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Will McLean Foundation

Saving Florida Through Music

Established in 1990, the Will McLean Foundation is a non-profit organization whose goals are to provide for research, education, performance and training to promote understanding and appreciation of the works of Will McLean and of other Florida artists

Membership & Volunteering

Membership & volunteering are the lifeblood of the foundation. Volunteering takes all forms and is not limited to the festival. 

If the ideals and goals of the Foundation appeal to you, please consider becoming a member and or volunteering. 

Youth Programs & Scholarships

One of Margaret Longhill’s and other founding members’ central goals was to foster a vibrant young musicians program and offer scholarships through the Foundation. See what's going on!

Concert Series Venues

The Sunday Sampler in Dunnellon is the brainchild of Mem Semmes, a musician and songwriter who was very involved with the Foundation and Festival in the early days.

Her vision was to have a monthly venue that showcases Florida based acoustic musicians in a concert type of setting. The Foundation has recently added another similar venue in the Sarasota area to build upon Mem’s original idea.

Annual Music Festival & Song Contest

The Will McLean Music Festival was first held at the headsprings of the Rainbow river in 1990 just a few months after Will's passing. The Festival, now a 3 day multi-stage event held in March, features performances, workshops, open mics, dances and jams. Our “Young Performer Showcases” have become a festival favorite for many fans as they watch these youngsters grow every year with more skill and confidence.

Florida has a thriving community of musician/songwriters who, in the tradition of Will McLean, have written thousands of songs in many styles and genres. The annual song contest honors that tradition and the current year's contest finalists are featured in a special showcase held during the festival.

Florida Sand Music Ranch

In 2022 Florida Sand Music Ranch (formerly Sertoma Youth Ranch) became a part of the operations of the Will McLean Foundation, Inc.  through its wholly owned subsidiary, WMF Facilities, LLC.  The Ranch is an 80 acre, wooded camping retreat located between Brooksville and Dade City, Florida. Both tent and RV sites are available.

Florida Sand Music Ranch is now the permanent home of the Foundation and our annual Will McLean Music Festival. The campground is also home to many multi-day music festivals of a wide variety of genres that occur throughout the year.  The facility is open 365 days a year and it is an ideal setting for family/group gatherings of any size.