Scheduled performers (in alphabetical order) are:

Chuck Cannon | View a video clip
“AMERICAN SOLDIER” – Toby Keith #1 (4-weeks)

"I LOVE THE WAY YOU LOVE ME"
#1 Country - John Michael Montgomery, ACM Song of the Year
#2 UK - Boyzone, BMI 2 Million- Air award
“ HOW DO YOU LIKE ME NOW” #1 (5 weeks) - Toby Keith
“ DREAMWALKIN” #1 - Toby Keith
“ WE WERE IN LOVE” #1 - Toby Keith

Chuck grew up in the low country of the South Carolina coast. His father and grandfather were both Pentecostal preachers, so his earliest musical influence was a unique strain of gospel music that was an amalgam of Appalachian folk and black spirituals. He started singing in church before he was five years old and it soon became clear that music would be the driving passion in his life. Read more on Chuck Cannon...

Patrick Davis
“ Soulful.”“A self-possessed writer and performer.”“A young artist on the cusp of a serious career". Words written to describe a 27-year-old singer and songwriter who has made it his business to adamantly write, tour, play and sing, and as a result, take a chance on generating one hell of a debut record.

Patrick Davis ’first full-length LP, appropriately titled Chances Are, which recently earned the Top 5 best-seller status on Awarestore.com, chronicles Davis ’determination to take the necessary risks that define his Tom Petty meets Lyle Lovett-singer-songwriter meets old-school rock-n-roll-music style. Performing Songwriter Magazine hails Davis debut effort as “a natural blend of Springsteen style working-class rock and from-the-gut alternative country … a notable debut from a young artist on the cusp of a serious career..” Read more on Patrick Davis...

Dillon Dixon
Originally from Englewood Colorado, just south of Denver; Dillon Dixon left the comforts of home in 1988 to pursue a career as a singer and songwriter. Having cut his teeth on the Greenwich Village, NY and Boston folk circuits, Dillon is quite at home on any kind of stage.

Dillon financed his education at Berklee College of Music of Boston by spending his summers as lead vocalist, bass player, and bandleader for a cover band on St.Simon's Island, Georgia.

After graduating Cum Laude, he took off for New York City, establishing a career in retail music with PolyGram Group Distribution, while playing the bars and clubs in Greenwich Village. Dillon moved to Nashville in the summer of 1995 where he found a community to listen to intelligent lyrics with soulful melodies. "Artistic Integrity" is what he calls it, and he's in the right place for that!

Since Dillon has been in Nashville, he has made the songwriter's circuit, playing such well-know clubs as The Bluebird Cafe, Douglas' Corner, Bailey's 123, Jonathan's, and many others. Read more on Dillon Dixon...

Scotty Emerick|View a video Clip
Scotty Emerick was raised in Vero Beach, Fla., with one bare foot in the ocean to the east and one bare foot on the edge of a lake to the west. "It was probably the best of all worlds, an all-American barefoot-boy kind of life," he says. "I was outside all the time. I could be at the beach in five minutes, and in the other direction, freshwater fishing was just 10 or 15 minutes away. I guess that makes me a redneck beach bum!"

And though the life of a redneck beach bum doesn't sound bad, it wasn't exactly what Emerick saw as a long-term plan. In fact, his passion for playing, singing and writing songs brought him to landlocked Nashville. Now the all-American barefoot boy from Vero Beach is releasing his first album, The Coast Is Clear (due in fall of 2003 on DreamWorks Records).

The disc was produced by Emerick's labelmate and country music superstar Toby Keith (who shared that job with DreamWorks Records head James Stroud). It boasts 11 songs co-written by Emerick with a host of talented writers. Among those was Keith, who also sings backup on the cuts "The Coast Is Clear" and "I Can't Take You Anywhere." Read more on Scotty Emerick...

Susan Haynes
Sony recording artist Susan Haynes' subtle artistry couples the best of the 70's California pop sensibilities with her own honesty into a modern country voice that is engagingly fresh.  Born and raised in Atlanta, Susan's earliest memories are of her almost nightly singing performances on the family hearth beginning at the age of two. Her musical influences read like a collage of 70's and 80's pop and country radio including Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstandt, Willie Nelson, Emmylou Harris, and Fleetwood Mac.
       
After college, Susan secured a position as a manager of a recording studio where she met and began working with, then guitar player and soon to be producer, Dann Huff. She then signed a publishing deal with EMI and soon after, a record deal with Sony. Susan's first album will be an authentic depiction of an artist in flight. Co-produced with Huff and Mark Wright, it will feature memorable songs such as "Bottle Rocket" and "Not That Bad," and include some insightful original material written by Susan.

James Dean Hicks
At the age of 10, country music artist James Dean Hicks began making the trip from his home on a farm near Bardstown, Kentucky, to the big-city streets of Nashville. There he appeared regularly on the "WSM Midnight Jamboree" with the Grand Ole Opry greats, including Ernest Tubb and Hank Snow. By the time he was 13, James had opened concerts for Conway Twitty, Loretta Lynn, George Jones and Tammy Wynette.

From this almost legendary beginning, James has traveled on to success as one of America's premier songwriter/artist! Read more on James Dean Hicks...

Brett James  | View a video clip
After ten years in Nashville, three albums recorded, two recording contracts, three publishing contracts, one move back to Oklahoma and over 70 of his songs recorded by other artists, maybe it is Brett James’ turn to finally become an overnight success.

The Oklahoma native has certainly seen his share of highs and lows on his musical journey, but with the success of his songwriting career over the past two and a half years and the early success of his first single, “Chasin’ Amy” from his forthcoming Arista Nashville album, it looks like Brett is on the verge of a huge breakthrough. “It hasn’t always been easy, but I believe that the struggle makes you stronger and I know that I’m a lot more grateful for the success that I’ve had lately than I would have, had it come quickly,” said Brett.

The second of three kids, Brett grew up in a very musical family. “My dad’s never done it for a living, but he’s an amazing singer and my mom has a Master’s degree in classical piano, so there was always a lot of music in our house,” says Brett. “I learned to sing in church and started singing duets with my brother when I was about five, but where I’m from you don’t ever really think about trying to make a career out of it. I mean it’s not one of the options that they give you at the job fair in high school. I never really even thought seriously about it until I was already in medical school.” Medical school? That’s right, Brett was in his second year of medical school at the University of Oklahoma when he got his first break.

http://www.brettjames.com/

Wendell Mobley
Nashville Singer-Songwriter
16 years in Nashville- from Celina, Ohio

Some of his Cuts:
Joe Diffie- Alabama- Montgomery Gentry- Andy Griggs- Kenny Chesney- Chely Wright- Mark Chesnut- Rascal Flatts- John Michael Montgomery- Trisha Yearwood- Neil McCoy- Tracy Byrd- Edwin McCain- Chad Brock-Kenny Rogers- Keith Stegall- Ricky Van Shelton

Some Albums he sang on:
Lynyrd Skynyrd- Alabama- Chely Wright- Faith Hill- Crystal Gayle-
Keith Stegal- Ty Herndon-

Commercials:
Oscar Meyer- Bob Evans- McDonalds- Pabst Blue Ribbon
Pro-Craft Boats

Played guitar on the Opry with Jack Green after moving to town.
Played guitar and sang background vocals for Alabama on the road.

Some Singles he wrote:

Rascal Flatts “I Melt”
Kenny Chesney “How Forever Feels”
Kenny Chesney “There Goes My Life”
Alabama “We Can’t Love Like This Anymore”
Andy Griggs “How Cool Is That”
Trisha Yearwood “I Need You”
John Michael Montgomery “Ain’t Got Nothin’ On Us”
Edwin McCain “I Want It All”

Rivers Rutherford | View a video clip

Born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, Rivers Rutherford began his musical education at the age of seven, when he took up the piano and guitar. His father, who also played the piano and toured with the Apollo Boy’s Choir, was his biggest influence. They spent many evenings in the family kitchen playing tunes from what Rivers remembers as the “big orange Elvis songbook.”

Rutherford’s professional career began at the age of 15, when he was hired to play piano on the Memphis Queen riverboat. He later graduated to playing clubs on Beale Street throughout his high school years. A piano scholarship enabled Rutherford to attend Ole’ Miss, where he majored in English and music. Read more on Rivers Rutherford...

Kylie Sackley | View a video clip
Think "outside the square" think "fresh, new, unique ". Add up these elements, weaved with velvet vocals, soulful sounds and youthful appeal, and you may encircle the surface of all this vivacious and talented 20yr old has to offer the music industry, both nationally and internationally.

The Country Music Association of Australia obviously agrees with the promise of this talented young artist, as 2002 saw Kylie take home "Best New Talent" at the "Country Music Awards of Australia", following the success of her debut single "Love's like a train" (ABC/Universal). Former winners of "Best New Talent" include the likes of Adam Brand, Sara Storer and Nashville based Aussies - Sherrie Austin and Keith Urban.

Kylie Sackley is undoubtedly driven. "I grew up touring the country music circuit in Australia". "While most normal kids were playing sport, partying and sharing their youth, I was practicing, preparing, touring, writing charts, learning lyrics…". "I don't regret a moment of this, music gave me an outlet to express myself, my thoughts, and I've always felt heard because I've been given the opportunity and gift in life, to be the messenger for people". Years on the circuit saw kylie climb her way to the pinnacle of country music competitions, and awards including "Star Maker" allowed her avenues to pursue a professional career in country music and furthermore hone her skills on the business side of the industry. Read more on Kylie Sackley...

Jennifer Schott
Jennifer Schott has been a Universal writer since the summer 2002. Originally from Pittsburg, Kansas, Jennifer moved to Nashville in 1997 after graduating from the University of Missouri to pursue a career in the music business. She landed her first publishing deal three years later with Dreamworks.

Currently, Jennifer has had cuts by Faith Hill, Restless Heart and the Shankmans. She’s also an aspiring artist and recently cut sides with producer Dann Huff.

Jason Sellers
Native Texan Jason Sellers began his musical career at the age of four, touring with his family two hundred days a year. Sellers moved to Nashville when he was 18 to play bass and sing in Vince Gill's band. This helped Jason land later jobs playing with Billy Joe Royal and Ricky Skaggs.

In 1997, Sellers was signed to RCA where he recorded two albums: the self-titled Jason Sellers released in 1997 and Matter of Time in 1999. Jason has recorded with such
artists as The Chieftans, Martina McBride, Sting, Lee Ann Womack, Pam Tillis, and John Michael Montgomery.

Even while maintaining his own singing career, Sellers finds time to write
songs for other artists as well. Some of those who have recorded his songs
are Trace Adkins, Lonestar, Lee Ann Womack, Ricky Skaggs, Montgomery Gentry,
Jessica Andrews, Jamie O'Neal, and Kenny Chesney. His song You Can't Hide
Beautiful, the first single from Aaron Lines' debut album Living Out Loud, spent
several weeks in Billboard's Top 5. Jason continues to be one of the most
respected and valued songwriters and artists in the Nashville music community.

James Slater
The dynamic JAMES SLATER singer-songwriter-pianoman extraordinaire weaves tales of love won and lost with powerful pop songs, strong ballads and emotive piano playing. An exotic mix of British-Bolivian and American blood, gives James a huge range of musical diversity from which to draw. With his songs he spreads passion as powerful as any tropical hurricane, and his music is as exciting as the wild nature which he grew up around.

James Slater is known for his energetic and soul driven live performances. The song Poco A Poco whirls up the subject of a man who missed the chance to marry the woman of his dreams, a tragically beautiful number rendered with Latin charisma. His performances prove that there are still artists out there who can totally enjoy themselves in concert without calculating their every move. Read more on James Slater...

Jeffery Steele is a top grade, totally successful, hot in demand, can’t write ‘em fast enough songwriter! In the last 3 years over 200 of his songs have been recorded by some of Nashville’s biggest stars. Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Trace Adkins, Montgomery Gentry, Collin, Raye, Diamond Rio, LeAnn Rimes, Rascal Flatts, Randy Travis, Lonestar, Jamie O’Neal, and just about every act in country music.

Songs like, “The Cowboy In Me”, “Chrome”, “I’m Tryin’”, “When The Lights Go Down”, “These Days”, “My Town”, “Speed”, “Unbelievable”, and “Big Deal”, are just a few of Steele’s hits. Recently awarded by B.M.I. for over 17,000,000 airplays, you will be hard pressed to find a CD without a song credit of his…or two!

Jeffrey moved to Nashville in 1994 after the success of his group Boy Howdy to pursue his passion for writing and producing, and has had 10 years of hits since then with no sign of slowing down. Born in Burbank, Ca., the last of 5 kids, Jeffrey’s upbringing was filled with every type of music possible from Hank Williams to Led Zeppelin to the beatles to Waylon Jennings.

Jason White | View a video clip
For over ten years, Jason White has been writing and performing original music with lyrical depth and a flair for the unexpected. A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Jason has been heavily influenced by rock and roll gods Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Elvis Costello and Van Morrison. Signed to Acuff-Rose Music Publishing, Jason is currently performing with some of Nashville's finest musicians in support of his first solo release "Shades of Gray." The CD was produced by Viktor Krauss, who is best known for his work with Lyle Lovett, Michael McDonald, Bill Frisell, and is a featured performer on Graham Nash's upcoming 2001 release.

" ...his songs indict, mourn celebrate, and snicker - if the fact that White's publishing company is Acuff-Rose isn't assurance enough of his writing ability, then one listen to the record will be - White has secured a place in the relatively small and very exclusive club of young, gutsy, seriously good Nashville songwriters"
- Performing Songwriter Magazine

Amber White
Born: Victoria, Tx
Hometown: Edna, Tx
Resides: Kingston Springs, TN
Musical Influences: Patty Loveless, George Strait, My Dad
Instruments: Piano, Drums

I first realized I wanted to be an artist: The first time I sang with my dad (3 yrs old).

First Paying gig: A bar called "Dodge City" with my band "showdown" - Victoria, TX.

My hero is: My Dad.

The most exciting thing in my career so far: Hearing one of my songs on the radio.

If I could tour with anyone: My good friend Blake Shelton & George Strait

My Sound:Patty Loveless, Bonnie Rait, and Karen Carpenter.

Phillip White
For Phillip White, listening to the positive songs of Paul Overstreet while growing up inspired him to take up music and begin writing songs himself. Little did he know that one day he'd actually be writing with his musical hero, Overstreet, and working in the same industry that has turned out such great talents as Dolly Parton, Aretha Franklin, Kris Kristofferson and Bob Dylan, all of whom have influenced White's music.

Though he was born in Music City, White grew up in Rogersville, Alabama, where his father moved to work when Phillip was three. In his teens, he began tinkering with a guitar his dad had bought him, and hanging around with a cousin, Spooner Oldham, who is a talented and successful writer himself ~ with some pretty hefty music industry ties. Also, being a session piano player, Oldham had played on records for various artists, such as Aretha Franklin and Jim Croce. With this additional influence, White became instantly enthralled with the sounds of Rhythm &: Blues. Seeing his cousin's success fueled White's interest in the business, and he began writing with Oldham on a regular basis. When the two traveled to Nashville to work on a session that Oldham had been hired to play, White met another writer named J Aaron Brown, who would soon become his employer. Read more about Phillip White...

D. Vincent Williams

A Proud Texas native, D. moved to Nashville in 1994 and, in what most would consider a short time, was signed to a major recording contract in February of 1995. While writing songs for his own project, those around him noticed a unique and undeniably identifiable style that has become a ten year success story. He has had cuts and hit records by the likes of: 

2002 “Song of The Year” I’m Movin’ On By Rascal Flatts
Randy Travis’s “Four Walls”
The new single by Steve Holy “Put Your Best Dress On” due out May 1st

Also, his many hits include:
Ty Herndon/Hands of a Working Man
Billy Gilman/Oklahoma
John Michael Montgomery/Look at Me Now
Jimmy Wayne/Just a Dream and You’re The One I’m Talking Too
The Kinleys/You’re Still Here
Reba McEntire/Room To Breathe
Mark Willis/Rich Man
John Berry/Rescued Me
Diamond Rio/You’ll Find Me