Songwriters Bring Veteran Tribute To Coastal Arts Center
Ken Cooper • October 10, 2025
Frank Brown Songwriters Festival is a local tradition

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.
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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.