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.

Share this article w/ Friends...

Gulf Shores Council to Vote on Expanded Golf Cart Access
By OBA Staff June 23, 2025
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — An update to the city's golf cart ordinance is on the agenda for tonight’s Gulf Shores City Council meeting. The proposed amendment would expand the number of public streets where golf carts are allowed.
Summer Week Brings Music Mud and Markets to the Coast
By Jessica A. Taylor June 23, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The final full week of June offers a wide variety of ways to explore, unwind, and connect across the Alabama Gulf Coast. From interactive nature programs and musical productions to hands-on family fun and nightlife with a twist, the region’s calendar is packed with choices for locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re here for a few days or lucky enough to live where others vacation, there’s something to look forward to each day.
City Donuts of Orange Beach Ranks Second Best in the USA
By OBA Staff June 22, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — City Donuts in Orange Beach has been named the second-best donut shop in the United States. The honor came from USA Today’s 2024 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, which recognize top food spots across the country.
Downtown Foley Sees Growth With New Projects and Support
By OBA Staff June 22, 2025
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Downtown Foley is seeing continued growth thanks to strong public and private investment. City officials and local business leaders are working together to improve infrastructure, attract visitors, and support small businesses. Foley Main Street, a nonprofit group focused on revitalizing downtown, hosted its annual meeting recently to highlight a year of progress. Mayor Ralph Hellmich praised the group’s work and promised additional enhancements ahead.
Summer Camp Brings Safety to Life for Local Kids
By OBA Staff June 21, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Orange Beach Police and Fire Rescue will host a new camp this summer to help kids learn about public safety. The first Public Safety Kids' Camp will be held at the Orange Beach Recreation Center. The event will offer hands-on fun, activities, and demonstrations. It’s a unique chance for local children to meet first responders and see how they help the community.
Celebrate International Surfing Day with Local Surf Shops in Alabama
By OBA Staff June 21, 2025
Today, June 21st, is International Surfing Day, and it’s the perfect time to celebrate the rich history of surfing and explore the surf culture along Alabama’s Gulf Coast. From its ancient Polynesian roots to modern-day surf shops like Ron Jon Surf Shop in Orange Beach and Tambo’s Surf Shack in Gulf Shores, surfing continues to inspire and bring people together.
Traffic is moving again at Baldwin County 12 and Alabama 59 after detours that lasted several months
By OBA Staff June 20, 2025
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Drivers in Baldwin County can now use a major traffic route that has been closed for months. The intersection of Baldwin County 12 and Alabama 59 in Foley is open again to vehicles. Traffic is flowing smoothly with temporary road striping in place. The Alabama Department of Transportation continues work on intersection improvements.
Foley Brings Back the Lights on Water Towers
By OBA Staff June 20, 2025
LED lights will show off city logos using less power
The Longest Day of the Year Happens Today
By OBA Staff June 20, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The first official day of summer isn’t always June 21. In fact, the start of summer can shift slightly each year. This change happens because Earth’s orbit and tilt don’t perfectly match the calendar. In 2025, summer begins on Friday, June 20 at 9:42pm CDT.
Gulf Shores Hosts Free Make Music Day at Meyer Park
By OBA Staff June 19, 2025
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — The City of Gulf Shores will celebrate Make Music Day with a community event at Meyer Park on Saturday, June 21. This free, family-friendly celebration invites everyone to enjoy live music and fun activities. Music lovers of all ages and skill levels are welcome to attend. It’s a chance to enjoy local talent, food trucks, and the longest day of the year.
Show More