Latest News

06/20/24 - We are sad to announce the recent passing (6/15/24) of Dennis Devine, an original member of the Will McLean Foundation and its first webmaster. Dennis was a musical mentor to many and band member of many groups including Don Grooms, New Sand Mountain Wildcats and The 97th Regimental String Band. He also produced CD projects for many Florida based acts. You can find his obituary and make comments on Legacy.com

06/15/24 - The 2025 Song Contest and Performer Application Portals are now active. Deadline for both is Oct 31. Go to the Music Festival dropdown menu for links to both. Dates for the 2025 festival are 3/7 -3/9/2025.

05/15/24 - We are sad to announce the recent passing (5/11/24) of David Berry, a musician and Foundation member. Although a relative newcomer to the Florida music scene, David immersed himself as a festival volunteer and musician teaching himself to play dulcimer, dobro and lap steel. He performed as part of the group, "Just Folks". Comments/memories can be made on TributeArchive.com.

12/07/23 - This year's 2024 song contest had 83 entries. Thanks to all who entered! Congratulations to the Winner, Jim Bickerstaff and the rest of the finalists. Read more and listen to the songs submitted by these songwriters.

Mark your calendar for March 8-10, 2024. The top 3 will be featured in a showcase during our annual Will McLean Music Festival.

5/26/2023 - The Will McLean Foundation is excited to announce the recipients of The 2023 Will McLean Foundation Scholarship. We celebrate Lilly O’Neil from Lake Wales and Helena Gagnier from Tampa. Please join us in a presentation at The Florida Folk Festival this Sunday morning (5/28/23), 10 am at The Will McLean Foundation Stage. Also, you can meet our current scholarship recipient, Alyssa Donall. Hope to see you there.

1/4/2023 - We are pleased to announce "The Will McLean Foundation Audible Art Series at Fogartyville". This Sunday afternoon concert series features Florida Artists and is scheduled for the 2nd Sunday of the month at Fogartyville in Sarasota, FL. The series runs from October through May.

(on-line tickets are now available. Click links below for information & to purchase tickets for an event)

Jan 8th - Frankie Jay & the Chicken Parade

Feb 12th - Reckless Saints

March - no concert due to Will McLean Annual festival at Florida Sand Music Ranch, Brooksville

April 9th - Lily Jane Band

May 14th - Still Friends

The Sertoma Youth Ranch gets new life — it’s acquired by the Will McLean Foundation

Seán Kinane | 88.5 WMNF | August 26th, 2022

A live music and camping area near Brooksville has a new chance at survival now that a Florida folk music foundation says it will acquire the Sertoma Youth Ranch. An email from the president of the Will McLean Foundation says the group will take over the assets of the Sertoma Youth Ranch by the end of October.