EVENT SCHEDULE
Pete Salis
Victoria Venier
A staff writer for Razor & Tie Music and Victoria Shaw in Nashville, Pete’s
songwriting inspiration comes from many sources. “A table of women
talking at a restaurant, a book at a used bookstore, or a subtle line in
a new movie.” He has turned these muses into a CCMA Single of the
Year by George Canyon called “Somebody Wrote Love,” and other cuts
by Ronnie Dunn, Bo Bice, Bucky Covington, Mama’s Blue Dress, and The
Roys. Pete’s approach to songwriting can be summed up by his own words, “Do what moves
you - and you’ll move somebody else.” www.theoneandonlypetesallis.com
Victoria is a multi-talented singer/songwriter and dynamic performer.
As a songwriter she recently landed on the Grammy nominated CD
“The Standard” by Take Six with her single, “Back to You.” She is also
a featured singer/songwriter on the critically acclaimed project, “This is
my America” with three song contributions.
Riley Weston
Riley Weston has worked as an actress and writer on many television
shows and feature films. She is now living in Nashville, focusing on her
country music career as an artist and songwriter. Her first single, “If I
Said Howdy to You” is now getting attention from radio stations around
the country.
Friday, October 16th
Cone Heads 8020
3:00 PM Victoria Venier, Steve Dean, Bill Whyte
5:00 PM Charlie Black, Dana Hunt Black, Casey Black, Steve Leslie
The Thirsty Goat
6:30 PM Bob Regan, Jerry Salley, Jillia Jackson, Hugh Mitchell
8:30 PM Will Rambeaux, Elizabeth Sharpe, Aaron Spraggs, Sam Brooker
10:30 PM Aaron Barker, Bridgette Tatum, Earl Bud Lee, Alan Rhody
Mango Marley’s (Central Time Zone)
7:00 PM Walt Aldridge, Alissa Moreno, Joshua Charles, Wil Nance
9:00 PM Brett Jones, Jessie Rice, Riley Weston, Pete Salis
Saturday, October 17th
Dockside Seafood and Raw Bar
11:30 AM Victoria Venier, Steve Dean, Bill Whyte
12:45 PM Charlie Black, Dana Hunt Black, Casey Black, Alan Rhody
Dockside Seafood and Raw Bar
2:00 PM Songwriters’ Workshop
Lookout Lounge
5:00 PM Aaron Barker, Bridgette Tatum, Earl Bud Lee
7:00 PM Will Rambeaux, Elizabeth Sharpe, Aaron Spraggs, Sam Brooker
Provisions
6:00 PM Alan Rhody and Steve Leslie
Toucan’s (Central Time Zone)
6:00 PM Charlie Black, Dana Hunt Black, Casey Black
8:00 PM Victoria Venier, Steve Dean, Bill Whyte
10:00 PM Brett Jones, Jessie Rice, Riley Weston, Pete Salis
Haughty Heron
7:00 PM Walt Aldridge, Alissa Moreno, Joshua Charles, Wil Nance
9:00 PM Bob Regan, Jerry Salley, Jillia Jackson, Hugh Mitchell
Sunday, October 18th
The Port Inn- Brunch Show
11:00 AM Bo Spring, Lauren Spring, Jerry Salley
Indian Pass Raw Bar
2:00 PM Walt Aldridge, Alissa Moreno, Joshua Charles, Wil Nance
3:30 PM Bob Regan, Jerry Salley, Jillia Jackson, Hugh Mitchell
5:00 PM Aaron Barker, Bridgette Tatum, Earl Bud Lee, Steve Leslie
6:30 PM Brett Jones, Jessie Rice, Riley Weston, Pete Salis
8:00 PM Will Rambeaux, Elizabeth Sharpe, Aaron Spraggs, Sam Brooker
9:30 PM Late Night Jam Session
All events are FREE to attend.
All times and locations are subject to change. Visit
www.BlastontheBay.com or our Facebook page for the latest updates.
She starred in the hit TV movie, “What About Your Friends,” as well as
“Felicity” where she starred as Story Zimmer. Riley followed that with
writing the feature film, “Damaged” then wrote and starred in the highly rated ABC television movie,
“Christmas at Water’s Edge.” Currently, Riley has 3 TV movies airing in rotation on Lifetime and the
Hallmark Channel: “The Nanny Express” and “Always and Forever” for Hallmark and “Dark Beauty”
on Lifetime.
Riley has also received three awards for her debut novel, “Before I Go”: an IPPY Award for Story
Teller of the Year, the Grand Prize at The New York Book Festival as well as the top honor as Best
Fiction. Riley is busy in Nashville co-writing with amazing songwriters and recording her original
music. She will be appearing in an upcoming movie as a country artist, singing one of her songs.
www.rileyweston.com
Presenting Sponsors
Born and raised in Illinois corn country, Victoria now lives in Nashville but has toured nationally
and internationally. She has performed on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry numerous times
and has been a featured entertainer at the Belfast/Nashville Songwriters Exchange where she
“wowed” the international crowd. Victoria is a multi-instrumentalist, high energy, contagious
stage performer...and as a vocalist, she has backed up greats like Brenda Lee, Joe Diffie,
Linda Davis, Sandi Patti and BeBe Winans. She also stays in high demand as a Nashville
session singer, recording demos, soundtracks and commercials.
www.facebook.com/VictoriaLynVenier
Walt Aldridge
Platinum Sponsors
Walt Aldridge, a songwriter, singer, musician, engineer and producer
has exercised his musical skills in Muscle Shoals and Nashville for
more than thirty years. Billboard magazine named Aldridge one of the
Top Ten Country Songwriters of the year twice based on the strength
of his chart activity. His song “No Getting Over Me” was named one
of ASCAP’s most performed country songs. “Holding Her and Loving
You” was named Song of the Year by the Nashville Songwriters’ Association International.
His work spans a wide spectrum of music, including artists as diverse as Lou Reed, Peter
Cetera and Blessid Union of Souls. Traditional country acts from Conway Twitty to Reba
McEntire have also found success with Aldridge’s songs. Recently he produced and co-wrote
“I Loved Her First,” a #1 chart topper for Lofton Creek Records act Heartland.
www.facebook.com/pages/Walt-Aldridge/113573178653552
Sam Brooker
Best known for being 1/2 of the musical duo, Sam & Ruby, who’s 2009
release, The Here & The Now got the attention of critics across the nation
(including best album of 2009-Associated Press), Sam Brooker‘s music can
be heard on Sirius XM singer/songwriter stations and on the big screen. His
songs have been featured on TV and in such films as “The Secret Life Of
Bees” and more recently the movie, “Hope Springs” starring Meryl Streep
and Tommy Lee Jones. Sam has now teamed up with Southern Ground
recording artist Little Feather and is writing and recording a new album.
https://www.facebook.com/littlefeathermusic
Wil Nance
Steve Dean
Steve Dean has written six #1 hits including Song of the Year - “Watching
You” for Rodney Atkins, “Round About Way” for George Strait, “Walk On”
for Reba McEntire, “Southern Star” for Alabama, “It Takes a Little Rain” for
the Oak Ridge Boys and “Hearts Aren’t Made to Break” for Lee Greenwood.
Steve was raised in Little Rock on a steady diet of Beatles, Byrds and
Eagles, with early influences of Buck Owens, Roger Miller and Johnny
Cash. After earning a degree in advertising, Steve moved to Nashville to
pursue his songwriting dream. He also spent several years as a touring artist in Europe with a duo
called “James/Dean.”
Steve’s songs have been recorded by Joe Nichols, Craig Morgan, Lee Ann Womack, Dierks
Bentley, John Michael Montgomery and numerous other artists. To date, Steve has earned 10 BMI
Songwriting Awards. Steve is a great storyteller and the audience has the unique experience of
hearing the stories behind the hit songs.
www.facebook.com/steve.dean.940
Steve Leslie
After teaching privately in Tallahassee, FL for eight years, Steve moved to
Nashville in 1992. He was signed to a staff songwriting position at EMI
Music Publishing shortly thereafter, where he had songs recorded by Kenny
Rogers, Mark Chesnutt, George Strait, Darryl Worley, Rhonda Vincent, and
Neal McCoy, to name a few. Steve earned a Grammy Certificate for the
title cut to Ricky Skaggs’ 2004 “Brand New Strings” which won a Grammy
Award for Best Bluegrass Album of the Year.
Steve left EMI after nine years to open his own publishing company, Chord Boy Songs. Since 2007
he has maintained a career as an independent songwriter and music publisher. His new company,
New Modern Songs, has published works by Darryl Worley and Darius Rucker, all written by Steve.
As an educator Steve was adjunct professor of Jazz History at Tallahassee Community College in
Tallahassee, FL from 1991-1992. He is a popular songwriting clinician, and has held workshops
all over the country and in Canada. He teaches songwriting courses online via Skype, offers song
critique via mp3, and mentors students privately.
www.steveleslie.com
Wil recently hit the top of R&R & Billboard with his Brad Paisley smash
“She’s Everything,” which stayed at #1 for three weeks. In addition, he
also wrote the song “Hard to Say Hello,” which was on Brad Paisley’s
Time Well Wasted “bonus CD.”
Gold/Silver Sponsors
In 1999, Wil received a BMI Award for “Round About Way,” a #1 Hit Single for George Strait
(*MCA) (co-writer Steve Dean) and in 2004 received a BMI Award for “Cool To Be A Fool” (Joe
Nichols- Single *Universal South). Other recent cuts include Tracy Lawrence’s “You’re Why
God Made Me” and “Just Like Her,” Joe Nichols “Honky Tonk Girl,” Rhonda Vincent’s “To The
Moon And Back,” two cuts on Lisa Shaffer’s “I Know I Love You” and “Sittin’ On Top Of The
World,” as well as many other major and independent label cuts.
Some of his other songwriting credits include: “You Are” (John Michael Montgomery - Single
* Atlantic & Chad Brock- Single * BBR), “Next To Nothin’” (Gene Watson- Single *RMG),
“Same Boots” (Neal McCoy * Atlantic) “Everything’s A Thing” (Joe Nichols * Universal South &
Craig Morgan *Atlantic) “Mr. Right Now” (McHayes * Universal South), “Big Time Lonesome”
(Diamond Rio* RCA) “It’s Me” (Craig Morgan * Atlantic), “What You Do To Me” (Craig Morgan
* BBR), “Lonesome Lovelist” (Jerry Kilgore * VIRGIN), “Bang Bang (Shoot Em’ Up Cowboy)”
(Gabby Nolan * Universal), www.facebook.com/wil.nance
Will Rambeaux
Will Rambeaux was born in Lafayette, Louisiana in the heart of Cajun
country. On a chance visit to Tennessee in the 1980’s will managed to
get a tape to his boyhood idol, Roy Orbison. Mr. Orbison took note of his
talent and offered to bring Will to Nashville where his career as a writer
and producer has blossomed. Will fronted his own original roots-rock
band for years, but really hit pay dirt with his first cut as a songwriter in
1993. Recorded by Warner Brother’s artist Faith Hill, “Wild One” took the country charts by storm
staying at #1 for four weeks and breaking all records for a new female artist. He then had a pair
of back-to-back #1 songs for country crooner John Michael Montgomery, the first one, “How
Was I to Know,” followed by “Hold On To Me.” He has also had several other top 10 singles. Will’s
songs have also garnered many BMI “Most Performed Songs of the Year” awards, as well as
several BMI “Million-Air” awards and included in over 50 million records sold worldwide. www.
facebook.com/will.rambeaux
Roberson and Associates
Hannon Insurance
Duren’s Piggly Wiggly
Centennial Bank
Bridge at Bay St. Joe
Cape San Blas Vacation Rentals
This project received financial
assistance from the Gulf County TDC
Frank D. May, DMD
Comprehensive Corporate Strategies
Lions Club of Port St. Joe
Southern Wine and Spirits
Shoreline Medical
Coast 2 Coast Printing
Aaron Barker
Brett Jones
Aaron Barker was born in San Antonio, TX, and began his musical career
in a “variety band.” Driving his bus from place to place, he began playing
with original melodies and lyrics hoping to create his own songs. His
first attempt, “Baby Blue,” was recorded by George Strait on the “If You
Ain’t Lovin,” album. Aaron began developing his own sound and refining
his original material in small clubs and cafes where he would play on
weekends. One night after a long father and son talk, he wrote “Love Without End, Amen.”
Believing this would be a song that he would play for his family, Barker decided to see what would
happen if he sent it to George Strait. Strait recorded it and it stayed at the #1 position in Billboard
Magazine for five consecutive weeks. Aaron has had many other songs recorded by artists like
Clay Walker, Neal McCoy, Doug Supernal, Lonestar, Willie Nelson and many other artists.
www.aaronbarker.com
Alan Rhody
Kentucky-born Alan Rhody is an award-winning performing songwriter
and has just released his 9th album, “Led by Love.” He has recorded
with such greats as John Prine, the late John Hartford, Sam Bush,
Maura O’Connell and Mike Henderson. His songs have been recorded
by a diverse list of artists that includes Del McCoury, George Jones,
The Oak Ridge Boys, Lorrie Morgan, Toby Keith, Suzie Boggus, Ricky
Van Shelton, Billy ‘Crash’ Craddock, Barbara Fairchild, John Schneider, Lynn Anderson, Atlanta
Rhythm Section, T. G. Sheppard, Ronnie McDowell, Ronnie Prophet and Michael Martin Murphey.
Known for his easy-going stage presence, poetic ballads, stories and high energy forays into rock
and blues, he is also a fine harmonica player. And although his songs have earned him many
honors and platinum and gold record awards, what he loves best is connecting with an audience
and having a great time! www.alanrhody.com
Alissa Moreno
Alissa Moreno, has had music featured in ABC Family’s summer hit “The
Vineyard”, MTV hit shows including, “Laguna Beach”, “The Hills,” and
“Newport Harbor”, co-writer and performer of the theme of the ABC show
“Hope & Faith”, her single “Far From Here” was used in radio, television,
internet and movie theaters to promote the hit series “Army Wives”
from the producers of “Grey’s Anatomy” and Moreno also co-wrote the
Grammy nominated and CMT Video of the Year song “Every Day” for
Rascal Flatts with Jeffrey Steele. www.facebook.com/alissamorenomusic
Bill Whyte
Bill’s unique presentation of funny and twisted songs makes him a
favorite everywhere he entertains. Whether he’s picking on pseudo
celebrities in his song “Celebutard” or wondering how much he could
get away with in “If I had Boobs,” he leaves the crowd laughing. His
tribute to the AARP “Retired” was recorded by Ray Stevens and is
always a crowd favorite. Bill’s song “I’m Goin’ Ugly Early Tonight” was
recorded by Cledus T. Judd and is the perfect howling climax for his routine. However, there
is also a serious side to Bill which has resulted in many songs being written/recorded with
songwriters and artists like: Keith Anderson, Craig Morgan, Linda Davis, Billy Dean, Brady Seals,
Steve Dean, Steve Williams and many others. In addition to songwriting, Bill has had a long
career as a morning radio personality. Bill has won numerous broadcast awards including the
CMA Award (Country Music Association) for large market “Broadcast Personality of the Year.” You
can still hear him occasionally on 650 WSM-AM in Nashville. Bill always makes sure that every
audience leave with as many “grins” as they do “hits.”
www.billwhytecomedy.com
Originally from Warm Springs, Georgia, Brett moved to Nashville 22 years
ago and signed a publishing deal, songwriting for famous country singer
Ronnie Millsaps’ company. His first hit in the U.S. country market was a
1993 top twenty hit, Confederate Railroad’s “When and Where.” Since
then he has had over 100 major recordings, and 14 top 10 records,
including seven #1 records. His most recent hits have been: Billy
Currington’s “That’s How Country Boys Roll,” Jason Aldean’s July 2010 chart topper, “Crazytown”
and Justin Moore’s #1 single, “If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away.” He recently achieved rare status
in country music by having #1 records in each of the past three decades.
In addition to his acclaimed songwriting, Brett is also a captivating stage performer. He’s opened
for such acts as: Tracy Byrd, Little Texas, Andy Griggs, Confederate Railroad, Billy Currington,
Michael McDonald, Darryl Worley and many more.
www.facebook.com/pages/Brett-Jones/224365737658995
Bridgette Tatum
It’s hard to deny the pure talent and passion for her craft that is clearly
the driving force behind many of singer and songwriter Bridgette
Tatum’s high profile career milestones. Rooted in her earliest memories
growing up in Florence, South Carolina, this firecracker brunette was
raised on soul-shaking gospel music, swirling with the Holy Spirit and
saturated with raw passion.
It was through the encouragement of her manager, Carolyn Miller, that Bridgette collaborated
musically with her future producer, Danny Myrick. Their partnership proved as successful in
songwriting as well. They co-wrote “She’s Country,” the #1 smash for Jason Aldean, as well as
many of the songs on her self-titled release, including the single “Hillbilly Rockstar.”
Add to these accomplishments Bridgette’s own album, Sex, Church, and Chicken released on
Root 49 Records. 2012 continued Bridgette’s rise with producer credits for new sister-duo
Jenny & Ashley, songwriting credits on albums by The Farm and Kristy Lee Cook, as well as
endorsements by Wrangler clothing and Two Old Hippies’ Bedell Guitars.
www.bridgettetatum.com
Casey Black
Casey Black is a Nashville-born, Columbia-University-educated, gravelvoiced, literary singer-songwriter. At nineteen, he signed with EMI Music
Publishing Nashville, making him one of the youngest staff songwriters
on Music Row. In the next five years he made two records, the first of
which deejay Tricia Halloran, of the legendary Los Angeles KRCW, placed
on her top 10 records of 2005; the second having songs placed on ABC’s
show Greek, and Lifetime’s Army Wives. He also cut his live-show teeth, playing some of LA’s
great singer-songwriter venues, such as the House of Blues and Hotel Cafe.
In 2008 Casey moved to New York in order to finish his degree at Columbia University, and to
make his third record, “It Shapes Me As It Goes,” before touring in New England, the southern US,
and Europe. Then, drawing a close to a circular decade, Casey recently returned to Tennessee,
where he lives with his wife and large dog in the country outside of Nashville. He writes for
Young Guns Publishing on Music Row. His latest record, “Lay You In The Loam”­–recorded with
CatBeach Music in LA and released in June 2013–saw high chart positions on US college radio
and received spins on Irish radio as well. All the exposure has led to Casey’s imminent first
headlining tour (in Ireland and Germany) at the end of this year. www.caseyblackmusic.com
Bob Regan
Grammy nominated songwriter Bob Regan began playing guitar during
high school in south Lake Tahoe, California. In 1980 Bob moved to Los
Angeles to pursue a solo career. In 1982 he signed as an artist to Curb/
CBS records and recorded an album of his original songs. At the end of
his short tenure as an artist, Bob made the decision to concentrate on
songwriting and in 1985 made the move to Nashville.
Bob has had songs recorded by artists ranging from Hank Williams Jr. to Andy Williams, Roy
Rogers to Kenny Rogers, and BR549 to Donny Osmond. Bob’s hits include: “Your Everything”
by Keith Urban, “ Something About a Woman” by Jake Owen, “Every Time I Cry” by Terry Clark,
“Steam” by Ty Herndon, “Busy Man” by Billy Ray Cyrus, “Running out of Reasons to Run” by
Rick Trevino, “Thinking about You” by Trisha Yearwood, “Soon” by Tanya Tucker and “’Til Love
Comes Again” by Reba McIntyre. He was nominated for the Grammy Award’s Country Song of
the Year in 2009 for Randy Travis’ “Dig Two Graves.” His 2009 song, “Fight Like a Girl,” recorded
by the group Bomshel has been used as a theme song for several Breast Cancer organizations.
Bob is a past President of the Board and current Legislative Chair of the Nashville Songwriters
Association International. In 2006, he helped pass the songwriters Capital Gains Tax Equity Act.
www.bobregan.com
Charlie Black
One of the most recorded Nashville songwriters ever, Charlie Black has
been named Songwriter of The Year three times and was inducted to the
NSAI Songwriter Hall Of Fame in 1991.
Beginning with his first hit “I Don’t Know You Anymore,” recorded by
Tommy Overstreet, Charlie has written 15 #1 songs including “Shadows
In The Moonlight” by Anne Murray, “Right On The Money” by Alan Jackson,” “You Lie” by Reba
McEntire, “100% Chance Of Rain” by Gary Morris, and the Grammy nominated songs “A Little
Good News” by Anne Murray and “Come Next Monday” by K.T. Oslin. Charlie Black songs have
been recorded by such legendary artists as Roy Orbison, Charlie Rich, Don Williams, Paul Anka,
Crystal Gayle, Tanya Tucker, Faron Young, Marty Robbins, and George Strait. His song “Goodbye
Says It All” was Blackhawk’s first big hit, and he helped launch Phil Vassar’s amazing career with
“Carlene,” and “Six-Pack Summer.” www.charlieanddanahuntblack.com
Dana Black
Jesse Rice
A North Carolina native, Dana moved to Nashville in 1993. She signed
her first publishing deal with Double J Music in 1994 and had her first
#1 song in 1995 with George Strait’s “Check Yes Or No” which went on
to win the song of the year. While at Double J, Dana also landed cuts on
Clay Walker, Perfect Stranger and James Bonamy.
Upon signing with Neon Sky Music in 1996, Dana landed Gary Allan’s top five debut single, “It
Would Be You,” co-written with Kent Robbins and “You Haven’t Left Me Yet” on George Strait’s
“One Step at a Time” album. In 1999 her song “Write This Down” proved to be another big hit for
George staying at #1 for four weeks and once again winning song of the year. Some of her other
cuts include “I Know What I Want For Christmas” and “Somewhere Down In Texas” by George
Strait, two cuts on George’s self-titled album “Which Side Of The Glass,” “Home Improvement,”
and “Goodnight” recorded by Suzy Boggus, “Whole Night Tonight” cut by Clay Walker, “What Do
I Do Now?” recorded by Tracy Byrd and “The Thrill Is Back” cut by Alan Jackson. Dana and her
songwriter husband Charlie Black have recently released their new album “THE THING TO DO” On
Double Dog Records. Check it out at www.charlieanddanahuntblack.com
Earl Bud Lee
Earl Bud Lee has been writing songs for over 30 years in Nashville.
“Friends in Low Places” was recorded by Garth Brooks (1991) and cowritten with Dewayne Blackwell. It is one of the top five country songs of
all time! It is still enjoying regular radio play more than twenty years later.
“One Night at a Time” was also recorded by George Strait (1998) and
co-written with Roger Cook and Eddie Kilgallon. Both of these smashes
were ASCAP Song of the Year award winners. “Who Are You When I’m Not Looking” was recorded
by Blake Shelton (2011) (co-written with John Wiggins) and became another #1 hit in March of
2011. He’s also written numerous other cuts, beautiful story songs, and funny anecdotes. You
will enjoy your time with Earl Bud as much as he will with you.
www.facebook.com/EarlBudLee
Hugh Mitchell
With a fresh perspective on the art of sound and the craft of melody, Hugh
Mitchell is raising the stakes with his latest batch of songs. Due later this
year, his sophomore album lends an ear to an orchestral style that still
captures the gritty, soulful swagger that Hugh is known for.
Raised in Birmingham, Alabama, Hugh has always been a little
unconventional. Since his debut album “Heartbreak Radio,” he has
discovered a style and voice all his own. It may have taken some time, but the transition has
unwrapped a creative process that Hugh is really proud of. It all resonates when you give it a
listen… and you should. To keep up with Hugh, his upcoming album and appearances, please
visit www.hughmitchellmusic.com
Jerry Salley
Referred to by Billboard Magazine as “One of Music Row’s greatest
veteran tunesmiths,” Jerry Salley - the 2003 “SESAC Country Music
Songwriter of the Year” – has had over 340 songs recorded in his multiaward winning career.
From Sir Elton John’s only chart single to appear on the Billboard
Country Chart (“Where We Both Say Goodbye” – duet with Australian
artist Catherine Britt) to a Gospel song so popular it has been included in Church Hymnals (“His
Strength Is Perfect”); from songs recorded by country music legends Loretta Lynn, The Oak
Ridge Boys and Gene Watson to some of today’s biggest country stars like Reba McEntire, Toby
Keith and Brad Paisley, Jerry’s long list of accomplishment’s speaks for itself.
Writing and singing in Nashville since 1982, he has written multiple hits in Country, Bluegrass
and Gospel Music. His country hits include the Reba McEntire smash, “I’m Gonna Take That
Mountain,” “How Do You Sleep At Night” and six other Billboard chart records. His has written
Three #1 Gospel hits, several #2 Gospel hits and over a dozen other top ten/top twenty gospel
songs.
In 2007, Jerry released his first solo project, “New Songs, Old Friends,” on the Mountain Home
Records Label. It is a Bluegrass CD which includes all new songs written by Jerry and performed
by him along with some of his favorite singers. www.jerrysalley.com
Jesse Rice is a multi-platinum selling and award-winning singersongwriter and producer in Nashville, TN. Originally from low-country
South Carolina, Rice moved to Nashville in 2002, where he began
working for EMI Music Publishing. Since 2007, Rice has been a staff
songwriter at Artist Revolution Publishing. In the fall of 2012 he achieved
his first #1 hit as a songwriter, with the song “Cruise” by Florida- Georgia
Line. “Cruise” then went on to become the longest-running #1 country music song of all time,
spending an unprecedented 25 weeks at the top of the Billboard charts.
As a songwriter he has written songs with artists such as Lady Antebellum, Shawn Mullins, Cole
Swindell, Tyler Farr, Jon Pardi, Brett Eldredge, Love & Theft, Florida-Georgia Line, and Chase
Rice... As well as producing Chase Rice’s debut EP “Country As Me”, his second record “Dirt
Road Communion” as well as co-writing all the songs on those records, including the singles
“Buzz Back”. As an artist Rice also tours around the South playing his own shows, promoting
his new act that is his passion- THE PIRATE SESSIONS, whose 2 volumes of that record each
debuted in the Top 20 on the iTunes Country Album Charts.
www.facebook.com/JesseRiceMusic
Jillia Jackson
Jillia Jackson spends her days writing songs, recording, and performing
live. Blending traditional country, bluegrass, and commercial songwriting
with a modern eclectic edge, Jillia Jackson has quickly found her place
in Nashville, TN. This stunning red headed country vocalist, guitarist, and
songwriter consistently deliver the energy of a trained professional in her
live show while managing to harness an organic creativity in the recording
studio. www.facebook.com/JilliaJackson
Joshua Charles
Joshua Charles is an modern pianist and singer/songwriter who was
mentored by Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Dr. John. He has had TV spots
on Good Morning America, Tavis Smiley, Voice of America, CNN, and
more, and has also been a featured artist in USA Today, LA Weekly,
The Huffington Post, and Keyboard Magazine. He has recorded for
Sony, Island and Elektra records. Recently, he relocated to Nashville to
pursue his artist and songwriter career. He currently writes with many number one hit writers in
Nashville including legendary rock icon John Oates , Sonia Leigh and Alissa Moreno in pop/rock
and country formats. He also writes with Katalyst (multi grammy winning Ken Lewis and Brent
Kolatolo) productions (Kanye West, Eminem, Drake,etc) based out of NYC.
Joshua just completed a brand new self-titled EP which can be described as Elton John meets
One Republic heavily keyboard based instead of the usual guitar based sound predominant in
country music today. His voice is a new fresh and exciting addition to the mult-genre Nashville
scene. www.facebook.com/joshcharlesmusic
Liz Sharpe
Country singer-songwriter Liz Sharpe, a.k.a. Little Feather, literally has
music in her blood. From the tiny Appalachian town of Pikeville, Kentucky,
she was born into the fabled singing dynasty that includes Loretta Lynn
and Patty Loveless (her second cousins) and she has been making music
practically since she emerged from the womb.
After years of singing and playing organ in the church choir she ran off to college in Australia
(she wanted to learn to surf) and studied classical piano and composition for film. But like most
country musicians she eventually retraced her roots and found her way to Nashville, Tennessee.
Evoking the ghosts of her Appalachian/Cherokee past, the modern-vintage yodel and stomp
of Little Feather is the sound of Allison Krause sitting in with Mumford and Sons in Fleetwood
Mac’s basement. Country as cornbread but fresh as tomorrow’s twitter feed, Little Feather is
creating quite a buzz in the Nashville music community and beyond. Liz Sharpe, the little girl
from Pikeville, Kentucky, has come into her own as a singer, writer and performer and with Little
Feather she has found her wings.www.facebook.com/littlefeathermusic