The Swallow At The Hollow

Gokey rose to national fame with his participation in the eighth season of American Idol. On August 8, 2008, he auditioned in Kansas City, Missouri, along with his friend Jamar Rogers, who is also from Milwaukee. Both made it through to Hollywood, but Rogers was eliminated from the competition prior to the semifinals. Gokey’s American Idol audition occurred only four weeks after his wife’s death in July 2008.
Gokey, along with runner-up Adam Lambert, were judge favorites throughout the season, consistently earning high praise from all four judges. Approximately a month before the finale, judge Simon Cowell said that he expected Gokey would make the finale, going head to head with Lambert, but Kris Allen went on to win the season.
During Rock Week (Top 4 week), Gokey’s take on Aerosmith’s “Dream On” was panned due to the extended scream with which he finished the song. Gokey was eliminated during Top 3 week, after his performance of Joe Cocker’s “You Are So Beautiful.”
During the season 8 finale on May 20, 2009, Gokey performed a duet with R&B superstar Lionel Richie. The performance opened with Gokey singing a true-to-the-original solo of Richie’s “Hello,” which season 7 winner David Cook also covered during his season as a rock power ballad and then Richie joined Gokey for a duet of his hits “Just Go” and “All Night Long”.
We want thank WKHX for bringing in Danny! Always room for stars on the rise at the Swallow. Listen to WKHX for opportunities to use your KICKS points for tickets to come out and see Danny.

 It’s hard to imagine a happier or more successful musical couple than the husband/wife team of Mark Selby and Tia Sillers. As songwriters, they’ve penned over a dozen hit singles including There’s Your Trouble, the Dixie Chicks’ Grammy-winning number one smash, and Kenny Wayne Shepherd’s Blue On Black, which topped the rock and blues charts for an amazing 17 weeks and was named Billboard Magazine’s Rock Track of the Year. Tia’s discography also includes hits for country icons like Alan Jackson ( That’ll Be Alright) and Pam Tillis ( Land Of the Living), but she’s perhaps best known as the writer of I Hope You Dance, the life affirming anthem that has touched countless lives and won countless accolades, including a Grammy award for Best Country Song. A huge county and pop hit in America for Lee Ann Womack, I Hope You Dance was recently a top ten hit in Europe for Irish singer Ronan Keating. Tia has written four best-selling books inspired by the song as well. Mark, meanwhile, has showcased his guitar wizardry and soulful vocals on two internationally-acclaimed albums for the Vanguard label, toured with many of his musical heroes, including B.B. King and Jeff Beck, and can often be found in various Nashville recording studios, working as a session player and producer.

     In concert together, Mark and Tia are a captivating and truly entertaining duo. Their music continues to take them all over the world, sharing with audiences the same excitement and passionate artistry that is the hallmark of their songs.

Bill LaBounty wrote Brooks and Dunn’s smash “Rock My World” and he’ll do it this weekend!!

Bobby Tomberlin 

Grammy, CMA, and ACM nominee Bobby Tomberlin has had great success, including the Top 10 single by Darryl Worley, “A Good Day To Run” as well as singles by Chely Wright, Diamond Rio, Ty Herndon, Linda Davis, Russ Taff and Lee Greenwood. Bobbys songs have received 8 BMI awards and he co-wrote the number 1 country and Top 5 AC single and CMA, ACM, and Grammy nominated “One More Day” and also co-authored the inspirational book by the same name. “One More Day” has recieved over 3 million radio performances according to BMI.
Bobby’s songs have been included on numerous Gold and Platinum projects including the double platinum Faith Hill CD “Fireflies”, the gold CD “Everything is Fine” by Josh Turner and the platinum CD by Rodney Atkins “If You’re Going Through Hell”.
Other artists whom have cut his songs include Terri Clark, Kenny Rogers, Joe Nichols, Josh Turner, Faith Hill, Rodney Atkins, Joe Diffie, Eddy Arnold, Billy Dean, Little Jimmy Dickens, Deana Carter, the Oak Ridge Boys, Porter Wagoner, Chris Young and many others.
Bobby can be seen on CMT’s “The Singing Bee” with Steve Dorff.
 
Candi Carpenter

Singer/Songwriter Candi Carpenter knew at an early age that she wanted to be in the music business. As a child, she toured and performed with her family’s gospel band. She moved to Nashville at the early age of 14, and has accomplished many achievements in a short period of time. Candi spent four years touring with multiple CMA award winner and Grand Ole Opry star, Jack Greene while under L&L Management. She has also shared the stage with legends such as Loretta Lynn, Porter Wagoner, Mel Tillis, Little Jimmy Dickens, Bill Anderson, and Vince Gill. Candi made a cameo appearance in the Alan Jackson music video for “Too Much of a Good Thing,” and Brooks And Dunn’s “Put A Girl In It”.
She has appeared on many television and radio programs. Candi sang the National Anthem at the Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens game in front of 65,000 people, live on CBS. She has recently co-written songs with hit writers such as Sam Tate, Bill Labounty, Beckie Foster, Bobby Tomberlin, Mark Narmore, John McElroy and Phil Everly of the Everly Brothers. She has also been in the studio recording vocals on new songs written by Loretta Lynn and Brenda Lee. This past year, Candi has performed at the Bluebird Cafe, here at the Swallow at the Hollow, and many other songwriting venues. We’re glad to have her back!

Bill LaBounty

 An accomplished keyboardist and synthesist, LaBounty has worked in the studio with such artists as James Taylor, Jennifer Warnes, Patti LaBelle and Peter Cetera.
 In 1983, while working in Nashville, LaBounty met his wife, songwriter Beckie Foster, which led to a joint career in Nashville and L.A. and resulted in Steve Wariner’s #1 record “The Weekend” and Peter Cetera’s “No Explanation”, the end theme for the movie Pretty Woman.
His hits include Robbie Dupree’s “Hot Rod Hearts”, Michael Johnson’s “This Night Won’t Last Forever”, Steve Wariner’s #1 records “Lynda” and “I Got Dreams”, “Somewhere In The Vicinity Of The Heart” (a Grammy-winning record by Alison Kraus and Shenandoah), Tanya Tucker and Delbert McClinton’s “Tell Me About It”, “Tequila Talkin’” by Lonestar, the #1 Shenandoah single “I Want To Be Loved Like That” and Brooks & Dunn’s “Rock My World (Little Country Girl)”.
To date, he has had over 100 songs recorded by other artists, resulting in 25 BMI Awards, including numerous”10 Million Performance” awards.

Brice Long

Brice landed his first paid songwriting job at a publishing company, Starstruck, owned by Reba McEntire. In 2004, Brice was signed by Columbia Records, which teamed him with award winning producers Mark Wright (Gretchen Wilson/Brooks & Dunn) and Keith Stegall (Alan Jackson) for his debut project. Brice co-wrote eight of the eleven songs on the album. He’s had charted singles with “It’s Only Monday” and “Anywhere But Here”.  Brice is currently signed to EMI Music Publishing. He’s had cuts with John Michael Montgomery, Josh Turner, Gary Allan, Darryl Worley, Tracy Byrd, Chris Young, Steve Holy, Randy Travis and Porter Wagoner. Including the 1 single “Nothing on but the Radio” for Gary Allan. Currently he has a single climbing the country charts with Universal Records South newcomer Randy Houser on “Anything Goes.”

Monty Holmes

In 1983, Monty took the plunge and moved to Nashville, to a job as a respiratory therapist to pay the bills, but he also worked diligently as a staff writer and singer ondemo recordings. Through his demo work, Holmes quickly gained a reputation for his voice, but it was songwriting that he really loved. Throughout the years, Monty has worked with and learned from the best:Whitey Shafer, Hank Cochran, Glenn Martin, Don Sampson, Donnie Kees, Tony Mullins, Gerry House, Kent Blazy, Leslie Satcher, Scotty Emerick, Al Anderson, Norro Wilson,Wynn Varble, and Buddy Cannon just to name a few.
Holmes has penned several hit songs for George Strait, including the chart topper “I Know She Still Loves Me” and the top five “When Did You Stop Loving Me,” as well as “What I Do the Best” for John Michael Montgomery and “Never Again, Again”, Lee Ann Womack’s debut single.
He has cuts by ClayWalker, Neal McCoy, Laura Bryna, the legendary Johnny Bush and George Jones. Holmes is currently an ASCAP writer, but is a multiple BMI “million-air,” an honor for writers of songs with over 1million broadcast performances.
Monty is writing better now than ever before. He has the  the title cut “Troubadour” on George Strait’s CD of the same name. Not bad. Not bad at all!

Wil Nance

 Wil 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 Waisted”.  Wil received a BMI Award for “Round About Way”, a #1 Hit  Single for George Strait (co-writer Steve Dean) and in 2004  received a BMI Award for “Cool To Be A Fool” by Joe  Nichols. Other cuts include Tracy Lawrence “You’re Why God Made  Me” and “Just Like Her”. Joe Nichols’ “Honky Tonk Girl”,  Rhonda Vincent “To The Moon And Back”, two cuts on Lisa  Shaffer, “I Know I Love You” & “Sittin’ On Top Of The  World”.

Some of his other songwriting credits include “You Are” by  John Michael Montgomery, “Next To Nothin’” by Gene  Watson, “Same Boots” by Neal McCoy, “Everything’s A  Thing” by Joe Nichols, “Big Time Lonesome” by Diamond  Rio, “It’s Me” by Craig Morgan, “What You Do To Me” by  Craig Morgan and “Lonesome Lovelist” Jerry Kilgore.  And he’s a nice guy too! Some people are just cool and  Wil’s right on up there.

Steve Dean

When Steve comes to play the Swallow I introduce him as  “the Legend”. Looks like I’m gonna be proven right! Steve has had six number one songs, including the smash  song “Watching You” co-written with and recorded by Rodney Atkins. Steve’s songs have been recorded by artists including  Alabama, Joe Nichols, Reba McEntire, Barbara Mandrell,  The Oakridge Boys, Waylon Jennings, George Strait cut Steve’s “Round About Way” and  on and on.

Steve has also been part of many performing groups over  the years, and toured Europe as part of the duo James  Dean.  He has recently started using his studio talent in  producing several new artists, continues to write songs and loves performing live.  Steve says, “Being a singer/songwriter is the best of both  worlds… I can take my music to the people in its purest  form”.

We like his attitude!!

Charley Stefl

Originally from the great state of Texas, Charley Stefl moved to Nashville in 1984 to follow the footsteps of his heroes Townes Van Zandt and Guy Clark and write songs. He has held staff songwriter positions at Major Bob and Bluewater Music Publishing, and has had his songs recorded in many genres of music, including country, bluegrass, gospel, rock and Americana. Charley co-wrote Lee Ann Womack’s break through smash, and SESAC’s Country Song of the year, THE FOOL. His songs have also been recorded by Garth Brooks, George Jones, Marshall Tucker Band, and the two-time Grammy nominated bluegrass group, The Grascals, and many more.

Marla Cannon-Goodman

Many people dream of becoming a songwriter. Marla Cannon-Goodman got her first publishing deal because a friend of hers had a dream about her.

“It’s true,” says Marla. “Lana Thrasher works for Major Bob Music. One day she calls me up and asks me if I want to write for them. She’d had a dream that we were standing onstage getting and ASCAP award.” Odd as it seems, not too many months after that dream, Marla collected her first ASCAP award for “The Fool,” a number 1 record co-written with Gene Ellsworth and Charley Stefl and recorded by Lee Ann Womack. In 1998 the song would be nominated for Song of the Year by the Academy of Country Music.

Her career has continued to accelerate, with cuts ranging from Eddie Arnold to Susan Ashton. RCA recording artist Tracy Byrd took Marla’s song “Ten Rounds With Jose Cuervo” to #1. Marla continues to work with upcoming artists Billy Currington on Mercury Records and Roxy Dean on Dreamworks Records. Given her history, it’s not surprising that Marla is beginning to think that there must be something in dreams after all.

Michael Peterson

The 2008 recipient of the Bob Hope “Spirit Of Hope” award for his service to our nation and our servicemen and women in 2007, Michael Peterson is loved for such million selling country music chart toppers as “Drink Swear Steal & Lie” and “From Here To Eternity”, this multiple Grammy and CMA award nominee has moved audiences all over the globe for over a decade.
Recognized by Billboard magazine as the top selling new male artist and top new airplay artist in 1997 -1998 in country music, he burst on the scene with 5 consecutive Billboard and R & R top 20 hits between 1997 and 2001. Three top five singles and three number one CMT music videos including “From Here To Eternity” recently chosen as one of G.A.C’s top 100 greatest love song videos of all time.
He is also a proven hit songwriter with multiple #1 songs in gospel and country both in the U.S and Europe. His songs have been recorded by Grammy winning superstars like Travis Tritt, Timothy B. Shmitt (The Eagles), The Classic Imperials, Ty Herndon, John Berry and Deniece “Let’s Hear It For The Boy” Williams.

Kristy Jackson

She’s  made a living at writing songs for the most part with a big thanks to Reba McEntire who cut the song, “Take It Back” in the early 90’s. “Even when I had a “real” job, I was always either playing at piano bars during the week and gigging with bands on the weekends. “ she admits.

The year 2002 was an extraordinary year in that Kristy performed “Little Did She Know” in honor so many of the families who lost members and friends because of the events of 9/11. Her new full length CD, “Body & Soul”, was a difficult one to produce because it was terribly personal but cathartic. Despite the reflections it is filled with up tempo songs full of wisdom & humor. And as for her press? This is what they say… “Kristy Jackson is a beautiful singer, a soulful piano player,and a songwriter with great range. She pulls your heartstrings one moment and makes you laugh the next. She delivers all of this in a way that is completely down to earth and unpretentious. She completely charms the audience.” Ron Sowell/Mountain Stage Musical Director/Charleston, WV

We love to watch her play that piano cross-legged and barefoot. She’s a hoot and we’re happy to have her back.

Thom Shepherd

Thom is a songwriter and performer from Mount Juliet, Tennessee, whose songs have been recorded by Tracy Lawrence, George Jones, Trailer Choir, Montgomery Gentry, Pam Tillis, Buddy Jewell, Kevin Fowler, and Cledus T. Judd. He is the writer of the 1 hit single, “Redneck Yacht Club,” from Craig Morgan’s GOLD certified album “My Kind of Livin’ “. His first number one was “Riding with Private Malone,” recorded by David Ball. It won an Achievement Award from the Nashville Songwriters Association, voted on by their members as “the song you wish you had written.” Thom even got to be in the video, playing the title role. The song also opened the door for Thom to perform for our troops overseas – he has been on seven tours for Armed Forces Entertainment, bringing his music to servicemen and women in thirteen different countries.

Brian Ashley Jones

Brian is a soulful singer, accomplished lead guitarist, and versatile songwriter who draws from a variety of traditional music to create his own brand of Americana. Described as ‘Blues Grass’, Jones’ music is heavily influenced by the guitar driven bluegrass, blues, country, and rock that he absorbed while growing up in a musically diverse family in South Carolina. Now based in Nashville, Tennessee and endorsing Taylor Guitars, Jones maintains an active touring schedule and performs about 150 live shows per year. He showcases his writing and playing chops with 11 well crafted original songs in his current release Courier. The swampy instrumental ‘Pull ‘em Up’ has been featured in the widely acclaimed PBS television series Road Trip Nation, and the lighthearted bluegrass tune ‘Johnny Appleweed’ is the theme song of a feature length film currently on the film festival circuit. Jones has also been selected as a finalist in the 2008 Emerging Songwriter’s Contest at the Flat Rock Music Festival.

Corinne Chapman

Over the past seven years, she has developed relationships with many well known, successful writers, musicians, and producers who have become friends and mentors. She has honed her live show in the clubs in and around town. Her co-write ‘Just Drive’ was cut by Jo Dee Messina. She also co-wrote “Wonderin’” which Shanna Lynn released as a single in Canada in May 2008. She participated in a television pilot for the “Secrets of the Heart – Songwriters in the Round” series. Corinne has written (or co-written) over 45 songs recorded with producer Russ Zavitson (Billy Ray Cyrus, The Wilkinsons, The Kinleys, Michelle Wright) over the past couple of years. She continues to work on her craft, knowing that she has a family of believers and the talent and wit to do it. She works to make her songs strong and intelligent, but most of all, “reflections of life, portals into the moment we crave and fear—visceral, cleansing, alive, and full of hope and love.”

Sarah Majors

Sarah Majors has been a professional songwriter since 1994. She has enjoyed the success of having songs recorded in country, pop, bluegrass, contemporary folk and gospel genres. Some of the artists that have cut her songs include Trisha Yearwood, Trace Adkins, Tracy Byrd, The Kinleys, Rissi Palmer, Michelle Wright, No Secrets, Michael Peterson, Maia Sharp, Matt King, Megan Mullins, Valerie Smith and Liberty Pike, just to name a few. Sarah’s songs have also been featured on the hit ABC show, Extreme Makeover, the horror film, “Trailer Park of Terror”, and the cd/documentary project “This Is My America” features two of her tunes.

ALAN RHODY

Louisville, Kentucky native, multi-million selling songwriter and touring solo performer, Alan Rhody began his musical endeavors for the pure love of it while in art college in his hometown.  After performing for several years, he moved to Nashville in 1977 which has proven to be a wise move.  Alan’s best known songs include the #1 country classic, “I’ll Be True To You” (The Oak Ridge Boys), which crossed into the pop charts as well and has earned a Million-Airplay Award from BMI, along with quadruple platinum (four million in sales) status.  Two more of Alan’s original compositions that launched careers include “Trainwreck Of Emotion” (Lorrie Morgan) and “Wild-Eyed Dream” (Ricky Van Shelton).  His “Christmas To Christmas” (Toby Keith / Tanya Tucker / Lee Greenwood) is now among North America’s perennial holiday favorites.
The long list of artists also includes Del McCoury, George Jones, Atlanta Rhythm Section, Suzy Boggus, Michael Murphy, Kevin Welch, Kieran Kane, Lynn Anderson, Hoyt Axton, T.G.Sheppard, Don Gibson, Ronnie McDowell and Billy Crash Craddock.

CHARLIE BLACK

Arriving in Nashville in 1970, Charlie Black has produced a large catalog of recorded songs. He has been named Songwriter of The Year three times and was elected 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 14 #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, and George Strait.
His song “Goodbye Says It All” was Blackhawk’s first big hit, and he helped launch Phil Vassar’s rising star with “Carlene”, and “Six-Pack Summer”. Two more of Charlie’s songs were slated for Phil’s December, 2009 release. Charlie and his wife, hit songwriter Dana Hunt Black, have also written the title song for George Strait’s platinum album “Somewhere Down In Texas”.

Tony Haselden

Tony is a Louisana native who brings downhome humor and extreme musicality to every performance. He is a charter member of the rock group LeRoux and recorded three albums for Capitol records and two for RCA which produced the southern standard “New Orleans Ladies” and the top 20 hit “Nobody Said It Was Easy”. After touring with Foreigner, Journey, ZZ Top, The Beach Boys and a long list of legends of that era, he chose to settle in the country…music that is….Grits….sweet tea…real life people.
Nashville was the perfect fit and soon after the move he had his first hit, “Mama Knows” by the group Shenendoah. That was followed by more 1’s like, “ It Ain’t Nothin”, Keith Whitley, “Take It Like A Man”, Michelle Wright, “You Know Me Better Than That”, George Strait and “That’s My Story” Collin Raye. Tonys’ songs have been recorded by Toby Keith, Shania Twain, Trisha Yearwood, Marie Osmond and, well …you know…more.

Mike Dekle

Kenny Rogers recorded Mike’s “Scarlet Fever” and released it in July, 1983. This was Mike’s first published song and it became Mike’s first number one. Soon after Kenny Rogers’ publishing company, Lionsmate Music, signed Mike to an exclusive writer’s contract. Kenny has recorded six of Mike’s songs to date. He has also had cuts by Ricky Skaggs, T.G. Sheppard, Moe Bandy, The Whites, Hank Thomson, Keith Whitley and several overseas artists.
Mike’s had a top ten hit with Tracy Byrd titled “Don’t Love Make A Diamond Shine” and a song on Gene Watson’s CD, “No Trash In My Trailer”. Joe Nichol’s recorded Mikes “Joe’s Place” and “Size Matters”.
Mike says, “I consider myself a sensitive Southern storyteller who is extremely blessed to have been given a creative talent. Songwriting is in my blood. I’ll write because I’ll bust wide open if I don’t.”

Victoria Banks

Described by Nashville’s Music Row Magazine as one of “the best songwriters in the business,” Victoria made Billboard chart history by co-writing the highest new artist debut song ever released, Jessica Simpson’s “Come on Over.” She also scored the 1 most downloaded song on iTunes with Jessica Simpson’s “Remember That,” penned the ASCAP and SOCAN award-winning Sara Evans hit “Saints & Angels,” and co-wrote Johnny Reid’s smash hit “Dance With Me.” She has collaborated with artists from Gretchen Wilson to Julie Roberts, and shared the stage with superstars from Randy Bachman to Alabama.

Billy Montana

Once an agriculture major at Cornell University who dreamed of owning and operating an apple farm in upstate New York, Montana elected to sow seeds of a different sort in the songs he writes and records. A diverse group of artists have recorded Montana’s songs, including Garth Brooks, Sara Evans, Jo Dee Messina, Tim McGraw, Martina McBride, Sister Hazel, BlackHawk, Kenny Rogers, Lee Ann Womack, and Pat Green.

The Grammy-nominated “Bring on the Rain”, recorded by Jo Dee Messina and Tim McGraw, was both a country and AC hit. Jo Dee Messina says, “It’s one of my favorite songs…with hope hidden under layers of trouble…these guys [Montana and Darling] put their guts on a piece of paper and it just hit home for so many people.”

Montana scored another hit when he and Jenai wrote Sara Evans’ smash “Suds in the Bucket”, the most performed song by a female artist in 2004. “We were looking to write an up-tempo story song with country language…I felt like that title sort of fell out of the sky,” says Montana.

Most recently, Montana showcased his writing skills in Garth Brooks’ record breaking single “More Than a Memory”, which entered the Billboard and R&R charts at Number One. “I don’t think in my lifetime, I will ever be part of something like that again. Everything just had to work perfectly for that to happen,” says Montana. Scott Borchetta, President of Big Machine Records said, “This is a song they’ll be playing for the next 20 years.”

Arriving in Music City, it didn’t take long for Hall to submerge himself in many different aspects of the industry.  For two years he performed hundreds of shows on the Lower Broadway Strip, which is widely  know as a place for musicians and artists to hone their skills.  He also  landed acting roles including a principle  role in Blake Shelton’s #1 song and video “Ol’ Red”.  Other video roles include  parts in Cletus T Judd’s “ I Wanna Be A Plowboy” video and The Warren Brother’s video “Sell A Lot Of Beer”. Continuing to sing and write songs, Hall took a job selling merchandise on the road for Loretta Lynn.

“Working with Loretta Lynn on the road was an experience that I will never forget!” says Hall.  “I got to experience the music business from a completely different perspective as a behind the scenes person.  It was incredible to learn the ins and outs of the business from a country music icon!”

In May of 2006 Hall signed his first record deal with American Roots Records as a guitar player/ low harmony vocalist in the band TelluRide.  As an original member of the band, he also co-wrote two songs on their debut album “Four Square Miles”.  One of the songs “Hope Happens Here” was a project with the Riley Children’s Foundation, which supports the Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis.  As an Indiana native, this project was very special to him.  At the Foundation’s request, Hall co-wrote the song that was to be used for the Foundation’s fund raising campaign for the hospital. A powerful video of the song is on the homepage of www.rileykids.org.

With years of experience as a well-rounded performer and entertainer, Hall was primed and ready to pursue a project on his own.  He parted ways with TelluRide in January of 2009 – Hall lives in Nashville, TN where he continues writing songs and working on his solo career.

Dave Pahanish

As an artist Dave Pahanish has been traveling and performing his own style of folk rock music for almost 2 decades. Since his move to Nashville in 2007, he has released 2 cds independently and has had over 30 songs recorded by other artists including Toby Keith, Jimmy Wayne, Emily West, Tim McGraw, Fisher Stevenson and more. Recognizably… Jimmy Wayne took “Do You Believe Me Now” to the top of the Billboard Charts staying at number 1 for 3 weeks in 2008. Waynes next single “I Will”, written by Dave Pahanish and Rory Feek (of Joey and Rory fame) went to number 14 on the Billboard Country Charts. Toby Keith is riding up the charts at record speed with “American Ride” (formerly American Life) debuting at 38 and moving up to number 1 in just 12 weeks making it Tobys fastest rising single to date.

Dave has been rocking Nashville recently performing acoustically as well as with his band, The Rust Belt, featuring some of Nashvilles finest musicians including ACM Guitarist of the year 2008 Tom Bukovac, Shawn Fichter, John Deaderick, Rachel Loy, and Kristin Lee. He has also been traveling and performing with a local tribe of established writers/ artists/ and musicians that have dubbed themselves the Music City Review. Catch them on the road or most Monday evenings in Nashville at the Music City Bar and Grill near Opryland.

Craig Monday

Craig has a voice that has become recognizable in the Nashville writer clubs. He has had success both as a writer and a performer. He has cuts on several CDs by major artists including Kenny Chesney, Diamond Rio, Vince Gill and Amy Grant, Earl Scruggs and Jamie Johnson to name a few. He has played the Swallow before. His “Elephino” is an instant classic. Betcha’ he plays it as well as the hits he’s written with another Swallow favorite, Chris Wallen. (“It Got A Little Crazy Last Night”) This will be good!

Lance Miller

Lance Miller is a singer’s singer who came through the ranks of Music Row writing and singing demos. When Lance first came to Music City he knew exactly who he was as a performer, but the more demos he sang the further away from that he got.

“Nashville Star reminded me of what it meant to be an artist,” explains Lance. Working his way through a season of Nashville Star, performing and building a national fan base as a weekly favorite among viewers, reminded Lance of what he had left behind as an artist.

Lance is currently a staff writer for Style Sonic Publishing (Tim McGraw’s Company) and has penned the songs “It’s Got You All Over It” Tracy Lawrence, “Rough Around The Edges” Clay Walker and “Same Boat” for Restless Heart and Shenendoah.

Come hear one of the best authentic Country voices around today and meet one heck of a nice guy!

Austin Cunningham

Exploring the lives and emotions of the characters he brings to life is how Austin Cunningham describes his formula for success. “When I write a heartbreak song, for example, I don’t want to just say, oh so and so broke my heart, and leave it at that,” he says. “I want to get behind the motivation of the break up what was going on in the characters mind and heart there’s always more to the story than meets the eye, and that’s something I want to try to capture when I write. I also like to try to put a positive spin on things maybe add a little inspirational twist.”

His interpretations of life have appealed to such artists as The Judds, Dolly Parton, Tracy Byrd, Kathy Mattea, Tanya Tucker, and Reba McEntire among others who have cut his songs. His last two singles have been featured in motion pictures. The Where The Heart Is soundtrack includes the single “Grow Young With You” (Coley McCabe), and his song “Beautiful” (Jennifer Paige) was featured in the Winona Ryder/Richard Gere movie, Autumn In New York. Other cuts include “From The Ashes” (Martina McBride), “I’m Your Man” (Jason Sellers), and “Dancin’ With Angels” (SHeDAISY).

His Christian cuts include recordings by Susie Luchsinger, Roy Clark, Ken Hollaway, and Lisa Daggs among others. Cunningham is a recipient of the coveted Johnny Mercer Award for “Emerging American Songwriters,” which is given annually to one writer each from New York, LA, and Nashville.

Leslie Satcher Leslie Playing last night!

She’s been busy-the long awaited second CD by this critically acclaimed singer/songwriter is finally complete as her first independent project. All the while getting a new George Strait cut “ Troubadour” on his latest CD.

Leslie is well known for the songs she has written, for that intense voice and that true Texas spirit. She’s had hits with artists such as Randy Travis, Willie Nelson, Bonnie Raitt, George Jones, George Strait, Gretchen Wilson, Trisha Yearwood, Patty Loveless, Vince Gill and dozens more. Now, she has finished her own “creation” from start to finish on her own terms. This “creation” exposes her Texas roots and tells us the story of her journey through the hard red dirt, heartaches & frustrations and the joy of finding true love. With the best musicians in the business and the guest vocals of Vince Gill, Alison Krauss, Carl Jackson, Wes Hightower & Jeannie Winn all produced by Grammy Winning Luke Wooten, this is truly a gem for the discerning music lover. Expect to be treated to selections from it this weekend as well as her charm, wit and golden voice. You are gonna love this special lady.

James Slater

James Slater is a piano-playing, bilingual singer-songwriter of Bolivian-American descent. Born in Durham, North Carolina to a mandolin loving psychiatrist and a Spanish speaking mother, he was raised in the tropics of the Panama Canal Zone in Central America. After high school James returned to the U.S.A. and graduated from Florida’s distinguished University of Miami School of Music, after a brief move to Los Angeles he found himself living in Europe, Zurich Switzerland for six years touring, recording and writing. He wrote “don’t break my heart”, for Belgian super group Vaya con Dios, and then signed a solo contract with BMG, Switzerland, and penned the hit “Poco a Poco”. He has traveled the world from panama to Dublin, Ireland, from Spain to Havana, Cuba.

James and his grand piano now live in the songwriting mecca known as Nashville, Tennessee. He is signed to Byron Gallimore’s song garden/cal iv publishing company and his songs have been recorded by Tim McGraw, Martina McBride, Lorrie Morgan, Jessica Andrews, Mark Wills, Shemekia Copeland, Billy Gilman among others. Martina’s recording of “in my daughter’s eyes” has become a modern day standard garnering James a BMI Country Award as well as a BMI pop award in 2006 in Los Angeles. “In my Daughter’s Eyes” was also nominated for a Grammy for best vocal performance.

Paul Jefferson

Paul Jefferson is originally from San Francisco, California, and has lived in Nashville for the past 15 years. He released a solo album on Almo Sounds in 1997 and has toured with such artists as Trisha Yearwood, Dwight Yoakam, and John Berry. He also has experienced success during his tour of the UK, appearing on VH-1, CMT, and local affiliates.

Paul co-wrote the Aaron Tippon 1 hit, “That’s As Close As I’ll Get To Loving You”, has had songs placed in two NBC movies of the week, and has had songs cut by other artists such as the phenomenal Keith Urban and Buddy Jewell. Paul has made a name for himself with “You’re Not My God” and “I Might Just Make It.” The Nashville Scene included Jefferson’s video for “Check Please” in it’s top 10 video for ‘97. Recently Paul joined the renegade snobbish band, hilljack, and has had national radio and tour success with the group. hilljack had their celebrated debut on the Grand Ole Opry, and has won the “New Music Weekly” award of Band of The Year for 2005.

Wyatt Easterling

At the beginning of 2006, Easterling stepped down from Spindletop Records to focus on record production and songwriting as well as to continue as Creative Vice President and partner/owner of Affiliated Publishers Inc. (API) and API Management. API has a twenty year history of publishing hit songs and managing hit acts. The songs range from the number one hit, “Beautiful Mess” by Diamond Rio, to million airplay songs such as, “I Like It, I Love It” and “Down On The Farm,” by Tim McGraw, “Bigger Than The Beatles” and “So Help Me Girl,” by Joe Diffie. Wyatt currently has the title cut on the platinum album “Modern Day Drifter” with Dierks Bentley and Capitol Records.
Easterling produced the multi-platinum debut album, “Life’s A Dance” for John Michael Montgomery. To date that album has sold well over three million units worldwide. All his past experience compliments his creativity and dedication to the music.

Todd Cerney

Todd has been living and working in Nashville since 1974. “Good Morning Beautiful,” his  song on the first album by Steve Holy,  was # 1 on the country charts for 5 weeks. It also was used in the Jennifer Lopez movie, “Angel Eyes.” and was one of only four songs to win an ASCAP Film & TV award for “Most Performed Song  Featured in a Motion Picture”.  Etta James’ Grammy winning CD, “Let’s Roll,” includes Todd’s song, ”Blues is My Business,” which was also featured in the HBO program, “The Sopranos.”

Awards everywhere… a Grammy nominee in the Best Country Song category for “I’ll Still Be Loving You” recorded by Restless Heart and won the ASCAP Country Song of the Year for the same song in 1987.

His songs have been recorded by Lynyrd Skynyrd,  Bad English, Eddie Money, Cheap Trick, Loverboy, The Four Tops / Aretha Franklin, Martika, Ty Herndon, and many more.

Casey Kelly

Casey’s many hit songs include 1’s: “Anyone Who Isn’t Me Tonight” (Grammy Nominated) by Kenny Rogers and Dottie West, “Soon” by Tanya Tucker (Grammy Nominated), “Somewhere Down the Line” by T G Shepherd and country music standard, “The Cowboy Rides Away” by George Strait.”

He’s worked as a session player and singer, and performs in clubs and concerts for audiences in Europe and throughout the US. He’s a  workshop contributor and songwriters’ rights activist- am a member of ASCAP and NSAI. In all that spare time, he mentors the NSAI Regional Workshops in Providence, RI; Atlanta, GA and Pensacola, FL. He worked us into this hectic schedule-and we are lucky to have him back.

Leslie Ellis

Leslie has released two critically acclaimed solo albums; “Standing at the Moment” and “Leslie Ellis” on Working Jane Music.
She shared how “The Flyer Song” video came about…
“My friend Kip has an email pen pal named Captain Scott Berg, who just happens to be Second In Command of the John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group. Two months ago, Kip sent him an mp3 of my song “The Flyer Song”; thinking he might identify with some of the sentiments in the lyrics.
Captain Berg liked the song and my simple recording of it enough to play it for his air wing and to, based on their positive reaction, commission a video of the song. So the media department of the “Stennis” and a very talented man named MC3 E. Jayce Fabrizio made a beautiful and moving video using their footage from the ship (some stock and some shot just for the video).
These guys are currently somewhere in the Persian Gulf and are risking their lives for us and our freedom everyday. With this video I’d like to pay tribute to them and to all our troops – here, there and everywhere: I thank you for all you do and I will pray for your safety always.
I’d also like to thank the families of the troops – for their undeniable gift of time…precious time away from their loved ones on our behalf. Thank you, thank you, thank you.”

Talent, heart, looks, brains-this group has that and more-come see for yourself. You’ll leave inspired.