iHeartMedia’s WAVE 92.7, The Treasure Coast’s #1 for New Country, and BMI are proud to present the fourth annual Treasure Coast Songwriters Festival at Pirate’s Cove Resort and Marina in Stuart from Thursday, May 29 through Sunday, June 1, 2025.
The four-day event, which is free to the public, will feature more than 40 performances from local Florida and Nashville-based BMI songwriters, who will share the stories behind their hit songs when they perform. Featured songwriters include Aaron Barker, Bridgette Tatum, Casey Page, Dylan Altman, Frank Myers, James Slater, Nathan Allen, Nelson Cade, Reed Foley, Sarah Buxton, Trisha Markinson, and Wynn Varble.
This is a free event for the public and promises to be fun for everyone in our fourth year of The Treasure Coast Songwriters Festival.
Scroll down to meet our songwriters!
Aaron Barker, best known for his hits written for George Strait, has had a long and varied career. Born in San Antonio, he got his first guitar at age six and began performing at school and church events. His early poetry, influenced by his red-green color blindness, became the basis for his first songs.
As a young man, Barker joined The American Peddlers as a bass player and lead singer, gaining a reputation as a top entertainer in Lone Star State. After more than a decade with the band, he left in 1988 to pursue songwriting.
A tape of his songs reached George Strait’s manager, leading to Strait recording Barker’s “Baby Blue,” which became a #1 hit in 1988. Strait continued to record Barker’s songs, including “Love Without End, Amen” and “Easy Come, Easy Go.”
Signed by Atlantic Records, Barker released “The Taste of Freedom” in 1992 and reestablished himself as an entertainer. He released more solo albums in 1998, 2002, and 2006, but his most widely heard work remains the jingles he wrote for Blue Bell Ice Cream.
Barker’s songs were also recorded by other artists, including Doug Supernaw, Lonestar, and Clay Walker, resulting in multiple Top 10 hits. His work has been recorded by Tyler Farr, Trace Adkins, Willie Nelson, and more. In recognition of his contributions, Barker was inducted into the Texas Heritage Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2007 and the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2016.
It’s hard to deny the pure talent and passion for her craft that is clearly the driving force behind many of artist Bridgette Tatum’s high profile career milestones.
In 2009, this native of Florence, South Carolina, co-wrote the Most Played Song on Country radio stations across the United States. A tremendous achievement for any songwriter, the song “She’s Country” (recorded and released by Platinum-selling country superstar Jason Aldean), held the #1 position on the chart for two consecutive weeks, reached two million plays, and outsold every genres ringtones, all of which are rare accomplishments, as well.
In 2010, Tatum’s song, “Loud” was selected as the Official Theme Song for ACC Football’s 2010 Season. This fast-paced anthem celebrates the excitement and energy of ACC Football, captured in a raucous music video that was seen in all ACC Markets, resulting in exposure for Bridgette totaling over 27 million households.
Add to these accolades Tatum’s own Album released on iTunes, her single releases (I like my Cowboy’s Dirty, That’s Love Y’all, Hillbilly Rockstar) and her current Gretchen Wilson single (Summertime Town from “Ready to get Rowdy”), her recent Randy Houser (Fired Up 2016), Kristy Lee Cook (Lookin’ for a Cowgirl), The Farm, and George Clinton cuts, you have the makings of a woman building a sustainable music career for a lifetime of success. Bridgette has also produced “The Lockets”, a new fresh duo sound for country music, and currently is in production as well as a member of Uncle Si & The Sicotics.
While Bridgette continues to create music, she balances it with her charitable work within The Charley Foundation (www.charleyfoundation.org), and donating her time and talents to various charities around the Middle Tennessee area.
“If it's real and you are making it honest, that's what people want to hear.” With unfailing honesty and a penchant for risk-taking, Bridgette Tatum is storming the scene on her own terms and winning fans at every turn.
With her earthy blend of Indie-Folk, Rock, and Americana, Casey Page takes you on wild adventures through natural landscapes as she weaves intricate stories about the depths of the human experience. Having been described as a mix of Alanis Morrisette, Stevie Nicks, and Alison Krauss, her powerhouse vocals breathe passion and intensity into her contemplative lyrics. There is an honesty and relatability to Casey’s music. She names and honors the difficulties of life in her songs while always holding on to a sturdy common thread of hope.
Casey released her first album at 16 and attended Belmont University in Nashville, TN, finishing her music degree at the University of Louisville. Having stepped back from sharing her own music for many years, she began to revive her dream of writing and performing songs over two years ago. This year, she has been an Artist in Development with award-winning Nashville songwriter Nicole Witt, and her first singles are releasing on all platforms this fall. Currently working with producer Cheyenne Medders, she will release her first full-length album in over twenty years in 2025. Originally from Louisville, KY, and with family roots in the Appalachian mountains, Casey currently calls Cape Coral home and performs regularly in the area.
Originally from the great state of New Jersey, Dylan has been writing songs and performing in Nashville for more than 20 years. He has had three #1 songs: Tim McGraw’s “Watch the Wind Blow By,” Jake Owen’s “Barefoot Blue Jean Night,” and Jason Aldean’s “Take A Little Ride.”
Other artists who have recorded Dylan’s songs include Trace Adkins, Joe Nichols, Eli Young Band, Chase Bryant, Will Hoge, and Trace Adkins. He is an avid supporter and volunteer for Musicians on Call, an organization that provides live music for patients in area hospitals, and he co-hosts an annual benefit for JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) with good friend and frequent collaborator Nashville recording artist Eric Paslay.
His proudest accomplishment is his beautiful daughter Isabella, who serves as his greatest inspiration.
Frank J Myers is a Nashville-based songwriter, producer, and musician originally from Dayton, Ohio. He began his career as a band leader, road manager, and lead guitarist for Eddy Raven in 1981.
During his time with Raven, Myers began writing, playing, and co-producing sessions. Together, they had multiple chart-topping hits, including "I Got Mexico" and "Sometimes a Lady." Myers also co-wrote "I Swear," which became a hit for both John Michael Montgomery and All-4-One, winning numerous awards, including Pop, AC, R&B, Country, and Overall Song of the Year. Myers has had songs recorded by over 50 country and pop artists, with 12 number-one hits and 20 top tens. He has worked with Kenny Loggins, Vince Gill, Billy Ray Cyrus, and many others, and was nominated for a Dove Award in 2009 for his work on Richie McDonald's "I Turn to You."
Myers is also a member of Leadership Music's class of 2005.
James Slater wrote the Grammy-nominated songs “High Cost of Living” (Jamey Johnson) and “In My Daughter’s Eyes” (Martina McBride). His writing credits also include “Can’t Shake You” (Gloriana), “Lookin’ for That Girl” (Tim McGraw), “There’s More to Me Than You” (Jessica Andrews), “Unstoppable” (Rascal Flatts), and songs recorded by Kenny Chesney, Enrique Iglesias, Julio Iglesias, Lady Antebellum, Reba McEntire, Willie Nelson, Kellie Pickler, Carrie Underwood, and Chris Young.
Nathan Allen is a Country-Americana singer/songwriter based in Clearwater, Florida, and performs throughout the southeastern United States. Notably, he has performed pre-shows at CMA-nominated Ruth Eckerd Hall for Jackson Browne, Steve Miller Band, Van Morrison, Larry The Cable Guy, and more. He released his debut EP, entitled "It Had To Be This Way," in the fall of 2018. He is currently working on his next project, slated for a 2025 release.
In February 2020, Nelson turned all four chairs on the NBC hit show “The Voice” with his version of Stevie Ray Vaughn’s Pride and Joy. He went on to make it to the top 20 on John Legend’s team when Covid-19 took the world for a ride. So he took a ride back east and hit the road, performing at various venues, picking up more traction at each stop.
Born and raised in Orange County, CA, Nelson Cade III began his musical journey in first grade with classical training in piano. His training continued strong into middle school when he was accepted into the Orange County School of the Arts. Around junior year in high school, Nelson transferred to Anaheim High, where he picked up and taught himself guitar while walking back and forth to school. The singing came soon after that.
Nelson only recently quit his job to pursue music full-time as his professional career. The seed was planted while walking by a farmers’ market in downtown Los Angeles, guitar in hand. He was stopped by one of the market’s organizers and asked if he wanted a gig there. Since that day, his appearances on “The Voice” beamed his talents into households across the nation.
Nelson is multi-GENRE-ational- a lover of all different sounds and styles of music. You can catch him playing a variety of genres at his shows, such as blues, pop, folk, indie-rock, and oldies, as well as some of his originals mixed in. His recently released debut single, FREEDOM, is streaming everywhere!
What do you get when you take a kid from Sparta, North Carolina, raise him in Daytona Beach, Florida, and then ship him off to Nashville? Apparently, you get Reed Foley.
Reed has built a reputation for blending traditional country sounds with modern flair. His debut single, “Beer Needs Drinkin’,” stormed the country music breakout charts, landing in the Top 40, and since then, his music has surpassed 10 million streams across platforms. His heartfelt songwriting and energetic performances have earned him critical acclaim and a rapidly growing fanbase.
From intimate hometown bars to Minor League baseball stadiums and NASCAR speedways, Reed has proven his versatility as a performer. His electrifying live shows and passionate delivery have led him to open for some of the biggest names in country music, including Jason Aldean, Tyler Farr, and Cooper Alan. His talent hasn’t gone unnoticed—Texas Roadhouse recently named him their Artist of the Month, solidifying his status as an artist on the rise.
Beyond his own music, Reed is also making an impact behind the scenes, having written several songs for other Nashville artists. As he continues to make waves in the industry, he remains dedicated to crafting songs that reflect his individuality while paying homage to the legends who paved the way for country music.
Moving from Lawrence, Kansas, to Nashville to attend Belmont University, Sarah Buxton quickly stood out among music students. Influenced by artists like Stevie Nicks, Joni Mitchell, and Stevie Wonder, Sarah's unique blend of genres and standout vocals caught her attention. Her raspy, powerful voice led to her first publishing deal at 19 after performing at Belmont's "Best Of" show at the Ryman.
Sarah's infectious personality and talent led to a mentorship with producer Dann Huff. After a successful showcase at The Basement, she was offered six record deals, eventually signing with Lyric Street Records. During this time, she honed her songwriting skills, collaborating with top Nashville talent and signing with renowned songwriter Craig Wiseman.
While working on her solo album, Sarah's song "Stupid Boy" caught Keith Urban's attention, leading to his hit single and her own album release in 2010. Despite Lyric Street Records' closure, Sarah's career flourished as she collaborated with artists like Dierks Bentley and Florida Georgia Line.
Sarah's perseverance paid off with multiple number-one hits, including Florida Georgia Line's "Sundaze" and Chris Lane's "Fix." She continued to perform, forming the band Skyline Motel and releasing two EPs, Signs Of Life (2020) and Moonriser (2021).
Today, Sarah Buxton continues to release music as an independent artist and write for others, with songs recorded by Keith Urban, Blake Shelton, Alan Jackson, and more. Her creative talents remain a vital part of Music City, with no boundaries on what she can achieve.
Meet Trisha Markinson, the multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter who's been quietly shaking up the Americana/Folk scene. Her unique, cathartic style of songwriting is a blend of catchy hooks and heartfelt lyrics, creating that rare feeling that every song was penned just for you.
With roots in Upstate New York and Austin, Texas, Trisha has now settled along the sunny shores of the greater Tampa, Florida, area. Her journey through these vibrant musical landscapes has helped to shape her storytelling.
Catch Trisha in her element, performing in her natural habitat... barefoot, harmonica around her neck, and guitar in hand. This is the raw, authentic Trisha Markinson experience you won't want to miss.
Wynn came to love country music at a very young age. He discovered his father’s collection of classic country albums. He even traded his big brother’s “Grand Funk Railroad” for a copy of Jimmy Dean’s “Big Bad John.” He still has a scar to prove it. Around the age of 14, a neighbor named Ned Smith showed him a few chords on an old guitar. As soon as Wynn learned a few chords, he began to write his own songs.
Wynn says Willie Nelson taught him the rest from the “Red Headed Stranger” album.
After many years of playing in honkytonks, bars, and feed store parking lots, he decided to make the move to Nashville. His first radio single was “Fit to Be Tied Down” by Sammy Kershaw. Since then, he has had dozens of hits, including three number ones…all three were nominated as Song of The Year by either CMA or ACM and sometimes both. Those songs are: “Have You Forgotten” by Darryl Worley, “Waitin’ on A Woman” by Brad Paisley, and “I’m A Little More Country Than That” recorded by Easton Corbin.
Wynn received the Nashville Songwriters Association’s Songwriter of the Year Award in 2009. Wynn has three songs on the new Garth Brooks CD “Man Against Machine,” including the hit single “Mom.” He co-wrote the Jon Pardi hit “She Ain’t in it”.