Songwriters Bring Veteran Tribute To Coastal Arts Center

Ken Cooper • October 10, 2025

Frank Brown Songwriters Festival is a local tradition

Frank Brown Songwriters Event News

A special night of music and gratitude is set for Orange Beach. Two respected music organizations are joining forces to honor local veterans. Organizers say the event will feature award-winning Nashville songwriters who will perform moving songs created with veterans, along with their own hits. The evening aims to celebrate service and share stories through music.


The tribute will be held at the Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach. It is scheduled for Tuesday, November 11, with the show starting at 6 p.m. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. Seating is limited, and organizers encourage early ticket purchases.


DOWNLOAD SONGWRITERS APP: GOOGLE PLAY STORE APPLE APP STORE


The program is a collaboration between the Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival and Freedom Sings USA. Freedom Sings USA pairs professional songwriters with veterans to turn personal experiences into original songs. Those works will be featured on stage, giving audiences a rare, first person connection to military life. Event leaders say the format helps heal and build community.


A lineup of Nashville hitmakers will anchor the show. Scheduled performers include Steve Dean, Will Nance, Bobby Tomberlin, Mutt Cooper, Bill Whyte, and Bill DiLuigi. Each artist brings a strong catalog of radio cuts and awards. They will mix their chart favorites with pieces written alongside veterans. Organizers also teased surprise guests.


A list of their songs includes…

  • Steve Dean — Co-writer of Rodney Atkins’ No. 1 “Watching You,” Reba McEntire’s “Walk On,” The Oak Ridge Boys’ “It Takes a Little Rain,” and Lee Greenwood’s “Hearts Aren’t Made to Break.”
  • Wil Nance — Penned Brad Paisley’s No. 1 “She’s Everything” and Joe Nichols’ fan favorite “Cool to Be a Fool.”
  • Bobby Tomberlin — Co-wrote Diamond Rio’s No. 1 “One More Day” and cuts for Darryl Worley, Dolly Parton, and Bill Anderson.
  • Mutt Cooper — Alabama-born songwriter/performer known for Freedom Sings USA veterans’ collaborations and Southern originals.
  • Bill Whyte — Award-winning comic songwriter with cuts by Joe Nichols, Ray Stevens, and Cledus T. Judd.
  • Bill DiLuigi — Prolific Nashville writer with hundreds of cuts, including Chris Golden’s No. 1 country-gospel “Grateful” and TV placements.


Tickets are priced at fifteen dollars to keep the night accessible. Tickets can be purchased by calling 251-981-ARTS (2787). The venue expects strong interest and advises calling soon for tickets.


The setting at the Coastal Arts Center offers an intimate listening room experience with excellent acoustics. Audience members will hear the stories behind the songs and moments of reflection. The goal is to honor service members while reminding the community of their sacrifices. Applause and participation are always appreciated.


Local sponsors are supporting the tribute. Their backing helps cover production needs and keeps ticket prices low. Organizers say the support shows how much the community values veterans.


It promises a memorable evening that uplifts veterans and their families. Music will lead the way in saying thank you.


  • gulf shores news

    Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
Add As GOOGLE News Source
  • news in gulf shores

    Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • port at zekes

    Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • saunders marine gulf shores

    Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • yabbas snack shack

    Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • freedom boat club orange beach

    Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • buzzcatz coffee

    Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button

Recent Posts

beau’s law tethering dogs in alabama
By R. Peevy April 9, 2026
A state bill protecting outdoor dogs passed the legislature Wednesday afternoon. Senate Bill 361, also known as "Beau's Law", passed the Alabama House with overwhelming yeas and just a few nays. The votes came after a lengthy discussion in the House on the bill, which lays out requirements for tethering dogs.
Lagoonfest Brings Local Musicians Together
By Ken Cooper April 9, 2026
Local music will take center stage as a new festival debuts at Icehouse Tap Room. Organizers say Lagoonfest was created to celebrate and support area musicians. The event aims to bring artists and fans together in a single location. It also seeks to create new opportunities for performers to earn income.
Orange Beach Bridge Detour
By Ken Cooper April 9, 2026
The Orange Beach City Council were informed by Ford Handley, City Administrator, the southbound traffic on the Expressway would be detoured for three (3) days. The southbound traffic during that time will enter the island via the Hwy. 59 bridge in Gulf Shores.
Show More