters Leah Song and Chloe Smith, joined by their full band, turned their performance into a call for cultural revolution and artistic empowerment.

From intimate concerts at Sideshow to community-wide festivals and creative workshops, 2015 was a landmark year that captured the heart and spirit of SHAMc. It was a time of building—not just a space, but a movement. And we’re grateful to everyone who helped bring that vision to life.