Anna Maria Island Radio releases CD of island songs

ANNA MARIA ISLAND -- Anna Maria Island Radio, the island's only station for independent musicians, has released a compilation CD featuring songs about the beloved 7-mile barrier island.

Titled "AMI Originals," the compilation includes work from eight songwriters, including Karen Klarich, Jimmy Lally, Mike Sales and Chuck Caudill.

AMI Radio President Casey Hoffman said the station began receiving original songs about the island the past couple years.

"It must have been after three or four songs that we thought" 'Wait a minute, there's something here,'" the 38-year-old Bradenton Beach resident said. "We knew we had something."

The compilation CD suggested retail price is $10 sold through the radio station website (AnnaMariaIslandRadio.com) and at businesses such as the Sandbar Restaurant, the BeachHouse Restaurant, and AMI Beach Fun Rentals.

According to a release, 10 percent of proceeds will be donated to Manatee Children's Services. The artists will receive 50 percent of all proceeds.

"For decades, this island has attracted creative people -- from painters, authors, musicians -- so it's only natural to be inspired in a place like this," Hoffman said. "We all have our reasons for loving it the most."

Caudill, who has lived in Holmes Beach since 1983, said it feels great to be featured on the CD.

"It's a good feeling. It's a really good feeling to be on the CD," the 61-year-old said. "Plus, it's helping raise money for charity."

For Caudill, Anna Maria Island means a "vacation lifestyle."

"I've always been a beach bum in my head," the performer/musician/DJ said with a laugh. "So it's where my wife and I have called home."

Don Middlebrook, another musician featured on the CD, said he felt proud of being part of the project. His song titled, "Anna Maria," is about a friend who loves Anna Maria Island. The 58-year-old performer from Michigan said he has visited the island several times.

"And oh Anna Maria, you've done it again. You've cast your net so wide, you found another friend," Middlebrook recited to a Herald reporter.

When he was working on the song, Middlebrook said he didn't know other songs were dedicated to the island.

"I write from the heart and then that experience happened. ... I sent it to the station thinking it could strike a cord," he said. "I was just honored to be a part of it."

Amaris Castillo, law enforcement/island reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7051. Follow her on Twitter@AmarisCastillo.

This story was originally published February 13, 2016 at 6:37 PM with the headline "Anna Maria Island Radio releases CD of island songs ."