iHeartMedia’s WAVE 92.7, The Treasure Coast’s #1 for New Country, and BMI are proud to present the third annual Treasure Coast Songwriters Festival at Pirate’s Cove Resort and Marina in Stuart from Thursday, May 16 through Sunday, May 19, 2024.
The four-day event, which is free to the public, will feature more than 40 performances from local Florida and Nashville-based BMI songwriters, who will share the stories behind their hit songs when they perform. Featured songwriters include Aaron Barker, Dave Gibson, James Slater, Frank Myers, Danny Myrick, Dean Alexander, Matt Warren, Megan Linville, Bridgette Tatum, Kristen Kelly, Brian Sutherland and Sonia Leigh.
Collectively, these songwriters have written hits for top country artists, including Alabama, Jason Aldean, Gary Allan, Kenny Chesney, Lonestar, Martina McBride, Darius Rucker, George Strait, Tanya Tucker, and Zac Brown Band, among many others.
Performances will take place at Pirate’s Cove Resort in Port Salerno. This is a free event for the public and promises to be fun for everyone in our second year of The Treasure Coast Songwriters Festival.
Presented by The Law Offices of David Golden, P.A.
Scroll down to meet our songwriters!
Singer-songwriter Aaron Barker is best known for the string of hits he wrote for country superstar George Strait, but Barker’s long career has many other highlights. Long before his success as a songwriter, he made his mark as a charismatic entertainer. Born in San Antonio, Barker got his first guitar at age six, taught himself to play it and was soon singing at school and church events. He also began to write songs at an early age. When asked to create a grade-school art project, Barker turned in poetry rather than work within the visual limits of his red-green color blindness. Those poems eventually became the basis for his first songs. As a young man, he joined a show band called The American Peddlers as its bass player and lead singer. During his decade-plus tenure in the group, it played hundreds of clubs and military bases, marketed its own albums and amassed a large fan club. Barker was regarded at the time as a top stage entertainer in the Lone Star State. But away from the band’s flashy smoke machines and laser lights, he played solo gigs, trying out his original material on audiences in small clubs and cafes. He left his successful band in 1988 with the aim of finding songwriting success. A tape of his tunes found its way to George Strait’s manager. Strait recorded Barker’s song “Baby Blue” and scored a #1 hit with it in 1988. Strait repeatedly returned to the songwriter’s catalog for such successes as “Love Without End, Amen” (1990), “Easy Come, Easy Go” (1993), “I’d Like to Have That One Back” (1994), “I Know She Still Loves Me” (1996) and “I Can Still Make Cheyenne” (1996). Meanwhile, Atlantic Records signed Aaron Barker as an artist. He charted with his CD’s title tune “The Taste of Freedom” in 1992 and reestablished his reputation as an entertainer. He issued further solo albums in 1998, 2002 and 2006, but Barker’s biggest “hits” as a singer remain the widely heard radio and TV jingles he wrote and recorded for Blue Bell Ice Cream. Other artists clamored for his songs. Doug Supernaw’s record of “Not Enough Hours in the Night” (1995), Lonestar’s version of “What About Now” (2000) and Clay Walker’s renditions of “You’re Beginning to Get to Me” (1998) and “Watch This” (1997) all became Top 10 hits. Others who have recorded Aaron Barker songs include Tyler Farr, Trace Adkins, Aaron Tippin, Tracy Lawrence, Neal McCoy, The Oak Ridge Boys, Granger Smith, Willie Nelson, Chris LeDoux, Dean Dillon and Trent Tomlinson. Barker was inducted into the Texas Heritage Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2007 and Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame 2016.
Brian Sutherland is an acoustic songwriter living in Nashville, TN. His brand of Americana has a certain pop and jazz influence that makes his music both timeless and relevant. He writes about love, loss, victories, and defeats and how leaning into your heart is always the best way forward. Sutherland honed his craft on the Gulf Coast shores of Southwest Florida, entertaining tourists and telling stories. A veteran of the songwriting festival circuit, he's been selected to perform at the Island Hopper Songwriting Festival, Key West Songwriters Festival, Dripping Springs Songwriters Festival, String Break Music Festival, Riverhawk Music Festival, and the Druid City Songwriters Festival. Sutherland doubles down on his influences and driving forces on Sounds Like Love, his 3rd studio album. A collection of letters to anyone with an open heart, one common thread is woven through the whole record, hope. Hope that no matter the dark, you can always find your way back to the light.
It’s hard to deny the pure talent and passion for her craft that is clearly the driving force behind many of artist Bridgette Tatum’s high profile career milestones. In 2009, this native of Florence, South Carolina, co-wrote the Most Played Song on Country radio stations across the United States. A tremendous achievement for any songwriter, the song, “She’s Country” (recorded and released by Platinum-selling country superstar Jason Aldean), held the #1 position on the chart for two consecutive weeks, reached two million plays, and out sold every genres ringtones, all of which are rare accomplishments, as well. In 2010, Tatum’s song, “Loud” was selected as the Official Theme Song for ACC Football’s 2010 Season. This fast-paced anthem celebrates the excitement and energy of ACC Football, captured in a raucous music video that was seen in all ACC Markets, resulting in exposure for Bridgette totaling over 27 million households. Add to these accolades Tatum’s own Album released on itunes, her single releases (I like my Cowboy’s Dirty, That’s Love Y’all, Hillbilly Rockstar) and her current Gretchen Wilson single (Summertime Town from “Ready to get Rowdy”), her recent Randy Houser (Fired Up 2016), Kristy Lee Cook (Lookin’ for a Cowgirl), The Farm, and George Clinton cuts, you have the makings of a woman building a sustainable music career for a lifetime of success. Bridgette has also produced “The Lockets”, a new fresh duo sound for country music, and currently is in production as well as a member of Uncle Si & The Sicotics. While Bridgette continues to create music, she balances it with her charitable work within The Charley Foundation (www.charleyfoundation.org), and donating her time and talents to various charities around the Middle Tennessee area. “If it's real and you are making it honest, that's what people want to hear.” With unfailing honesty and a penchant for risk-taking, Bridgette Tatum is storming the scene on her own terms and winning fans at every turn.
Muddy water Mississippi preacher’s kid Danny Myrick grew up playing, singing, and writing for his family's gospel band in south Mississippi and had his first #1 gospel song at the age of 17. Upon moving to Nashville, Danny had several more southern gospel and Contemporary Christian hits before founding 90’s country rock band Western Flyer, with whom he had numerous top 40 hits. Danny has gone on to have cuts on a diverse range of artists from Montgomery Gentry to Joe Cocker to Maddie & Tae and has celebrated many hits, such as Craig Morgan’s “International Harvester, Tim McGraw’s “Truck Yeah”, LoCash’s “I Love This Life” and 2009’s most played country smash, “She’s Country”. In 2020, Danny released his first solo EP “King Of Jones County”, featuring the acclaimed song and video “God Is A Gun”, and produced recent #1 albums “Love Out Of Time” by The Voice Season 17 winner Jake Hoot and “Company’s Comin’ by Actor/Comedian/Social Influencer Leslie Jordan featuring Chris Stapleton, Dolly Parton, Brandi Carlile, TJ Osborne and more.
Dave Gibson is a songwriter and performer with an exceptional gift for storytelling through song. With a career spanning decades, Dave has established himself as a revered and accomplished figure in the country music landscape, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of listeners worldwide. Dave's songwriting prowess has earned him widespread acclaim and the respect of his peers in the industry. His ability to craft relatable stories, poignant lyrics, and unforgettable melodies has resulted in numerous chart-topping hits and timeless classics. Artists such as Alabama, Montgomery Gentry, Steve Wariner, Tanya Tucker, Conway Twitty, Confederate Railroad, and many more have turned to Dave's exceptional songwriting skills. Dave charted his first ever hit in 1983, scoring the title track to Steve Wariner’s ‘Midnight Fire’. Among Dave's most notable compositions are the emotionally charged "Ships That Don’t Come In," recorded by Joe Diffie, and "Jukebox in My Mind” by Alabama, which stayed at #1 on the Billboard country charts four weeks in a row, becoming the group’s biggest radio hit. These songs and many others have not only topped the charts but also struck a chord with listeners, evoking deep emotions and leaving an enduring impact for generations to come. Dave Gibson's talents extend beyond the studio/writing rooms and into captivating live performances. As the front man of the celebrated Gibson/Miller Band, he received the ACM award for ‘Best New Group’ in 1993. He’s had six Billboard #1 songs, six BMI awards, two NSAI awards, a Grammy nomination, but for him, this is just the beginning. Whether on an intimate stage or in front of a roaring crowd, his magnetic stage presence and powerful voice command attention, creating an unforgettable experience for audiences. Dave's genuine passion for music shines through every note, and his ability to connect with listeners on a personal level has made him a beloved performer. His contributions to country music have left an indelible legacy and influenced countless aspiring songwriters all through ‘the power of a song’.
Dean Alexander is a Grammy-nominated songwriter whose work can be heard on Brent Cobb's "Black Crow" (featuring Jason Isbell) and, most recently, Kristian Bush’s “Heart of Yours,” Kendall Marvel’s “Hell Bent On Hard Times,” and more. A survivor of Nashville's music industry, having earned his stripes as a Gibson Guitar luthier, Lower Broadway performer, major-label artist, and A-list songwriter long before embracing his independence where he shines a light on his traumas and triumphs with his debut full-length album, Devil Man's Blues. Dean writes about himself, spinning a rich (and, at times, tragic) backstory into raw, rugged roots music laced with dark humor, bright melodies, and instrumentation that splits the difference between 1970s folk-rock and modern-day Americana. He’s continuing to carve out his own signature corner of the roots world with the release of his second record in 2023.
Frank J Myers is a Nashville-based songwriter, producer, and musician originally from Dayton, Ohio. He began his career as a band leader, road manager, and lead guitarist for Eddy Raven in 1981. During his time with Raven, Myers began writing, playing, and co-producing sessions. Together, they had multiple chart-topping hits, including "I Got Mexico" and "Sometimes a Lady." Myers also co-wrote "I Swear," which became a hit for both John Michael Montgomery and All-4-One, winning numerous awards, including Pop, AC, R&B, Country, and Overall Song of the Year. Myers has had songs recorded by over 50 country and pop artists, with 12 number-one hits and 20 top tens. He has worked with Kenny Loggins, Vince Gill, Billy Ray Cyrus, and many others, and was nominated for a Dove Award in 2009 for his work on Richie McDonald's "I Turn to You." Myers is also a member of Leadership Music's class of 2005.
James Slater wrote the Grammy-nominated songs “High Cost of Living,” (Jamey Johnson) and “In My Daughter’s Eyes” (Martina McBride). His writing credits also include “Can’t Shake You” (Gloriana); “Lookin’ for That Girl” (Tim McGraw); “There’s More to Me Than You” (Jessica Andrews); “Unstoppable” (Rascal Flatts); and songs recorded by Kenny Chesney, Enrique Iglesias, Julio Iglesias, Lady Antebellum, Reba McEntire, Willie Nelson, Kellie Pickler, Carrie Underwood, and Chris Young.
Country artist/songwriter Kristen Kelly cut her teeth on the music scene in her home state of Texas. Her sound caught the ear of Arista Nashville, who signed Kelly and brought in award-winning producer Tony Brown and Grammy-winning songwriter Paul Overstreet to oversee her major-label debut including the lead off single, "Ex-Old Man” which was her first top 30 billboard charting single. As one of CMT’s Next Women of Country, Kristen has spent the last few years writing, recording, playing the Grand Ole Opry all the while touring with acts including Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts, Montgomery Gentry, Jake Owen, Gary Allan and more. Her independently released FIRE ep (2015) includes the hits "Kiss By Kiss" and "Fire". Kristen is currently in the studio working on a new project which will include her latest single release “Ashes”.
Matt Warren is a Nashville native. In 2002, Warren made his staff writer debut when he signed a publishing deal with House of Fame in Muscle Shoals, AL. Matt's first cut was “Puttin’ Memories Away”, co-written with Gary Allan. It was featured in Rolling Stone magazine & on the Oprah Winfrey show when Gary was her guest. In 2009 he won multiple awards for the top 10 hit "Learning How to Bend". In 2013 he received a songwriter award for the #1 smash “Every Storm (Runs Out Of Rain)", which was also nominated for the 2014 ACM song of the year. “Love Let It Do What It Do” by Robert Randolph & the Family Band featuring Darius Rucker (co-written with Warren) was the lead single from the “Got Soul” record nominated for blues record of the year at the 2018 Grammy Awards. Matt’s songs have been recorded by Gary Allan, Darius Rucker, Robert Randolph & the Family Band, Andy Frasco & the UN, Bucky Covington, Americana music icon Jim Lauderdale, Pittsburgh blue collar rock legend Joe Grushecky and many others. He has recorded his songs for his 2013 solo project as well as his band Papa Joe in 2001 and his latest band Goodfoot which will be out in 2022. Matt currently has 4 songs on the new Gary Allan record “Ruthless”.
Born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee, Megan Linville, the granddaughter of a songwriter who had cuts by such country music icons as Charley Pride, Kitty Wells, and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, Roy Orbison, recorded her first album at the age of 19 with producer John Carter Cash, the Grammy-winning son of the Man In Black. Megan has performed at some of the sports world’s largest events, including numerous major league baseball games, the Indy 500, The Allstate Brickyard 400 Sprint Cup Series, The Kentucky Derby, and many more. Her self-penned recording of “Wrapped Up In Love” is the closing credit song for Hallmark Network’s perennial holiday favorite Snow Bride, as well as, Hearts of Christmas. A sweet mixture of Laurel Canyon and smooth Tennessee Whiskey, Megan is solidifying her footing as an emerging artist to watch on the country music scene. She was featured as one of CMT’s Artist Discoveries, and her music video for “This Old Town” reached number 3 on CMT’s 12 Pack Countdown. Also, Megan is now the new voice of Blue Bell Ice Cream, alongside Nashville Hall of fame Songwriter Aaron Barker.
Sonia Leigh’s musical style cannot be put in a box. From Hip-Hop to Country to Pop and Rock and Roll, Sonia’s meticulously crafted lyrics tell stories that transcend genre and leave the listener feeling engaged and empowered. Sonia’s dedication to her fans is unprecedented and she has built a loyal fan base that keeps her on the road when she is not in the studio. Leigh made her country catapult on Zac Brown's Southern Ground Records in 2011 with major debut record 1978 December. Her single “My Name Is Money” landed #36 on billboard hot 100 charts. Zac Brown Band’s Grammy award winning record ‘Uncaged' features two singles written by Leigh, “Goodbye In Her Eyes” and “Sweet Annie”, both reached #1 on the Billboard Country Airplay charts concurrently. Musical fluidity has always been a catalyst for Sonia’s creativity. 'Mad Hatter’, her 2018 full length release debuts her co-production/engineering skills and laces her versatility with an easy flow. Sonia’s 2020 rerelease of her song “1978 December” (produced by Roger Taylor, drummer for the rock band Queen) highlights her piano and prolific songwriting skills. Previous 2020 releases “King Without a Kingdom” and “Give You Love” - dive deeper into her grunge-rock and pop influences. As well as writing #1 hit songs, Leigh has songs featured in hit television shows ('The Good Wife'’), movies (‘Queen Pins‘), and video games ('The Sims'), and has rapidly gained a name for herself in the sync world, signing a deal with David Polemi (BMG) in 2019. Sonia Leigh has toured the world with the likes of Eric Church, Melissa Etheridge, Amos Lee, Zac Brown Band, Bones UK, Willie Nelson, Loretta Lynn, and Joan Jett. Leigh's energetic performance is packed with magnetic conviction that can hush a room and shake the walls with her raw, raspy delivery, squeezing every drop out of the stage leaving the crowd shouting for more. Leigh currently canopies several projects to umbrella her different styles such as hip hop/rock duo TYGR TYGR featuring under her hip hop alias ELYVN: ELYVN with Daphne Willis (Position Music). Their first single/video “Fire Away” and recent single “Broke Down System” are turning heads. Other projects include, low-fi 90’s hip-hop duo Indica Girlz, and the mysterious grunge-pop project Rob The Man. Amongst all of this, Sonia Leigh has been writing and in the studio working on her next solo Sonia Leigh record, The hard-hitting first single “Thin Ice,” released Feb 2023, is fueled with pure rock and roll energy that calls for burning down the barriers around one’s self to realize their full potential and made Apple Music’s New In Rock and Women Who Rock new music playlists. “Devil May Care” her second release gives nods to The Bee Gee’s, My Morning Jacket and The Black Keys, and will be available everywhere June 2023, with her full length gearing up for release in the fall of 2023.