Sieze the Day!
From Strings to Stage, Let your Sound make Waves.
Gulf Coast Harp Day
June 27, 2026
St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 506 N Pine St, Foley, AL 36535
Join us for an unforgettable day of music, creativity, and connection at Gulf Coast Harp Day—a one-of-a-kind experience designed to help you grow as a harpist and step confidently into performance.
Whether you’ve just begun the harp or you’re an experienced player, ALL skill levels are welcome—including beginners. This is a supportive, encouraging space where everyone can learn, explore, and make music together.
What to Expect
Throughout the day, you’ll participate in engaging, hands-on sessions focused on building confidence and bringing your music to life.
Who This Is For
✔ Beginners curious about learning more about the harp
✔ Students looking to grow their skills
✔ Adult learners ready to try something new
✔ Experienced harpists wanting to refine performance skills
✔ Anyone who loves music and wants a fun, welcoming experience
No matter where you are in your harp journey—you belong here.
Why You’ll Love It
This isn’t just a day of classes—it’s an experience.
A place to try something new, build confidence, meet fellow harpists, and leave inspired.
You’ll walk away with:
🎶 New skills
🎶 Greater confidence
🎶 Meaningful connections
🎶 And a renewed love for music
Come play, create, and perform with us.
Let your sound make waves at Gulf Coast Harp Day.
Our Story
Ashley Crosland is a Gulf Coast Harpist and the founder of Gulf Coast Harp Day. She specializes in creating engaging, beginner-friendly harp experiences through lessons, events, and performances designed to inspire confidence and creativity.
Gulf Coast Harp Day is a passion project to bring a harp festival a little closer to home for our Gulf Coast Harpists. Located in the beautiful downtown of Foley, AL, the location couldn't be more quaint. Only 20 minutes to Gulf Shores' sugar sand beaches, it's easy to turn Gulf Coast Harp Day into a mini vacay!
Workshops
Improvisation Circle
Leave the sheet music behind and step into the freedom of sound. In this collaborative session, you’ll use your ears and instincts to create a completely original musical experience. Through guided, freeing exercises, we’ll explore how music shifts with mood, texture, and emotion—learning to trust our musical voice along the way. Whether you’re brand new or experienced, this is a judgment-free space to experiment, connect, and discover just how expressive your playing can be.
Harp Tasting
Curious about different harps? This is your chance to explore. In this hands-on session, you’ll have the opportunity to try a variety of instruments and experience their unique tone, feel, and personality. Perfect for beginners or anyone considering a new harp, this class takes the mystery out of choosing an instrument and invites you to simply play, listen, and enjoy the discovery process.
Hands on Arranging
Ever wished you could play your favorite song on the harp? In this approachable workshop, you’ll learn how to transform music you love into something uniquely yours. We’ll break down the basics of arranging into simple, manageable steps, giving you the confidence to adapt melodies, add harmony, and create a piece that fits your style and skill level. You’ll leave not only with new knowledge—but with music you’ve shaped yourself.
Stage Presence
Great performances are about more than just the notes—they’re about connection. In this interactive class, you’ll learn practical techniques to feel confident and at ease in front of an audience. From posture and presentation to managing nerves and engaging your listeners, this session will help you step into the spotlight with authenticity and poise. Whether it’s your first performance or your fiftieth, you’ll leave with tools you can use immediately.
Ensemble Performance
There’s something magical about making music together. In this ensemble session, you’ll join fellow harpists to create a rich, layered group performance. You’ll learn how to listen, blend, and support one another musically while experiencing the joy of collaborative playing. No matter your level, there’s a place for you in the ensemble—and the result is always greater than the sum of its parts.
Evening Concert
Open to the Public, tickets are available for pre-purchase here or at the door.
Adults $15, Children up to 12 yrs $10,
Family Package (up to 6 tickets) $60
Join us for a beautiful evening of harp music as we celebrate the culmination of Gulf Coast Harp Day.
The concert will open with our Harp Ensemble, showcasing the collaborative spirit and musical growth developed throughout the day. You’ll then enjoy a featured performance by Ashley Crosland, whose expressive playing and artistry bring the harp to life.
The evening will conclude with a special performance by Kristina Finch, owner of the Atlanta Harp Center and an accomplished harpist known for her inspiring musicianship.
This concert is a celebration of creativity, community, and the beauty of the harp—an unforgettable way to end the day.
Places to Stay
Coming from out of town? Check out these fabulous nearby options for an overnight stay.
An easy 10 min walk from the Festival,
the Hotel Magnolia boasts bespoke rooms filled with curated antiques chosen by one of
Foley's historic figures, Mr. John Snook. Accompianied by a beautiful made to order
Breakfast, you're sure to have a comfortable and elegant stay at the Hotel Magnolia.
An quick 10 min drive from the Festival,
the Fairfield by Marriot is a new hotel featuring a workout facility, hot tub and free breakfast. Surrounded by shopping, restaurants and the Tanger Outlet Mall, you're sure to have everything you need quick at hand.
Want to stay by the Beach?
Check out the quiet, peaceful tranquility of Fort Morgan. A picturesque 45 min drive from the festival, you'll feel like you have your own private beach. Stay at a Cozy one bedroom with hall bunks (sleeps 6) that overlooks the Gulf with pools, hotub and sauna, or a 3 bedroom cottage (sleeps 10) that has a firepit, private outdoor dining and zero entry pool & Hot tub with a quick 3 min drive to public beach access.