Word of South Announces 2025 Festival Lineup

Celebrating the intersection of music and literature, April 4-6 in Tallahassee

TALLAHASSEE, Fla., Feb. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Word of South Festival, in partnership with Visit Tallahassee, is thrilled to unveil the artist lineup for its 2025 festival, set to take place April 4-6 at Cascades Park in the heart of Tallahassee, Florida. This unique cultural event brings together a vibrant mix of musicians, authors, and creative performers, offering an immersive exploration of the connections between music and literature.

Headlining this year’s festival, Violent Femmes will take the stage on Friday, April 4, at the Adderley Amphitheater in Cascades Park. Known for their distinctive fusion of folk, punk, and alternative rock, the band will collaborate with the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra in a special performance that promises an unforgettable musical experience.

Adding to the excitement, Word of South will also commemorate the 70th anniversary of P-Funk music, featuring legendary keyboardist Danny Bedrosian, iconic singer George Clinton, and other members of the influential funk collective. This performance will take audiences on a journey through seven decades of groundbreaking music, bridging the past and present of the genre.

“We are thrilled to unveil the extraordinary lineup of artists for the 2025 festival,” said Sara Marchessault, Festival Director of Word of South. “With standout performances from our headliner Violent Femmes, the iconic P-Funk collective, and an incredible array of talented artists, this year’s festival will be an unforgettable celebration of artistic innovation, cultural energy, and creative collaboration.”

Since its inception in 2015, the Word of South Festival has provided a platform for artists across various genres, spanning R&B, hip-hop, bluegrass, folk, jazz, and more. Special events include family-friendly programming, cookbook showcases, and unique “mu-aushups,” where authors and musicians collaborate in unexpected and innovative ways.

The 2025 Word of South Festival will feature an impressive range of musicians and authors, including:

• American Aquarium – A Southern rock and alt-country band with a knack for deeply personal storytelling.
• BJ the Chicago Kid – An R&B artist known for blending vintage soul with contemporary influences.
• Delfeayo Marsalis and Herlin Riley Quintet – World-class jazz musicians bringing a dynamic, rhythmic performance.
• Chris Bohjalian – A bestselling author renowned for his thought-provoking fiction.
• Jacqueline Trimble and Ashley Jones – Acclaimed poets and literary voices exploring themes of identity and culture.
• Jami Attenberg and Kristen Arnett – Critically acclaimed authors known for their compelling and insightful storytelling.

The Word of South Festival is made possible through the generous support of the City of Tallahassee, Leon County, Visit Tallahassee, and Tallahassee State College. These local partners play a crucial role in promoting Tallahassee as a thriving hub for arts and culture, fostering creativity, and enhancing community engagement.

Don’t miss this extraordinary weekend of music, literature, and artistic collaborations. Tickets for Violent Femmes are available for purchase at www.theadderleyamphitheater.com. All other festival performances are free and open to the public.

To view the full 2025 lineup, please visit www.wordofsouthfestival.com/2025-artists/ 

About Word of South

Word of South is a one-of-a-kind festival celebrating the dynamic relationship between literature and music. Since 2015, the festival has featured nationally recognized authors and musicians in innovative formats, including unique collaborations, cookbook author showcases, and performances spanning multiple genres. From gospel to hip-hop, bluegrass to jazz, and country to R&B, Word of South offers something for everyone. Bring the whole family and experience the magic of music and storytelling in the heart of the South.

SOURCE Word of South Festival