Songwriters and Sunsets Raises Nearly One Hundred Thousand Dollars

R. Ken Cooper • June 23, 2025

Photographer Shelley Patterson of C-Shelz Photography captured this special evening

Songwriters Chris DeStefano, Brett James, and Jon Nite

Pensacola, Fla. — (OBA) —  This past Tuesday, “Songwriters and Sunsets” event at Vinyl Music Hall in downtown Pensacola brought music fans together for a special night. Held as a private gathering, the show featured top country music songwriters performing and sharing stories. It wasn’t just about entertainment—it was also about giving back. Nearly $100,000 was raised for music education and songwriter support.


The money will benefit the Larry Butler Memorial Music Fund at the
University of West Florida and the Frank Brown International Foundation for Music. The event took place last week and received strong support from the local community and generous sponsors.


Songwriters Chris DeStefano, Brett James, and Jon Nite took the stage for the event. Each one is known for writing hit songs performed by some of the biggest names in country music. Fans enjoyed an evening filled with heartfelt performances and behind-the-scenes stories.


Organizers praised everyone who helped make the night a success. They thanked the sponsors and volunteers whose hard work brought the event to life. The atmosphere was warm and filled with appreciation for live music and storytelling.


These same songwriters will return in November for the
41st annual Frank Brown Songwriters’ Festival. Songwriter events will be held in Perdido Key, Orange Beach, Gulf Shores and Pensacola. More details will be announced soon.


The event was photographed by Shelley Patterson of
C-Shelz Photography, who captured the night’s special moments for everyone to remember.

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