Music Above the Clouds at McLemore: The 5th Annual Songwriter’s Series
High above the clouds, a unique harmony of nature and music awaits.
At McLemore Resort, the air carries more than just the scent of pine and the whisper of the wind; it carries the sound of stories being told through song. And we’re thrilled to spotlight one of our favorite warm-weather events: the 5th Annual Songwriter’s Series. This experience transforms our mountain sanctuary into a stage for some of the most authentic and celebrated voices in music.
Beginning this May and continuing through the fall, the Songwriter’s Series is an invitation to witness artistry in its purest form. It’s more than a concert—it’s an intimate gathering where guests connect with the stories behind the songs, all set against the backdrop of one of Georgia’s most breathtaking panoramic views.
Imagine the sun setting over the valley, casting a warm, golden glow as the first chords of a guitar ring out. This is where music and mountains meet, creating moments that resonate long after the final note has faded.
A Curated Lineup of Master Storytellers
The heart of the Songwriter’s Series lies in its exceptional curation of talent. This year’s lineup brings together a diverse collection of award-winning artists, each with a unique voice and a rich history of crafting songs that have shaped the musical landscape. From Grammy winners to chart-topping composers, these are the storytellers behind the music you know and love.
While some of these events have passed, there are still plenty to experience in the coming months!
May 22, 2025 – Raul Malo
Kicking off the season is the incomparable Raul Malo, the celebrated frontman of the genre-defying band, The Mavericks. With a powerful, velvet voice that effortlessly blends Latin rhythms with country, rock, and soul, Malo’s performances are legendary. An evening with him is a journey through a rich tapestry of American music, delivered with unmatched passion and charisma.
June 19, 2025 – Chris Gelbuda + Lauren Jenkins
This evening features a dynamic pairing of two incredible talents. Chris Gelbuda is a songwriter and producer with a gift for melody, having penned hits for major artists like Meghan Trainor. He is joined by the powerful and evocative Lauren Jenkins, a rising star whose honest lyrics and raw vocal delivery have captivated audiences. Together, they promise a night of compelling stories and unforgettable hooks.
July 17, 2025 – James Slater + Tom Douglas
Prepare for an evening with two songwriting titans. James Slater, a Grammy-nominated, piano-playing force, has written hits for country royalty like Tim McGraw and Kenny Chesney. He shares the stage with Tom Douglas, an Academy Award and Grammy-nominated songwriter whose poetic and heartfelt compositions, including the iconic "The House That Built Me," have become modern classics. This is a rare opportunity to hear the stories behind some of music’s most beloved songs.
August 21, 2025 – Seth Walker
Immerse yourself in the soulful, roots-driven music of Seth Walker. An accomplished guitarist and vocalist, Walker masterfully blends blues, gospel, and R&B into a sound that is both classic and contemporary. His performances are known for their intimate, groovy atmosphere, making for a perfect summer evening of rich, authentic American music on the mountain.
September 18, 2025 – Patrick Davis
A prolific songwriter who has written for legends like Guy Clark and Jimmy Buffett, Patrick Davis brings his own brand of thoughtful, engaging, and often witty storytelling to the stage. His shows are a masterclass in connecting with an audience, filled with heartfelt songs and personal anecdotes that will leave you feeling like you’ve made a new friend.
October 16, 2025 – Sean McConnell
Closing out the 2025 series is the profoundly gifted Sean McConnell. An artist’s artist, McConnell’s introspective and soul-stirring songs have been recorded by some of the biggest names in music. His live performances are a deeply moving experience, showcasing his powerful vocals and lyrical depth that explore the complexities of the human condition with grace and honesty.
Cloudland at McLemore Experience: An Unforgettable Setting
What elevates the Songwriter’s Series from a great concert to a magical experience is the venue itself. The open-air setting allows the music to drift across McLemore’s stunning grounds, creating a natural amphitheater where every seat has a view of both the artist and the vast, rolling landscape of Northwest Georgia.
As the performance begins, guests can savor chef-curated cuisine and perfectly paired beverages, designed to complement the evening’s atmosphere. As dusk settles, the sky transforms into a canvas of vibrant colors, providing a spectacular visual accompaniment to the music.
When the stars emerge, the warmth of evening fire pits offers a cozy space for friends to gather, reflect on the music, and soak in the serene mountain ambiance. It is this thoughtful combination of world-class music, exceptional hospitality, and natural splendor that makes the Songwriter’s Series a truly unique and cherished event.
A Stage for New Voices
In keeping with our commitment to fostering artistry, the Songwriter’s Series is proud to continue its tradition of highlighting emerging talent. Each show will feature an opening performance by a gifted regional artist, providing them with a platform to share their music with a captivated audience.
This initiative not only sets a wonderful tone for the evening but also allows our guests to discover new favorites while supporting the next generation of storytellers. Aspiring local musicians are encouraged to apply for a chance to be part of this incredible season.
Preserving and Spotlighting Southern Roots
The Songwriter’s Series at McLemore Resort is more than an evening of remarkable performances; it is part of a living tradition of Southern music and storytelling. We honor our region’s deep musical roots by bringing together artists who carry forward the spirit of the South—its resilience, warmth, authenticity, and connection to place. The songs performed here are often shaped by life on these mountains and by the rich cultural histories that make Southern music unique.
By highlighting regional artists as opening acts and welcoming voices from across the Southeast, the series nurtures the next generation of storytellers while celebrating the creative legacies of those who came before. Songs echoing with references to home, faith, family, and the natural world find special resonance here, where music and landscape are so deeply intertwined.
At McLemore Resort, every note shared and every story told is an act of preservation—a way of keeping alive the melodies, sounds, and traditions that shape our community. We believe music has the power not just to entertain but to connect us to our heritage and to one another. The Songwriter’s Series is proud to serve as a gathering place where the heart of Southern songwriting continues to thrive.
Come for the Music, Stay for the Views
Why let the magic end when the music does? We invite you to extend your experience by turning your concert evening into a luxurious mountain getaway. Stay in our beautifully appointed accommodations, where comfort and elegance meet the rustic beauty of our surroundings.
Wake up to misty morning views, play a round on our world-renowned cliff-edge golf course, or simply relax and rejuvenate at our resort.
