Write it. Play it. Share it bayside in Panama City, Florida.
Panama City is calling on songwriters ready to take their sound somewhere new. Songwriters Seize the Bay brings rising artists to the Gulf Coast for a three-night stay filled with their own live performances at local venues, opportunities to connect with fellow songwriters, and time to create in a place shaped by music, art, and life on the bay. The experience culminates in a waterfront songwriters’ circle to close it out.
WHAT THIS IS
Selected artists will be invited to Panama City for a curated stay built around performing, creating, and connecting with fellow songwriters.
You will spend three nights in a bayside hotel, play live sets at local venues, and experience the destination in a way that goes beyond the stage. From waterfront views to laid back local spots, every part of the experience is designed to give you something real to draw from.
WHAT YOU GET
Includes accommodations and scheduled performance opportunities, with time to explore Panama City at your own pace.
- Dedicated time to create, explore, and connect
- Three-night stay in Panama City
- Waterfront accommodations at Hotel Indigo
- Paid live performances at local venues
WHEN IT IS
Songwriters Seize the Bay will take place in August/September 2026, leading up to Panama City’s annual Songwriters Festival.
Selected artists will coordinate with our team to schedule their three-night stay based on availability.
WHO SHOULD APPLY
Songwriters Seize the Bay is designed for emerging and mid-level touring artists who are actively creating, performing, and building an audience. We are looking for artists who bring both strong music and a clear sense of identity. You should be comfortable performing live, connecting with a crowd, and sharing your experience through natural and engaging content.
We are looking for solo artists who:
- Are actively performing and releasing music
- Have an engaged social following
- Are comfortable creating and sharing content
- Bring a unique sound and strong point of view
- All genres are welcome
WHY PANAMA CITY
Panama City is a growing music city with a creative arts community set along St. Andrews Bay. Downtown Panama City is home to a true creative district, filled with murals, small venues, and spaces where artists are actively shaping the scene.
Live music carries through the city, from waterfront patios to neighborhood stages. It’s easy to move between it all, with walkable streets and venues that keep the energy going through the day and into the night. With the bay as your backdrop, the setting brings a fresh perspective to the way music is experienced, performed, and shared.