Alan Rhody, award-winning songwriter and country folk artist, has captivated audiences for over 40 years with his engaging stage presence and storytelling songs. Known for hits like “I’ll Be True To You” (The Oak Ridge Boys) and “Wild-Eyed Dream” (Ricky Van Shelton), his songs have been recorded by legends like George Jones, Tanya Tucker, and Toby Keith. With his ninth solo album Led by Love released in 2012, Rhody’s music continues to blend heartfelt storytelling with alt-country and blues vibes, earning features on NPR and network TV.

 Born and raised in Springfield, Massachusetts, independent artist and songwriter Alex Rohan has always had a passion for music. Growing up with a family full of musicians, Alex had an interest early on. He began singing at a very young age and, from there, taught himself how to play the guitar. He started to perform for more than just his family. As a teenager, he started playing at local bars and restaurants where he gained a lot of his early musical experience.

 For several years now, even the most experienced songwriters in Nashville have been both astonished and thankful they were put in a room with country music artist Ava Paige.  Paige is simply not your average up-and-coming young hopeful.  She is an entire world apart.

Barry Hutchens is a singer/songwriter from Stuart, VA. He began playing music at six years old and grew up playing bluegrass, country, and gospel music. When he was a teenager, he toured with various bluegrass bands playing festivals alongside legendary performers such as Bill Monroe, Ralph Stanley, Rick Skaggs, Keith Whitley, Mac Wiseman, and others. Barry and his brothers, Bill and Bryan, were a country music trio (The Hutchens) on Atlantic Records in the mid-1990s and recorded the top 40 song, “Knock, Knock”. As a performer, Barry has shared the stage with artists such as Kenny Chesney, Martina McBride, Toby Keith, Shenandoah, Marty Stuart, and Lonestar, to name a few.

Originally from Missouri, Bill Whyte is a songwriter, comedian, and Hall of Fame radio announcer, performer, and more.

He’s recorded two comedy song albums, “Off the Wall” and “Leave Em’ Laughin.”

His songwriting credits include “Safe Haven” by Hillary Scott & The Scott Family, which was included on the album “Love Remains”.  That album won the Grammy Award for “Best Contemporary Christian Album of 2016.

Bo Spring, a Chattanooga native, has been immersed in music from a young age—learning piano, trumpet, and eventually guitar, gifted to him by his grandfather at age 12. After touring the Southeast with his college band and performing with seasoned blues musicians in Atlanta, Bo began crafting his own songs, blending a wide array of influences with lessons from mentors along the way.

Brett is originally from Monticello, FL. His musical journey started with his band 19 South, performing in Tallahassee and the Panhandle area.  BK has been a regular performer at Monticello’s Southern Music Rising Festival. He is a familiar face in Port St Joe.  He has performed at the Haughty Heron where he opened for Billy Dean, and at the Scallop Festival, where he opened for Aaron Tippin. He was an emerging artist at a previous Blast.

Brian White is passionate about writing songs. With over 400 cuts to his credit, his work has earned him Sixteen #1’s , 2 Dove Awards, SESAC Song of The Year as well as ACM , CMA and Grammy Nominations. His songs have been recorded by such artist as Rascal Flatts , Trace Adkins, Jason Aldean ( Including Jason’s #1 “Blame It On You”) , Gary Allan, Rodney Atkins ( #1 song ”Watching You” – Billboard Song of The Year) The Swon Brothers, Steve Holy, Earl Scruggs, Terri Clark, Kix Brooks, Blackhawk, as well as Canadian and Australian Country stars.

Brooks Huntley embodies the spirit of country music through his blend of effortless storytelling, impressive musicality, and John Mayer-like inspired guitar sensibilities.

A North Carolina native, Dana Hunt Black began her journey as a songwriter in Nashville in 1993.  Dana has written a number of songs recorded by George Strait, including two of his biggest hits, “Check Yes or No” and “Write This Down”, both of which went on to become ASCAP Song of the Year. She also helped launch Gary Allan’s career, writing his first giant hit “It Would Be You”.

Dave Pahanish is a 30 year veteran of the music industry working as a
musician, artist, songwriter, singer, performer, and producer.

As a songwriter, Dave has had three #1 songs on the Billboard Country Charts… Keith Urban’s “Without You”, Toby Keith’s “American Ride”, and Jimmy Wayne’s “Do You Believe Me Now” He has also had tunes recorded by Tim McGraw, Collin Raye, Whiskey Myers, Del McCoury Band, Lila McCann, Vince Herman (Leftover Salmon), Jake Hoot, Tyler Halverson, Meg McCree and many others.

Donny, a celebrated songwriter and ichthyologist from Florence, Alabama, has had over 100 songs recorded by country legends like Alabama, Reba McEntire, and Randy Travis. With hits like “Old Flame” by Alabama, which sold over 10 million copies, Donny’s songwriting has left a lasting mark on the country music scene. His passion for both music and fishing has shaped a unique career that blends creativity with nature. Now living between Florence, Alabama, and Carrabelle, FL, Donny continues to craft songs that resonate deeply, proving that retirement from songwriting isn’t on the horizon.

Earl Bud Lee, a renowned figure in the country music scene, began his journey in the early 80s. With a passion for songwriting and a penchant for creating melodies that resonate with the heart, Lee quickly made his mark. His dedication and persistence in refining his craft led him to significant success in Nashville, where he penned iconic songs that have left an indelible mark on country music.

Ella Gibson is a singer-songwriter from a small town in central Illinois. Raised on the legends of country music, Ella’s voice carries the weight of tradition with her own unique sound. She is currently studying songwriting and music business at Belmont University while pursuing artistry.

Emma Zinck is a dynamic force in the world of “Electric Country,” and an artist on the rise in the Nashville music scene. Known for her powerhouse vocals, magnetic stage presence, and genre-blurring style, Emma is making waves with her bold approach to country music. Originally from Fredericksburg, Virginia, Emma moved to Nashville, bringing her passion for music to Music City, where she quickly made her mark.

Jason Byrd grew up in Tallahassee, Florida, surrounded by hymns and country music, and at 19 followed his family tradition as a third-generation firefighter. But another dream soon took hold—writing and performing country songs. In the 1990s, Jason balanced his fire service career with weekly trips to Nashville, where fate led him to country legend George Jones. Jones and his wife Nancy became mentors, guiding Jason from small bar gigs to stages across the U.S. and Canada, where he opened for artists like Loretta Lynn, Tracy Lawrence, Dierks Bentley, and Joe Diffie. He went on to make appearances on the Grand Ole Opry and The Nashville Network, solidifying his place in traditional country music.

JAY KNOWLES was born in Texas, raised in Tennessee and educated in Connecticut. Over the last 20 years, his songs have been recorded by classic singers like George Strait, Alan Jackson, and Harry Connick, Jr. as well as today’s hottest Country stars like Luke Bryan, Blake Shelton, and Lainey Wilson.

“This is a pivotal moment in our shared human story where, above all, truth, authenticity, and freedom matter the most.” Whether it’s through songs, shows, speaking engagements, or my work online, I’m inspired to bring back those qualities to the center of the human conversation.

Music was always meant to be a vehicle, not a self-serving art.

Jeff Silvey is a renowned songwriter, producer, and performer whose work bridges the heart of Nashville and the Florida Panhandle. A two-time ICMA Producer of the Year, Silvey has had more than 300 songs recorded by major acts, including George Strait, Easton Corbin, The Oak Ridge Boys, Gaither Vocal Band, 4 Him, Dallas Holm, and DC Talk. His impressive catalog spans country, Christian, and gospel music, reflecting his versatility and deep understanding of storytelling through song.

Referred to by Billboard Magazine as “one of Music Row’s greatest veteran tunesmiths,” Jerry Salley has built a remarkable, multi-award-winning career spanning country, bluegrass, and gospel music. With more than 560 songs recorded and over 19 million records sold worldwide, he has penned hits for legends like Loretta Lynn, The Oak Ridge Boys, Reba McEntire, Brad Paisley, and Chris Stapleton, whose recording of Salley’s “It Takes a Woman” won the 2025 Grammy for Best Country Solo Performance. An Ohio native, Salley was inducted into the Ohio Country Music Hall of Fame in 2024, is a multiple Dove Award winner, and has been named IBMA Songwriter of the Year twice.

Jesse Rice is an award-winning songwriter and artist whose work has earned ACM, AMA, CMA, Billboard, BMI, SESAC, and Trop Rock Music Awards. Originally from South Carolina, he moved to Nashville in 2002 and co-wrote the record-shattering hit “Cruise” by Florida Georgia Line. The song sold over 15 million downloads, became the first country single to receive Diamond Certification, and held Billboard’s #1 spot for 24 weeks, earning CMA Single of the Year, Billboard Country Song of the Year, and SESAC Song of the Year. He has also written for artists like Nelly, Chase Rice, Kristian Bush, Ashley McBryde, and Robert Randolph, and collaborated with Lady A, Dan + Shay, Cole Swindell, Russell Dickerson, Jon Pardi, Jordan Davis, Jelly Roll, and Sam Hunt.

Jimmy Miller is a multitalented instrumentalist, performing country, bluegrass, and gospel music. His versatility has placed him in high demand since moving from NW Florida to Nashville in 2022. He routinely performs with country songwriters and artists in Nashville’s legendary venues.

Rocking the Southeast and Midwest for the past 30 years, John Sutton’s been building his ever-expanding fan base. Beach, blues, reggae, soul, country, and rock. The music comes first, right alongside the fans of his music.

Born and raised in the Sunshine State of Florida, Katareen is a homegrown country/folk singer-songwriter. As a graduate of Belmont University’s School of Music, Katareen is now cutting her teeth in Nashville’s premier songwriting scene.

Kendell Marvel is a Grammy-winning songwriter and powerhouse vocalist whose gritty blend of outlaw country and southern rock has made him a standout in Nashville and beyond. Born in Southern Illinois, Marvel began performing in bars at age 10 and penned his first major hit, Gary Allan’s “Right Where I Need to Be,” on his first day in Nashville. Since then, he’s written for artists like Chris Stapleton, George Strait, Jamey Johnson, Jake Owen, Brothers Osborne and more.

Kyrsta McKade isn’t here to blend in—she’s here to blaze her own trail. Born and raised in Sunnyvale, Texas, now based in Nashville, she’s the kind of artist who makes you feel something deep in your chest. Her voice is raw, soulful, and unapologetically country, with lyrics that hit like a shot of whiskey—smooth going down, but with a kick that lingers. Whether she’s singing about heartbreak, healing, or raising hell, Kyrsta brings a grit and honesty that’s missing in most polished-up, industry-safe music. She’s not manufactured—she’s made from dirt roads, late nights, and hard lessons.

Singer-songwriter Lauren Spring is an Americana artist from the Gulf Coast of Florida.  Signing with Saint In The City Records in 2021, her solo releases have amassed over 8M streams on Spotify and premiered on Apple Music’s New Americana editorial playlist.   Also a member of the two-time IMA Song of the Year winning group, The Krickets, her first production effort with the band premiered in American Songwriter’s Best New Music feature in 2020.

Lee Newton is a singer/songwriter from Western North Carolina. Her soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics have touched the hearts of audiences across the world.  She has received critical acclaim for her work, including multiple awards and nominations.

Chart-topping songwriter. Solo artist. Multi-platinum award winner. Soul singer. For nearly a quarter century, Matt Warren has played all the parts, building a versatile career that’s taken him from the elite writing rooms of Music Row to stages across the country. He turns a new page with Heartbreak Superstar, his first solo release in a dozen years.

Mutt Cooper is a passionate singer-songwriter who grew up along the Alabama-Georgia line, where the rich musical traditions of the South deeply influenced his sound. With a genuine heart for people, Mutt has made it his mission to give back through his music. He has partnered with veteran outreach programs like Freedom Sings, using his talents to raise awareness and provide support for veterans across the country.

Pete, originally from Chicago, currently writes for Shakes Spear Music. He is a Grammy-nominated songwriter who’s had cuts across the genres. The pop of American Idol winner Phillip Phillips, Betty Who, and David Archuleta – the 5x Grammy winner Blues/Americana artist Keb Mo, and in country by Shenandoah, Ronnie Dunn, Bucky Covington, and the single “Shut Up & Fish” by Maddie & Tae.

Born in Pompano Beach, Florida, and raised in Kansas City, Missouri, Ron Wallace is exactly what it seems the son of a truck driver and a housewife-poet should be.  He is humble, down to earth, and a voice for the working man, yet possesses the heart of a rocker combined with a sensitive soul and the intangible “something” of the most ethereal artist. Even his voice is representative of these extremes – packing a power that fills any size room in one moment, then softening into the sweetest, tender sound in the very next instant.

Recently signed to 50 Egg Music Panhandle, Stevie Monce is gaining momentum with singles “Sippin On Tequila” and “Flip Flops Welcome Here”, both featured on Spotify’s Notable playlist and beyond.

Sherrie Austin was discovered at 14 opening for Johnny Cash before joining The Facts of Life. She later returned to country music, releasing hits like “Streets of Heaven” and earning acclaim on Broadway. Now a successful songwriter, her work has been recorded by stars like Tim McGraw, Blake Shelton, and George Strait.

Tim made his living as a singing drummer from the age of 18 until moving to Nashville in 1991, where he put aside the drums to focus on a songwriting career. While performing his songs at the Bluebird Café, Tim was asked to sing some demos for hit songwriter Don Schlitz. Fast forward 30 years, and Tim has sung on over 10,000 recordings, including on albums by: Trisha Yearwood, Michael Peterson, Kevin Sharp, Billy Ray Cyrus, and Rodney Atkins, to name a few, and on jingles for: Pepsi, Luvs diapers, TN, and many more.

Victoria is a multi-talented singer, songwriter, producer, and performing artist.

As a songwriter, her work is on the Grammy and Dove-nominated project “The Standard” by Take 6, with the chart-topping single “Back To You”.   She was also a featured songwriter and recording artist on the critically acclaimed project This Is My America, with 3 cuts: “The Spirit of the Horse”, “Tea in the Sea”, and “32 Questions”. Her songs have also been recorded by Travis Collins, Raven Cliff, Danielle Bourjeard, Fiona Culley, and many others.

Wil Nance hit the top of R&R and Billboard with his #1 BRAD PAISLEY smash “She’s Everything”, a song on Time Well Wasted, the Multi Platinum 2007 CMA Album of the Year.
In 1999, Wil received a BMI award for “Round About Way”, a #1 hit single for GEORGE STRAIT, a song on the Multi Platinum CMA Album Of The Year Carrying Your Love With Me.“Round About Way” is also on GEORGE STRAIT’S Latest Greatest Hits and GEORGE STRAIT’S 50 Number Ones … Over ten million sales and counting.  Wil has received “Million Air” Awards from BMI for GEORGE STRAIT’S “Round About Way” (Nance/ Dean) and BRAD PAISLEY’S “She’s Everything” (Nance/ Paisley).

Will Hutchens is a songwriter from Stuart, VA. Growing up in a musical family, he was taught piano by his grandmother at an early age.  He then learned bass guitar to play in his church’s praise and worship band. He began playing acoustic guitar and songwriting at 16. While attending NC State University, he kept writing and played at singer/songwriter nights. Upon graduation from college, Will embarked on a career in business, but his passion for songwriting continued to grow.

Will Rambeaux was born in Lafayette, Louisiana in the heart of the Cajun country. He grew up listening to the classic pop, rock, and country music of his day, as well as a healthy dose of the Cajun, Zydeco, and New Orleans R&B native to Louisiana. With a degree in Literature under his belt, Will left home on a musical odyssey that took him first to Austin, Texas, and then to New York City. On a chance visit to Tennessee in the 1980s, Will managed to get a tape of 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.