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The event is intended to celebrate the lives and legacies of departed songwriters who shaped our community. This year, we gather to honor the memory and the music of:
Rock Killough, Hank Cochran, Larry T. Wilson, Red Lane, Rusty McHugh, Larry Butler, Jim McBride, Brett Jones, Rusty Golden, Jimbeau Hinson, Mickey Newbury, Roger Sovine, Rick Whaley, Wayne Carson, Billy Joe Shaver, Larry Jon Wilson, Jimmy Louis, David Johnson, Cathy Pace, and Jim Hurt.
By showcasing regional talent in music, visual arts, and literature, we will strengthen the Gulf Coast’s reputation as a vibrant cultural destination. Our goal is for the event to become the region’s signature annual gathering - an inclusive, high-quality celebration of creative expression in a safe, accessible
setting.
Supporting Gold Star Mentors: Thanks to the dedication of all our volunteers donating their time, 100% of the event's profits will be donated to Gold Star Mentors. Founded by Brett Jones in 2017, this organization provides free guitars and three months of professional lessons to children and young adults grieving the loss of a family member to military service. As Brett described it: “The only thing that got me through what I call the rough spots is my guitar... A song was my life vest.” Together, we are helping these young people find their own "life vest" through music.
Event Logistics:
• Date: November 9, 2026
• Time: 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM (doors open 11:30)
• Venue: The OWA Theatre, 205 North OWA Boulevard, Foley, Alabama 36535
The Performers: We are proud to announce that 32 singer-songwriters have signed up to perform as solo acts or in groups. We thank the following musicians for keeping the memory of our friends alive through their songs:
Cowboy Johnson, Cody Jones, Chris Golden, Marc Alan Barnette, Alan Rhody, Larry Mitchel, Jeff Church, Jeff Matthews, Wes McBride, Brent McBride, Jon Cook, Wes Loper, LeaAnne Creswell, Darrel Roberts, Robbie Fleming, J Hawkins, Elaine Petty, Dave Latiolais, Jason Justice, Jack Robertson, Nick Branch, Brent Burns, Kim Carson, Donna Slater, Rhonda Hart, Mutt Cooper, Steve Norman, Sam Glass, Mark Bagley, Joe Schwerdtfeger, Jerry Salley, and Bo Roberts.
The Authors: Shining a light on Frank Brown Songwriters Festival song-writer authors, late, and living. We appreciate their participation in bringing additional magnitude to our event:
Jim McBride - Lines About Life (signed by his sons Wes & Brent McBride) Rick Carter Fables and Stories (signed by Rick Carter) Jack Robertson - Big Earl: Welcome to the Show (signed by Jack Robertson) Rock Killough - Front Porch Stories (signed by Birdie Kathryn Stengel) William Lee Golden - Stories Behind the Beard and Golden Memories (signed by his son, Chris Golden) Mark Sherrill - Luzianna (signed by Mark Sherill)
Shining light on regional authors:
E. Gaylon McCollough, MD - The Bryant Award (signed by E. Gaylon McCollough, MD) Janice Hawkins - Nall at Troy (signed by Troy University’s First Lady, Janice Hawkins & spouse, Dr. Jack Hawkins, Chancellor, Troy University) Paul Entrican - Mr. Mig (signed by Paul Entrican) Elizabeth Bowman Woolverton - Elizabeth’s Spicy Life (signed by Elizabeth Bowman Woolverton)
Brad Patterson / Chris Warner - Mamou (signed by Brad Patterson / Chris Warner) Diane Baker Foster – Sliding into History (signed by Diane Baker Foster).
Art Exhibit: A special exhibition in the lobby of the OWA Theater will bring together the work of esteemed artist Susan McCollough and the late Fred Nall Hollis. Conceived as a visual dialogue
between two artists, the exhibition places their work in conversation with one another, inviting visitors to discover connections, contrasts, and shared expressions through their distinct artistic voices.
Dining & Refreshments: A chef-crafted premium buffet will be served from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, featuring:
• Mahi Mahi over yellow rice with creamy crab sauce
• Grilled shrimp over smoked gouda cheese grits
• Creamy alfredo pasta with blackened chicken
• Smoked BBQ brisket over chipotle ranch slaw with fried jalapenos
• Top sirloin steak and melted cooper sharp cheese sandwiches
• Creamy spicy succotash
• King cake bread pudding
Two cash bars will be available for your convenience, one in the lobby and one in the 'E. O. Wilson' VIP mezzanine.
Tickets & Promotion: Tickets are available for purchase through the OWA platform at:
https://ci.ovationtix.com/35683/production/1291148
• General Admission: $55
• VIP $95
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Event venue
OWA Theater, 205 N Owa Blvd, Foley, AL 36535-5910, United States
Tickets
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