Skip to content

Belize Songwriter Festival

May 19th - 20th, 2023

belize songwriter festival

Join us for the first annual Belize Songwriter Festival 2023. Performances from some of country music’s hottest stars to veteran songwriters and the next HIT makers. May 19th and May 20th will have 2 performances each day with cocktail hour starting at  5pm – 10pm. 

Please join us in Hopkins beginning May 17th to May 21st.

festival tickets
drink tickets
book your stay
  • 11 songwriters & artists
festival tickets
  • 4 performances
drink tickets
  • 4 resorts
book your stay

performers

Lucas Hoge

A No. 1 Billboard selling country artist and host of “Hoge Wild” TV show airing on Sportsman Channel. 

paul overstreet

Two time Grammy Award winning, country music singer-songwriter. Not only writing hits for himself, Paul has also penned #1 songs for other top artists.

lindsay ell

Lindsay Ell’s, The Project, debuted at No. 1 on the Country Album Sales Chart and was named Billboard’s “Best Country Album of 2017.” 

craig campbell

His first single, the sentimental ballad “Family Man”, hit the top 15 on Billboard’s Country Airplay Chart in 2011. “Outta My Head” also cracked the top 15, while the catchy tune “Fish” garnered more than 10 million on demand streams.. 

phil barton

Phil Barton is an Australian songwriter living in Nashville, TN. He had his first No. 1 with the Lee Brice smash, A Woman Like You. 

forest whitehead

Whitehead has produced 5 number one country songs (including Peter Pan, Legends, Yeah Boy, and Love Me Like You Mean It) and is most recognized for being the founding producer of country superstar Kelsea Ballerini.

trent tomlinson

Trent was signed to Lyric Street Records in 2005, with his debut album Country Is My Rock, released in early 2006. This album produced three Top 40 singles on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.

Carmeron Bedell

Since signing his first publishing deal with Liz Rose Music and Warner Chappell music, he penned his first two-week number one on country radio with Jimmie Allen’s, down home.

tim gates

Tim is a singer, songwriter, and member of the country group Due West. He is also a member of The Nashville Tribute Band.

tyree woods

Tyree Woods is an award winning singer songwriter as well as founder and frontman of the Steamboat Springs based soulgrass band Buffalo Commons.

JB Brown

After years of being a front man in rock bands, JB ultimately wanted to become a country artist as that was always in his heart since he was a young boy. 

Schedule

May 19th, 2023

The Lodge at jaguar reef

  • 5:00pm: Cocktail Hour
  • 5:30pm - 7:30pm: Live Performance

Play Bar

  • 8:00pm - 10:00pm: Live Performance

Mango's Bar

  • 8pm - 10pm: Live Performance

performers:

  • Lucas Hoge
  • Paul Overstreet
  • Lindsay Ell
  • Forest Glen Whitehead

performers:

  • Cameron Bedell
  • Tim Gates

Short walk from Jaguar Reef

performers:

  • Tyree Woods
  • JB Brown

Free shuttle service from Jaguar Reef

The Lodge at jaguar reef

  • 5:00pm: Cocktail Hour
  • 5:30pm - 7:30pm: Live Performance

performers:

  • Lucas Hoge
  • Paul Overstreet
  • Lindsay Ell
  • Forest Glen Whitehead

Play Bar

  • 8:00pm - 10:00pm: Live Performance

performers:

  • Cameron Bedell
  • Tim Gates

Short walk from Jaguar Reef

Mango's Bar

  • 8pm - 10pm: Live Performance

performers:

  • Tyree Woods
  • JB Brown

Free shuttle service from Jaguar Reef

buy tickets

Official Accommodations

The Lodge at Jaguar Reef

Set along the Hopkins coast, the Lodge at Jaguar Reef features culture and vivacity in each moment – with luxury accommodations, superb amenities, and world-class dining.

Almond Beach Resort

Where the warm sea breeze sways handwoven hammocks, and barefoot luxury knows no bounds, Almond Beach Resort is the picture of beachfront leisure. 

The Colonial inn

At The Colonial Inn at Jaguar Reef, discover an affordable getaway that lacks no comfort. Enjoy access to a full-service resort and spa at the adjoining Lodge at Jaguar Reef, and benefit from a beachfront restaurant, sun-soaked lounge chairs, swaying palms, and colorful Kayaks at your disposal.

villa margarita

Nestled on a pristine stretch of Hopkins beach, Villa Margarita is the embodiment of luxurious beachfront living. Each suite offers refined indoor-outdoor living with spacious private balconies and floor-to-ceiling windows. Inside, design and decor celebrate the vibrant cultures of Belize with opulent hardwood furnishing and vivid textiles. Lounge on plush patio furniture with unobstructed views and bask in balmy breezes from the Caribbean Sea.

book your stay

sponsors:

jungle rangers program contact form

Meeting / Event Quotation Request Form

Register Here

Dinner

APPETIZERS

RICOTTA-BALSAMIC BRUSCHETTA
US 5 | BZ 10

Crumbled Mennonite ricotta sprinkled on a toasted baguette of balsamic drizzled
vegetable medley.

SQUASH & COCONUT SOUP
US 7 | BZ 14

Roasted organic squash pureed with fresh squeezed coconut milk served with
sweet potato crisps.

FISH FRITTERS
US 7.50 | BZ 18

Fresh-caught fish bites tossed in Belikin beer batter and fried to a crispy golden
finish, served with an habanero aioli dipping sauce.

WATERMELON ARUGULA SALAD
US 9 | BZ 18

Organically grown arugula tossed with our house balsamic dressing, toasted peanuts, topped with crumbled cheese on a bed of sweet watermelon slices.

CEVICHE de CAMARON
US 12.50 | BZ 25

Lime-cured diced shrimp tossed with onions, tomatoes, cucumber and cilantro. Served with spiced corn tortilla chips.

ADD TO SOUP, SALAD or PASTA

Chicken US 2.5 | BZ5
Shrimp US 4 | BZ 8

ENTREES

PASTA POMODORO
US 10.50 | BZ 21

House made classic pomodoro tossed with fresh-picked herbs and linguini,
topped with freshly grated Parmesan.

BBQ PORK BELLY
US 11.50 | BZ 23

Roasted pork belly glazed with our signature BBQ sauce, served with homemade
flour torilla, refried beans and pico de gallo salsa.

STEAMED WHOLE SNAPPER
US 20 | BZ 40

Today’s catch rubbed in local spices, wrapped in plantain leaves, steamed and served with cilantro rice.

SHRIMP & EGGPLANT PESTO SALAD
US 16 | BZ 32

Medley of grilled eggplant, onions, bell peppers, and tomatoes brushed with basil pesto,
sprinkled with crumbled Mennonite cheese and topped with juicy grilled shrimp.

CATCH OF THE DAY
US 17 | BZ 34

Pan-seared fresh caught fillet of fish served with potato mash, grilled vegetables, and a sweet and tangy pineapple salsa.

Sorrel Red Wine Rib Eye
US 31 | BZ 62

Prime cut of rib eye steak spiced with crushed peppercorn, smoked salt, seared in herbs, garlic, and butter (cooked to your requested temperature). Accompanied with pesto potatoes, coconut oil perfumed greens and signature sorrel red wine reduction.

Chimichurri Beef Tenderloin
US 28 | BZ 56

Local cut of grass fed beef tenderloin grilled to perfection served with toasted cumin mashed potato, balsamic arugula and fresh Chimichurri sauce.

Coconut Smoked Sea Salt Fish Fillet
US 23 | BZ 46

Fresh catch of the day, spiced with our homemade smoked sea salt, organic coconut oil perfume and seared to perfection. Served over a bed of wild rice and cream of spinach.

Camarones al Mojo
US 19 | BZ 38

Farm shrimp sautéed in spices, freshly squeezed orange juice, minced garlic, and herbs. Accompanied with a bowl of mushroom and spinach brown rice.

Skillet Pollo Asado
US 14 | BZ 28

Quarter cut of pre-marinated chicken grilled to perfection. Served with seared garlic, broccoli and roasted diced potatoes.

Ask your server about our daily dessert selection.

All prices are inclusive of 12.5% GST and subject to 10% Resort Fee.

Room Service available at a fee of  $5 USD plus tax

Dinner

Appetizer

BBQ Pig Tail
US 11 | BZ 22

Smoked salt-cured pork tails, brushed with house barbecue sauce and served with a warm,
hand-made flour tortilla and pickled habanero-onion sauce.

Country Barn Mozzarella Sticks
US 13 | BZ 26

Seasoned, breadcrumb-encrusted mozzarella cheese sticks, deep fried to a crispy
golden finish, served with jalapeño tartar and a
sweet/spicy tomato habanero sauce.

Entree

Herb Tomato Pasta
US 18 | BZ 36

Al dente linguine pasta tossed in a slow-roasted tomato sauce with fresh herbs,
tossed in fresh Country Barn ricotta cheese.

Pollo Asado
US 18 | BZ 36

Tangy herbed chicken cuts grilled to perfection and topped with fresh Mennonite
cheese, served with a warm flour tortilla, re-fried beans, guacamole, and house
pico de gallo.

Oregano Pork Ribs
US 20 | BZ 40

Tender, slow-smoked pork ribs simmered in an all spice-oregano barbecue sauce.

Cocoa-Red Wine Braised Lamb Shank
US 27 | BZ 54

Locally raised lamb shank, slow braised in a rich, fresh ground cacao and red wine
broth, served with a side of warm, home-made bread.

Creole Oxtail Stew
US 27 | BZ 54

Free range oxtail cuts slow-cooked in a rich Creole tomato sauce with farm
vegetables, served with coconut cilantro rice.

Latin American Carne Asada
US 31 | BZ 62

Local beef tenderloin, pan-seared in garlic butter, brushed with home-made
chimichurri cause and served with sides of the evening.

Citrus-Achiote Chop
US 21 | BZ 42

Seared 1″ butcher cut rib chop served with smashed potatoes, grilled zucchini
and slathered with our signature citrus-achiote gravy.

Camarones en Crema de Coco
US 24 | BZ 48

Fresh farm shrimp simmered in hand-pressed coconut milk with organic, reigonal
vegetables, herbs and habanero peppers, served with a side of coconut rice and creole
bread rolls.

Soups

Farmer's Bean Soup
US 10 | BZ 20

Slow-cooked red kidney beans, crowned with crispy chicharrones and pico de gallo,
accompanied by crispy seasoned corn tortilla chips.

Chicken Escabeche
US 13 | BZ 26

Organic chicken cuts, pan fried and simmered in Tia Blanca’s sun-dried oregano, jalapeño, lime,
onion broth, served with warm hand-made corn tortillas.

Salads

Citrus & Arugula Salad
US 13 | BZ 26

Dehydrated orange segments, with fresh arugula, farm vegetables, and sliced
hard-boiled eggs, served with your choice of honey balsamic dressing or our
Grove House signature citrus vinaigrette.

Peanut & Ricotta Salad
US 15 | BZ 30

Toasted local peanuts and crumbled ricotta cheese on baby spinach, purple
onions and, tomatoes, served with your choice of our honey balsamic dressing or
our Grove House signature citrus vinaigrette.

Vegan

Grilled Cauliflower & Chickpea Puree
US 13 | BZ 26

Fresh organic cauliflower drizzled in pressed coconut oil, grilled and served over roasted cherry tomatoes and a cumin chickpea puree.

Ginger Teriyaki Glazed Tofu Steak
US 14 | BZ 28

Grilled bean curd glazed with fresh ginger and soy sauce, accompanied by spinach and cumin chickpea puree.

Sweet Potato & Crostini Soup
US 11 | BZ 22

Slow roasted potatoes in coconut milk and spices, served with freshly toasted crostini.

Sweet Potato & Coconut Creamy Pasta
US 13 | BZ 26

Locally harvested sweet potato served in coconut milk and assorted spices, tossed with al dente linguine pasta and basil leaf.

Farmers Vegetable Lasagna
US 14 | BZ 28

Hand selected farm vegetables over our classic tomato sauce, topped with Mennonite cheese, before being baked to perfection. Served with a bowl of coconut white rice.

Desserts

Coconut Caramel Flan
US 7 | BZ 14
Mayan Chocolate Cake
US 9 | BZ 18
Soursop Cheesecake
US 9 | BZ 18

All prices are inclusive of 12.5% GST and subject to 10% Resort Fee.

Lunch

Appetizer

Country Barn Mozzarella Sticks
US 13 | BZ 26

Seasoned, breadcrumb-encrusted mozzarella cheese sticks, deep fried to a crispy
golden finish, served with jalapeño tartar and a
sweet/spicy tomato habanero sauce.

Shrimp Habanero Fritters
US 14 | BZ 28

Farm-raised shrimp tossed in Belikin beer batter with farm vegetables, habanero
peppers, golden friend and served with roasted garlic aioli dipping sauce.

Entree

Grove House Smoked Brisket Skillet Nachos
US 13 | BZ 26

Shredded slow-smoked local brisket over crisp corn tortilla shells, topped with
re-fried beans, 2 cheeses, and fresh lime cured salsa.

Pollo asado
US 16 | BZ 32

Tangy herbed chicken cuts grilled to perfection and topped with fresh Mennonite
cheese, served with a warm flour tortilla, re-fried beans, guacamole, and house
pico de gallo.

The Giant Burger
US 18 | BZ 36

Toasted home-made burger bun with grilled ground stead patty, topped with melted
cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and a honey plantain mustard cabbage slaw,
served with potato fries.

Sandwich de Cochinita Pibil
US 14 | BZ 28

Slow-smoked pork leg, shredded and served on a freshly made bun, topped with Belizean
style coleslaw and served with potato fries.

Lamb Salbutes
US 15 | BZ 30

Locally butchered free-range lamb grilled to perfection on a golden fried yellow
corn tortilla, topped with marinated cabbage and tomatoes then
drizzled with mint pesto.

Soup

Farmer's Bean Soup
US 10 | BZ 20

Slow-cooked red kidney beans, crowned with crispy chicharrones and pico de gallo,
accompanied by crispy seasoned corn tortilla chips.

Creole Oxtail Stew
US 13 | BZ 26

Free range oxtail cuts slow-cooked in a rich Creole tomato sauce with farm
vegetables, served with coconut cilantro rice.

Salads

Herb & Watermelon Salad
US 12 | BZ 24

Mennonite harvested watermelons, diced and tossed with organic greens, fresh
mint, basil and ricotta cheese with your choice of honey balsamic dressing or oue
Grove House Signature citrust vinaigrette.

Citrus & Arugula Salad
US 12 | BZ 24

Dehydrated orange segments, with fresh arugula, farm vegetables, and sliced
hard-boiled eggs, served with your choice of honey balsamic dressing or our
Grove House signature citrus vinaigrette.

Vegan

Chickpea Curry & Peanut Pasta
US 10 | BZ 20

Al dente linguine pasta tossed in chickpeas and peanut sauce, served alongside a warm, toasted baguette.

Coconut & Ginger Tofu Stew
US 12 | BZ 24

Ginger shredded fresh over coconut milk, herbs and bean curd, served with white rice and fried plantains.

Sundried Tomato & Bean Soup
US 9 | BZ 18

Stewed red kidney beans and crushed sundried tomatoes, spiced to perfection and topped with garlic croutons.

Teriyaki Vegetable Rice Bowl
US 11 | BZ 22

Hand selected market vegetables stir-fried in soy sauce, served with our coconut cilantro white rice and freshly grated ginger and spices.

Black Beans Empanadas
US 8 | BZ 16

Hand pressed yellow corn tortilla stuffed with refried black beans, fried golden brown and served with pickled purple cabbage.

Desserts

Traditional Vanilla Icre Cream
US 5 | BZ 10
Nance-infused Caramel Flan
US 9 | BZ 18
Ayote en Miel with Vanilla Ice Cream
US 9 | BZ 18

All prices are inclusive of 12.5% GST and subject to 10% Resort Fee.

Breakfast

The Little Donkey
US 9 | BZ 18

Breakfast burrito of warm handmade flour tortilla stuffed with re-fried beans, scrambled eggs, crispy
pork bacon, farm vegetables and fresh Mennonite cheese.

Belizean Stuffed Jack
US 10 | BZ 20

Golden fried flour tortilla, stuffed with re-fried beans, sauteed vegetables,
habanero flavored sausage, scrambled eggs, and Mennonite cheese, served with pickled habanero curtido.

The Giant Pancakes
US 10 | BZ 20

2 giant pancakes dusted with cinnamon sugar, topped with tropical fruit chutney, served with a side of grilled habanero flavored sausage.

The Village Breakfast
US 11 | BZ 22

Farm fresh eggs scrambled with onions and tomatoes, accompanied by
coconut refried beans, crispy bacon and Belizean fried jacks.

Chef's Farm Omelette
US 10 | BZ 20

2-egg omelette filled with sauteed organic vegetables, served with toasted
baguettes and fresh Mennonite ricotta cheese

Continental
US 12 | BZ 24

In-house baked goods, locally grown fruit, Mennonite yogurt and coffee.

Vegan

Tofu & Guacamole Journey Cakes
US 8 | BZ 16

Pan-fried bean curd and guacamole served on a journey cake, arugula balsamic salad serviced with seasonal fruit wedges.

Irish Potatoes & Chickpeas Hash
US 7 | BZ 14

Potato cubes, chickpeas, and other farm-fresh vegetables pan-seared in coconut oil, spiced with toasted cumin and served with handmade corn tortillas.

Coconut & Vanilla Cinnamon Toast
US 7 | BZ 14

Freshly-baked slices of toast dipped in vanilla cinnamon coconut milk, charred to perfection on a griddle, and topped with honey-glazed tropical fruit salsa.

Vegan Breakfast
US 9 | BZ 18

Coconut flavored refried beans, fried plantain, sautéed okra and tomatoes served with golden brown fried jacks.

Sweet Potato & Red Bean Burrito
US 8 | BZ 16

Organic roasted sweet potato cubes sauteed with hand selected farm fresh vegetables, red kidney beans, crispy romaine lettuce and guacamole, wrapped up in handmade flour torilla.

All prices are inclusive of 12.5% GST and subject to 10% Resort Fee.