Where Music Meets the Water —
Join Us at The SML Songwriters Festival!
Save the date for next year: June 11, 2026 – June 14, 2026
From scenic lakeside venues to hometown favorites, get ready to celebrate great music in the heart of Smith Mountain Lake. The SML Songwriters Festival is proud to showcase outstanding songwriters and bring live music to our community.
Located in Central Virginia and nestled in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, Smith Mountain Lake is conveniently southeast of Roanoke and southwest of Lynchburg. It’s the perfect destination for a day trip or a relaxing vacation getaway to enjoy all of the festival’s events.
We’re now seeking sponsors for next year’s festival! If you’re interested in supporting live music, connecting with the community, and being part of something special, reach out today. Let’s make next year even bigger—together.
2025 SML Songwriters Festival Finale Concert
What an unforgettable day with legendary recording artist Ty Herndon! The stage came alive with two incredible rounds of talented songwriters, plus crowd-favorite performances from our Open Mic Contest winner, Danielle Grey, and runner-up, Austin Myers.
A huge thank you to everyone who supported our silent and live auctions. Special recognition goes to Kathleen Wheaton for the stunning hand-painted guitar signed by all of the artists, and to Lisa Floyd, who amazed us once again with her live guitar reflection painting. And a big shoutout to Tracy Buck for his fantastic work as auctioneer, keeping the live auction engaging and fun.
Ty Herndon, joined by his phenomenal guitarist Eric Halbig, closed the day with a powerful set of Ty’s original songs—some of which he’s currently re-recording with iconic Nashville artists. It was an incredible performance from start to finish!
Meet the 2025 Featured Artists
We enjoyed an incredible lineup of artists who are writing, recording, and making waves in the music industry. Throughout the weekend, these talented songwriters brought their stories to life on stage in intimate settings across various venues in the Smith Mountain Lake community. The music was heartfelt and the connections were genuine. Along the way, many new friendships were formed—not only between patrons and performers but also among the songwriters themselves. It was a wonderful celebration of music, community, and the spirit of Smith Mountain Lake.
Venues
The SML Songwriters Festival wouldn’t be possible without the loyal support of our incredible venue partners—thank you!
Mango’s Bar & Grill
16430 Booker T Washington Hwy, Ste 200, Moneta, VA, 24121
Drifter’s
1617 Crystal Shores Dr Moneta, VA, 24121
Portside Grill & Bar
3619 Airport Rd, Moneta, VA, 24121
Hot Shots
13360 Booker T Washington Hwy
Moneta, VA 24121
The Pavillion at Blackwater Junction
356 Bethel Ln
Union Hall, VA 24176
Hosting VIP Event For Songwriters
Charity Parnters
SML Good Neighbors is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit located in Moneta, Virginia. The organization, founded in 2007, provides academic, enrichment and nutritional programs, free of cost, to students in rising 1st – 6th grades, and scholarships to high school seniors in Franklin and Bedford County, Virginia.
They also provide leadership development internships to college students from around the globe. Their mission is to develop good neighbors skills and values in children through programs that nourish, educate and support them while providing life-changing experiences for college students through leadership development internships.
Veterans of American Legion Post 62
American Legion Post 62 is a veterans organization located in Moneta, VA. The post is dedicated to assisting veterans, mentoring youth, and improving communities as per the national organization’s mission.
Sponsors
A heartfelt thank-you to our generous 2025 Sponsorship Partners whose support makes the SML Songwriters Festival possible year after year.
Songwriter Sponsors:
FLMoore
Steve & Ann Davis
Bridgewater Marina
Debra Gatto
Mangos
Edward Jones
Charlene Jones
Eagles FOE-1
Eagles FOE-2
Laslie’s Auto Body
Patron Sponsors:
Jo & Co Jewelers
Nora & John Hedrick