ORANGE BEACH, Ala. – The newest music festival on the Gulf Coast will kick off Friday.

Former American Idol winner Taylor Hicks will headline the Flora-Bama’s Shindig on the Sand. The three-day festival will have five stages of music throughout the lounge, beach and yacht club.

On Wednesday morning co-owner and CFO Cam Price said concertgoers are welcome to bring chairs and tents to set up out on the beach in front of the Flora-Bama. There will be a beach stage with music all weekend.

Shindig on the Sand is described as a salute to Gulf Coast musicians. This year’s event, hosted by the Flora-Bama Lounge & Package Store, will star Hicks, Shawna P. & Earthfunk Tribe, Wayne Toups and Wet Willie with Jimmy Hall and will feature more than 70 bands and more than 200 musicians stretching from Panama City to New Orleans.

“The Flora-Bama has always been a home away from home for many musicians but particularly those from the Gulf Coast,” said John McInnis III. “While we enjoy listening to and celebrating our friends that produce and perform music all over the country, we have some really great artists right here on the Gulf Coast.

“My partners and the entire Flora-Bama family just want to say thank you to all those musicians who play along the coast and help make this one of the best places in the world to live and visit. We are excited about all of these musicians meeting each other and for fans and visitors getting the opportunity to hear a lot of artists and meet them for the first time. We have a feeling this is going to turn into another big annual party that brings people and musicians from all walks of life together to enjoy each other and have a great time.”

Shawna P., an Orange Beach resident and the area’s most recent discovery on “The Voice,” kicks off the festivities Friday afternoon on the beach stage. Her vocals can be heard on projects ranging from rock-n-roll to hip-hop, to world music grooves to country.

“It’s so good to be home, back in the other L.A.,” she said. “I am looking forward to reuniting with The Tribe at my home base, the Flora-Bama, and looking forward to sharing the stage with some amazing Alabama artists.”

Taylor Hicks, another Alabama native and “American Idol” winner, headlines Friday night on the beach stage. Taylor says, “I have always loved the Flora-Bama and am glad to be heading back to the South for this event. The Gulf Coast has many talented musicians and it’s great to see the spotlight will be solely on them. It’s going to be a unique experience and as always a great party. The Flora-Bama wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Taylor has a unique take on southern soul, R & B, country and blues. Taylor returns to his roots Saturday night bringing his raspy, soulful voice along with friends to the recently restored main bar.

Other acts include, Jamie Bergeron & Kickin’ Cajuns, Grayson Capps & Lost Cause Minstrels, Mulligan Brothers, The Big Earl Show, Banana Republic, Wayne Mills, TopHat & Jackie, Ken Lambert, Eric Erdman, Kelley Pool & Swingset, Ryan Balthrop, Sunny Bama, Foxy Iguanas,, Ben Stack,, Larry & Gale Book, Fatty Waters, Troy Brannon, Lea Anne Creswell with Rick Whaley, Smokin’ Elvis’, Robert Wayne Band, J. Hawkins Band, Wes Bayliss, Jensen Holt Band, Neil Dover Band, Cornbred, Larry T. Wilson & Big Muddy, Hung Jury, Harvest Band, Lisa Mills, Rhythm Intervention, Brian Hill Project, Lisa Zanghi, Rez & the Solutions, Federal Expression, The Vegabonds, Double Dee & Taylor Craven, Brittany Grimes, Solid Rock in the Sand Band, Grits N Pieces, Modern Eldorado’s, John Joiner & Nick Branch, Betsy Badwater & Hillbilly Chrome, Mario Mena, Vic Saul, Leavin’ Brothers, Jezebel’s Chill’n, Triggeroot, Lucky Doggs, Bo Roberts, Rebecca Barry & Bust, Alan Hartzell & Andy McDonald, Albert Simpson, Christian/Durand, Reed Lightfoot Band, Brent Burns, Dave Johnson, Route 90, Cowboy Johnson, Sugarcane Jane, Bubba & Them, Jay Williams Band, Lee Yankie & Hellz Yeah, Sam Glass Band, Beachbillys, and more to come.

The cost of admission will be $10 for a day pass, $25 for a weekend pass and children under 12 get in for free. Check www.florabama.com for updates and additions and schedule.