Concert for Cumberland Heights

The Warren Brothers are a songwriting duo that have written hits for Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Taylor Swift, Toby Keith, Keith Urban, Martina McBride Dierks Bentley, Jason Aldean, Blake Shelton, Chris Young to name a few. They started as recording artists and made 3 records for BNA records. Their sense of humor has landed them a series on CMT, celebrity judges on “Nashville Star”, part time radio personalities, and they’ve even had a few film cameos. they won a daytime Emmy for outstanding original song for “good afternoon America”. They were Nominated for a Grammy for best country song “if you’re reading this” (Tim McGraw) and CMA song of the year “Anyway” (Martina McBride).

Don Schlitz is one of the most revered and influential songwriters in the history of country music. Inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2017, he has written enduring classics such as “The Gambler,” “Forever and Ever, Amen,” “When You Say Nothing At All,” and “He Thinks He’ll Keep Her.” His songs, recorded by legends like Kenny Rogers, Randy Travis, Mary Chapin Carpenter, and Alison Krauss, have become cultural touchstones. Over his storied career, Schlitz has penned fifty Top Ten singles, including twenty-four Number One hits, earning multiple CMA, ACM, and Grammy Awards.

A member of both the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and the national Songwriters Hall of Fame, Schlitz helped pioneer the iconic “in the round” format at The Bluebird Café and was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 2022. Born in Durham, North Carolina, and now living in Nashville with his wife Stacey, Don continues to perform at the Opry, sharing not only his beloved songs but also his signature wit and storytelling. As Kenny Rogers once said, “Don doesn’t just write songs, he writes careers.”

Six time Grammy Nominee, Jeffrey Steele has been recognized by BMI for over 65 million airplays for hits he penned for a multitude of artists including Keith Urban, Eric Church, Zac Brown Band, Jimmy Buffett, Montgomery Gentry, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Cher, .38 Special, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Trace Adkins, LeAnn Rimes, Rascal Flatts and Van Zant, Joe Cocker, Little Feat ft. Bob Seger, Joe Bonamassa, Cascada and more.

Among his many accolades over the past few years, Jeffrey Steele has been named to the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, honored by the Country Music Hall of Fame as a Poet and Prophet, twice awarded BMI Songwriter of the Year and thrice the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) Songwriter of the Year. CMA has twice awarded him the coveted “Triple Play Award” for three No. 1 songs in a year. His country and A/C mega-hits include a string of chart toppers including: “Raise ‘Em Up”, “Knee Deep”, “Here,” “My Wish,” “The Cowboy In Me,” “These Days”, “My Town”, “Something to be Proud of”, “Everyday” and the groundbreaking “What Hurts The Most,” nominated for Best Country Song at the Grammy Awards.

Additionally, he has won over 35 BMI Country and Pop awards, was nominated for a Golden Globe and Critic’s Choice Award for Best Original Song “I Thought I Lost You” for the Disney/Pixar animated feature BOLT, performed by Miley Cyrus and John Travolta, been named one of Billboard Magazine’s top 5 writer’s 8 years in a row, as well as Music Row Magazine’s Songwriter of the Year Award. Steele’s latest full length album features performances with Vince Gill, Emmylou Harris, Jamey Johnson, John Rich and others. Steele has a string of collaborations   on the horizon including the recently released “Who Knows Why” performed with iconic Songwriter and Composer Steve Dorff , “What Hurts The Most” with Gary Levox of Rascal Flatts and “Hillbillies in Hollywood” and “Like A Man’s Supposed To” with Phil Vassar.

Brian White is passionate about writing songs. With over 400 cuts to his credit, his work has earned him Seventeen #1’s songs, 2 Dove Awards, SESAC Song of The Year as well as ACM, CMA and Grammy Nominations. His songs have been recorded by such artist as Rascal Flatts, Trace Adkins, Jason Aldean (Including Jason’s #1 “Blame It On You”), Gary Allan, Rodney Atkins (“Watching You”- SESAC & Billboard Song of The Year) The Swon Brothers, Steve Holy, Earl Scruggs, Terri Clark, Kix Brooks, Blackhawk and more.

His success had been on a global scale as well with hits with Canadian artist Chad Brownlee, Tim Hicks, The Lovelocks, NewLaw and more and Australian Country stars Missy Lancaster. Travis Collins, Amber Lawrance and Jayne Denham whom he produces. Her last 2 records “Wanted” and “Moonshine” both recieved Golden Guitar nominations for Album of the Year and Contemporary Country Album Of The Year. He has had his songs recorded by UK Super Star Sir Cliff Richard as well.

He has made an impact on the careers of such Christian artists as We Are Messengers, Danny Gokey, Kutless, 7eventh Time Down, Michael English Avalon, Point of Grace, Mandisa, 4 Him, Larnelle Harris, Karyn Williams, Selah, All Star United, 33 Miles, Pure NRG, Jaci Velasquez, and many others.

Brian is a frequent speaker / worship leader for conferences around the country as well as a featured clinician at songwriting seminars. Married to Christian recording artist Karyn Williams, Brian is often found playing guitar for her on the road as well as sitting behind the console producing records in Nashville. Brian makes his home in Nashville, TN and writes for Red Street Publishing.

Christian artist Joseph Habedank is no stranger to writing songs about real life. However, for the first time, Joseph is diving deep into his storytelling tendencies for an album that is, quite possibly, his most personal undertaking yet. Aptly titled autobiography, Habedank’s fifth studio effort effectively sets his own story to music.

Habedank has been weaving his life into melodies since his acclaimed solo debut, Welcome Home, released in 2014. He’s gone on to garner two GRAMMY® nominations and four GMA Dove Awards, but it’s his signature honesty that’s captured the attention of listeners for the past two decades of his professional tenure.

Joseph Habedank remains an open book on autobiography. Lyrically, the record’s 12 tracks are transparent chapters in Habedank’s story. Sonically, they lean into CCM pop territory, while staying true to his roots. Produced by Nick Schwarz (CAIN), Bernie Herms (Natalie Grant, Josh Groban) and David Leonard (Matthew West, MercyMe), autobiography guides listeners on a chronological journey though Habedank’s childhood all the way to his present-day testimony of sobriety.

Joseph states, “What I’ve always found is that when I write something about my life — whether it’s a song about losing my grandmother or it’s a song about my addiction — it somehow resonates with people. I guess it’s because everybody has a grandma and everybody’s got somebody in their life who struggles with addiction. When people listen to this record, somehow I want my life to intersect with their lives.”

Intentionally sequenced, autobiography is front-loaded with songs about Jesus, starting with “worthy,” an unabashed worship anthem Habedank co-wrote with Tony Wood and We The Kingdom’s Andrew Bergthold. From there, it walks listeners through his introduction to Jesus, the consistency of God’s character throughout His life and how, ultimately, he chose to follow Christ for the rest of his days. Album standout “ain’t that the truth” boasts co-writing credit by sibling trio CAIN. Habedank reworked some of the group’s original lyrics to make it his own, and the result is a selection that suits the vocalist as if it was tailor-made for him. “The truth is,” he asserts, “Jesus is the most important thing in my story.”

The middle portion of the project gets to the heart of Habedank’s upbringing, forming the true heart of the collection. “the church” brings to mind Cornerstone Baptist Temple in Dayton, Ohio, the congregation that formed the steady foundation for Habedank’s faith. Meanwhile, “Jesus wasn’t leaving” marks the first time he’s ever written about his parents’ divorce. Penned with Michael Farren and Wood, the gut-wrenching selection might reflect on something that occurred more than 35 years ago, but it was a life-defining milestone that continues to affect the singer. “One of the lines of the song says, ‘Looking back, they had their reasons, but at least they both agreed on Jesus,’” he shares. “That’s the central message of it. Thank you, Mom and Dad, for agreeing on the one thing that matters most, and that’s Jesus.”

The pair of deeply personal tracks is interrupted by notable “interlude (little me),” which features six-year-old Habedank singing with all the innocence and gusto of the child he was back then. Further down, the feisty “tell the devil” unfolds like an eviction notice to the enemy as Habedank discovers his identity in his Creator and declares his allegiance to Christ.

The back half of the offering delves into salvation, forgiveness and, ultimately, the redemption he’s found in Jesus. “the basement,” a fitting benediction, closes autobiography. “I felt like it was important to put that song at the end of the track listing,” Habedank says of the beautiful ode to life after addiction. “One, the basement’s at the bottom of a home; and two, it describes the last part of my story, which is recovery, and that’s where I live now.”

Hoping to bridge the gap between genres — even in faith circles — Habedank invited multiple artists to lend their unique contributions to the album. Bernie Herms, whom he calls a “bucket list collaborator,” is featured on simple and pure “going with Jesus,” where just his piano combined with Habedank’s vocal makes for one of the album’s most poignant moments. Additionally, Chris Blue, a previous winner of “The Voice,” adds his soulful touch to “Jesus walked in,” and Houston’s First Worship joins Habedank for a powerful declaration on “forgiven.”

“I wanted to do something where I could bring several different worlds together. There’s enough division in our world, even among Christians, right now. I wanted to reach across the aisle,” Habedank remarks of the album’s guest features. “I wanted there to be a feel of unity on this record with the people I collaborated with.”

The solidarity among diverse collaborators shines though, certainly, but it’s the harmony he builds with his fans that makes autobiography a career-defining collection for Habedank.

“I think as much as we all think we’re different, a lot of us are the same. Maybe some people can’t really relate with how I craft and write a song, but they can relate to the fact that I’m a broken sinner who needs Jesus,” he offers. “Even though I was raised in church, life’s messy, and that’s okay. If we weren’t a mess, Jesus would’ve never had to go to the cross to pay for it. Brokenness is okay, but redemption is better.”

Like turning pages in a memoir, song by song autobiography proves his words true. Each line is etched in gratitude. Despite being a product of divorce, Habedank is thankful for the parents who raised him, the church that shaped him, the Savior who sustained him, and the wife who stayed by his side during the darkest days of his addiction.

“It’s the story of my life,” says Habedank of autobiography, “but it’s also the story of all Jesus has done in my life.”

Natalie Hemby is a Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter based in Nashville, renowned for her powerful storytelling and chart-topping collaborations. With a career that began at just 19 years old, Hemby has penned hits for some of the biggest names in music, including Lady Gaga’s “I’ll Never Love Again,” Miranda Lambert’s “White Liar” and “Automatic,” Kacey Musgraves’ “Rainbow,” and Little Big Town’s “Pontoon.” Her work has earned widespread acclaim, including two Grammy Awards and recognition from the ACM, CMA, CMT, and NSAI Awards.

In addition to her songwriting success, Hemby is a founding member of the critically acclaimed supergroup The Highwomen, alongside Brandi Carlile, Maren Morris, and Amanda Shires. Formed in 2019, the group’s self-titled debut album won multiple awards and helped reshape the modern landscape of country music. Their single “Crowded Table” won a Grammy for Best Country Song, further cementing Hemby’s place as a vital voice in the genre.

Hemby has also forged a compelling solo career, releasing two albums that showcase her signature blend of country roots and ‘90s alternative influences. Her debut album Puxico (2017) was inspired by her family heritage, while Pins and Needles (2021) reflects a more personal and genre-blending approach. Growing up in a musical household in Nashville—her father a guitarist and producer, and her mother working closely with Amy Grant and Vince Gill—Hemby developed a deep love for music early on. Influenced by artists like Sheryl Crow, she continues to write and perform with authenticity, heart, and a deep respect for the craft of songwriting.

Walter is a musician, singer, composer, writer, artist, sculptor and general Renaissance man who is most widely known for his 1978 million-selling single record “Magnet and Steel,” featured on his album Not Shy (Columbia). Both “Magnet and Steel,” and the LP Not Shy, were co-produced by Fleetwood Mac’s Lindsay Buckingham and featured F. Mac’s Stevie Nicks prominently on vocals.

All these years later, Walter’s signature song is a staple on the radio, and can also be heard in feature films and on television. Meanwhile, he has continued to make original music as both a prolific individual artist, with a total of more than a dozen solo CDs to his credit, and as a member of performing and recording bands including the classic surf band the Malibooz.

Today, Walter Egan continues to write, produce, and record new music and perform live around Nashville, as well as nationally and internationally.

Ira Dean, is a multifaceted musician and acclaimed songwriter.

Dean’s musical talent became widely recognized when he joined the dynamic country music trio Trick Pony in the late 1990s. Serving as the bassist and contributing vocalist for the group, Dean played a pivotal role in shaping Trick Pony’s signature sound.

During his time with Trick Pony, Dean co-wrote some of their most successful songs, including “Pour Me,” “On a Mission,” and “Just What I Do.” The trio’s achievements, including winning the American Music Award for “Top New Artist” and the Country Music Association’s “Vocal Group of the Year” solidified their place in the country music landscape.

Dean has recorded with such greats as Hank Williams Jr. ,Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson , Alison Krauss, Darius Rucker, Emmy Lou Harris, Mel Tillis, Jamey Johnson, Edwin McCain, Montgomery Gentry, Blake Shelton, Uncle Kracker, Ronnie Milsap, Lee Roy Parnell and many more.

Beyond his roles as a performer and instrumentalist, Ira Dean established himself as a prolific songwriter, collaborating with fellow musicians and contributing his creative talents to various projects. Dean has had songs recorded by Ronnie Dunn, Rascal Flatts, Joe Nichols, Chris Young, Trace Adkins, Colt Ford, Heidi Newfield, Jake Owen, Gary Allan, including his hit single: “Feeling Like That”. He has had 7 songs cut by Montgomery Gentry, including their hit single “One In Every Crowd” and “I’ll Keep The Kids.” Dean co-wrote and co-produced Aaron Lewis’ #1 hit “Am I The Only One”, and co-produced Lewis’ #1 album Frayed At Both Ends.

With his new album, I Got Roads, released in April 2025, Dean is ready to tell his entire story his way. Featuring John Osborne, Vince Gill, Ronnie Dunn, Gretchen Wilson and more, I Got Roads is a tale of redemption, growth and finding happiness.