The Alliance Building. PHOTO PROVIDED

The Alliance for the Arts presents For the Love of Music Vol III, An Intimate Evening of Song & Story on Thursday, March 26, from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Foulds Theatre–an extraordinary night showcasing four powerhouse female singer-songwriters at the top of their craft: April Cushman, Claire Liparulo, Shelly Fairchild, and Kelly Neff. The Alliance for the Arts is at 10091 McGregor Blvd., just south of Colonial Boulevard in Fort Myers.

This one-of-a-kind performance brings together an impressive lineup of women whose collective careers span national touring, chart success, major artist collaborations, and award-winning songwriting. In an intimate listening-room setting, audiences will experience not just the music, but the personal stories behind it–offering a rare, behind-the-scenes look at how songs are born from real life.

April Cushman, recently recognized as a Top 10 Emerging Artist in a national contest judged by country star Lainey Wilson, brings her compelling blend of modern country storytelling and acoustic power. A rising force in both the Nashville and New England music scenes, Cushman has shared stages with artists including Scotty McCreery, Darius Rucker, and Kip Moore, and is preparing for the release of her second album in 2026.

Southwest Florida favorite Claire Liparulo delivers soulful, dynamic songwriting infused with sharp wit and fearless authenticity. An engaging storyteller with undeniable charisma, Liparulo’s songs explore love found and lost, the absurdity of modern dating, and the journey toward self-acceptance–always with heart and honesty.

A true trailblazer, Shelly Fairchild is a Billboard-charting recording artist and one of the pioneering voices for the LGBTQIA+ community in Nashville. With songs recorded by Little Big Town, Tanya Tucker, and Ty Herndon, and performances spanning the Grand Ole Opry to major television placements, Fairchild’s music crosses genres while remaining deeply personal and boldly inclusive. Her fifth studio album arrives in spring 2026.

Rounding out the evening is Kelly Neff, an award-winning songwriter whose rootsy mix of blues, folk, funk, and rock captivates from the first note. A two-time Songwriter of the Year honoree from the Songwriters Showcase of America, Neff has opened for Melissa Etheridge, Keb’ Mo’, and The Wallflowers. Her latest album, About Face, reflects themes of transformation and resilience that resonate powerfully in her live performances.

Together, these four artists create an unforgettable night built on shared experience, masterful songwriting, and the timeless power of storytelling–an intimate musical experience you won’t want to miss.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with the performance beginning at 7 p.m.

VIP tickets are $75 and include guaranteed VIP seating (first come, first served), access to soundcheck, a private meet-and-greet Q&A with all artists, and signed merchandise. General admission tickets are $30 for Alliance members and $35 for non-members. All general admission tickets increase to $35 at the door.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit ArtInLee.org or call the Alliance for the Arts box office.

About Alliance for the Arts

The Alliance for the Arts is a nonprofit community visual and performing arts center located in the heart of Fort Myers, Florida. Since 1975, the Alliance has been committed to transforming lives and improving community through the arts. The Alliance campus and galleries are open to the public from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays. Located at 10091 McGregor Boulevard just south of Colonial Boulevard in Fort Myers. For more information, please call 239-939-2787, visit us at www.ArtInLee.org, find us on Meetup, Facebook and Instagram.