- December 23, 2024
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Among the 125 No. 1 hit songs performed by 35 songwriters at the annual Palm Coast Songwriters Festival this weekend, at least one brought festival founder Garry Lubi to tears.
Casey Beathard co-wrote “Find Out Who Your Friends Are” with Ed Hill, and the song reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs in 2007. When Beathard performed the song during the free kickoff show May 3, 2023, at the Daytona State College Palm Coast Amphitheatre, Lubi thanked Beathard personally. He said the song reminded him of the value of true friends — those who have supported him through recent health struggles.
“Everybody wants to slap your back, wants to shake your hand/ When you're up on top of that mountain,” the song goes, “But let one of those rocks give way, then you slide back down/ Look up and see who's around then.”
Lubi has developed close friendships, as well, with many of the songwriters who have come to the festival since it started five years ago. Artists this year included Deana Carter, Darryl Worley, Ira Dean (formerly of Trick Pony), Matraca Berg, and Anthony Smith.
The festival supports charitable organizations including the Gold Star Mentors Foundation, the Dolly Parton Imagination Library/Early Learning Coalition for Flagler and Volusia Counties and the Daytona State College Foundation.
Visit www.palmcoastsongwritersfestival.com.