A community celebration of nurturers.
Outside on the lawn (4-9 PM):
Art vendors
Free, kid-friendly activities
Inside performances (5–9 PM):
Lexi Braun • Natalie Rella • Maggie Clifford • Mei • Sarah Hinds • Eowyn Sage • & friends
Nurture Fest also honors the two recipients of the inaugural Nurture Recording Grant: Sarah Hinds (Gainesville) and Savannah Zara (St. Augustine). This grant provides studio time and support for women musicians with children, helping them record and release their first original track.
Born from a story of generosity, success, and paying it forward, Nurture Fest is more than a showcase — it’s a community-wide celebration of creativity, resilience, and support for nurturers in music.
Lexi Braun writes songs of love, loss, and other absurdities. Former frontwoman of Palimony and West Hexes, her stripped down piano playing and cosmic country roots will make you feel things.
Sarah Hinds is a renowned, award-winning visual artist based in Gainesville, Florida. As an artist in residence at Shands Hospital, she works with patients at the bedside and in the community. Hinds, for example, orchestrated the community-wide collaborative artwork known as the Heartwall, that is installed along the east side of Depot Park. In addition to being a visual artist, Hinds is an adept songwriter and performer. She is one of two recipients of the inaugural Nurture Recording Grant, which covers the costs of studio time and setting up online streaming distribution for women who are mothers and/or have full-time, in-home care responsibilities for dependents. Nurture Fest is Hinds' first time performing on the Heartwood Soundstage indoor stage.
Natalie Rella A performing musician in Gainesville for more than 20 years, Natalie Rella is a world-class jazz singer. She has an ongoing monthly residency at Baby J's in downtown Gainesville and this will be her first live performance at Heartwood's indoor soundstage.
Eowyn Sage is a singer-songwriter from St. Augustine, Florida, with roots on the musical theater stage and a heart full of stories. Born and raised by the sea but always dreaming of the mountains, Eowyn began writing her own music just a year ago, blending emotional honesty with a love for melody and movement. Whether she’s rock climbing, traveling, or performing, her songs reflect a deep connection to adventure and self-discovery. She’s thrilled to be performing at Nurture Fest and sharing this new chapter of her musical journey.
Maggie Clifford is a songwriter and academic whose art is influenced and informed by her research into climate change communication. Maggie has performed on stages across the globe and now lives in Gainesville, FL while pursuing a PhD through American University.
Mei is an evocative local singer-songwriter
Poster art by Lexi Braun
Sponsored in part by Midwives Cooperative and Curate Medical
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