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-like setting. The Foundation has recently added additional concert series in Melbourne Village and Tampa.
Annual Music Festival & Song Contest
Since its beginning in 1990, just months after Will McLean's passing, the Will McLean Music Festival has celebrated the music, stories, and traditions that define Florida's rich folk heritage. Held each March, the festival has grown into a beloved three-day, multi-stage event that brings together musicians, songwriters, families, and music lovers from across the state and beyond.
Festival-goers enjoy an unforgettable weekend filled with live performances, songwriting workshops, open mics, dances, campfire jams, and opportunities to connect with Florida's vibrant folk music community. One of the festival's most popular traditions is the Young Performer Showcase, where audiences watch talented young musicians return year after year, growing in confidence, skill, and artistry.
Annual Song Contest
Florida's singer-songwriters continue the tradition that Will McLean inspired, creating original music that captures the people, places, history, and spirit of the Sunshine State. The Will McLean Annual Song Contest honors that legacy by recognizing outstanding original songwriting in a variety of styles and genres.
Each year, finalists are invited to perform in a special Song Contest Showcase during the festival, giving audiences the opportunity to discover exceptional new music while celebrating the next generation of Florida's songwriting tradition.
Welcome to Florida Sand Music Ranch
In 2022, Florida Sand Music Ranch—formerly known as Sertoma Youth Ranch—became part of the Will McLean Foundation, Inc. through its wholly owned subsidiary, WMF Facilities, LLC.
Nestled on 80 beautiful wooded acres between Brooksville and Dade City, Florida, the Ranch offers a peaceful retreat for campers, music lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Guests can choose from spacious RV sites or scenic tent camping areas, all surrounded by the natural beauty of Florida's rolling landscape.
Florida Sand Music Ranch proudly serves as the permanent home of the Will McLean Foundation and the annual Will McLean Music Festival. Throughout the year, the Ranch welcomes thousands of visitors to a diverse lineup of multi-day music festivals celebrating folk, bluegrass, Americana, and many other musical traditions.
Open 365 days a year, Florida Sand Music Ranch is more than a campground—it's a destination. Whether you're planning a camping getaway, family reunion, wedding, group retreat, or special event, the Ranch provides a welcoming atmosphere and memorable setting for gatherings of all kinds.
Come experience great music, natural beauty, and the warm hospitality that make Florida Sand Music Ranch a truly special place.