The Will McLean Foundation
Established in 1990, the Will McLean Foundation is a non-profit organization who's 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
- Provide facilities, programs and educational materials to promote involvement in the artistic and educational fields - especially those of Florida folk arts.
- Provide scholarships, grants and sponsorships to encourage artistic production
The Board of Directors and the Executive Committee consist of volunteers who labor tirelessly, donating hundreds of hours every year to fulfill McLean’s dream of passing on the history of Florida to the next generation.
Consider joining the foundation to help support its ongoing mission. Click here to join the foundation
Foundation Goals
The Will McLean Foundation was established shortly before Will's death in January 1990. Incorporated by the State of Florida as a not-for-profit organization, its goals are to:
- promote, in the State of Florida and elsewhere, the works of Wlll McLean and the works of other Florida artists
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Provide for research, education, performance and training to promote understanding and appreciation of the works of Florida's artists
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provide facilities, programs and educational materials to promote involvement by nonprofessional and professional communities alike, in the artistic and educational fields
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provide scholarships and grants to students, organizations and/ or specific individuals in the community for the promulgation of artistic productions in specified area.
A valued Executive Committee of volunteers gives hundreds of hours each year to fulfill the goals of the Foundation. The Board of Directors and the Executive Committee consist of all volunteers who labor tirelessly to fulfill McLean's dream of passing on the history of Florida to the next generation.
From the Foundation President
As a fifth generation Florida native, a Florida musician and a Florida songwriter, I consider it a genuine privilege to serve as the President of The Will McLean Foundation. And, I am particularly grateful to you for taking the time to visit our website and read this message. The Foundation has proudly produced and presented the Will McLean Music Festival since 1991. It is, we believe, the finest annual acoustic music festival in Florida and is the only one specifically dedicated to supporting and celebrating our own treasured Florida based musicians and songwriters. But, as you look through this website you will find that The Will McLean Foundation is so much more than just the annual festival - a LOT more!
Our core belief is that we can “save Florida through music.” Will McLean dedicated his life and his art to preserving and embracing Florida’s native culture and folklore. He saw the immense, though fragile, value in our natural resources and pursued a deep interest in our history, the good and the bad, the joyful and the tragic. The Foundation strives to carry on that legacy through the music by having a positive impact on our state and all who are privileged to call it home.
Central to our mission is supporting and nurturing our Florida artists, providing them with opportunities to share their work with the public. Beyond the annual festival, the Foundation underwrites the monthly Sunday Sampler concert series at the historic train depot in Dunnellon, FL. That series is currently being expanded with the ultimate goal of offering similar monthly concerts by our Florida artists in acoustic music venues throughout the state.
The Foundation also works to cultivate the next generation of Florida artists, our youth. We offer an exceptional youth program at the festival that has become an anticipated annual tradition for so many. We offer yearly educational scholarships to our college bound young adults that have demonstrated an interest in the Florida arts. We are also developing an in-school educational program, presented by musicians, exposing kids to Florida’s rich history and folklore through the arts.
All of this exceptional work is done by a wholly volunteer organization and I could not be more proud of this dedicated team. We are growing daily, tackling new challenges and expanding the ways we can serve. It’s fun, fulfilling work and there’s much to do. If anything you see in these pages strikes a chord with you (pun intended), we need you! Join us. Become a member, offer your talents, whatever they might be, and be part of this important mission - saving Florida through music. We’d love to have you!
All the Very Best,
Doug Spears
Learn About Will
Best Known Songs
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Osceola's Last Words
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Song of Conch Island
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Cush Holston
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Wild Hog
- Ballad of Silver Springs
- Lament
