Brigitte

Iowa born, Texas made, bringing an old soul country sound to a newer country scene.

PBSF PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE TBA

** All events are free, except where noted. Schedule is subject to change, please check back for updates.

Troy Castellano originally from Minnesota, now living and working in Nashville TN is a dynamic songwriter and music artist known for his rich blend of rock, country, and Americana. His music resonates with heartfelt lyrics, catchy melodies, and a soulful, gritty vocal style that captivates listeners. Castellano’s songs often reflect personal experiences and universal themes of love, resilience, and the human spirit, making his music both relatable and deeply moving. In his rock-influenced tracks, Troy showcases energetic guitar riffs and powerful rhythms that drive his songs forward, creating an electrifying atmosphere. His country roots shine through in the storytelling aspect of his music, where each song unfolds like a narrative, drawing listeners into vivid scenes and emotions. The Americana influence adds a layer of authenticity and timelessness, blending traditional sounds with contemporary elements. Troy Castellano’s versatility as an artist is evident in his ability to seamlessly transition between genres, delivering performances that are both passionate and polished. Whether performing solo or with a band, his live shows are known for their high energy and emotional depth, leaving a lasting impression on audiences.

PBSF PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

TBA

2024 PBSF NATIONAL SONGWRITING COMPETITION WINNER: JIM PASQUALE HORIZON AWARD

Kiersi Joli has been playing harmonica since the age of 6. At age 9 she became the youngest Hohner Harmonica endorser & still holds that title today! At 11 years old she also became the only endorser for Dyna-mic harmonica microphones. Now at 16, Kiersi impresses every time she takes the stage with her undeniable tone & skillful harmonica paired with her dynamic vocals that clearly surpass her age. She is already a seasoned performer & has been invited to play alongside Jamey Johnson & The Loving Mary Band. Kiersi has also performed on “Show-Me-St.Louis” TV show & on Heidi Newfield’s “Barfly Sessions”. Kiersi performs a variety of musical genres but primarily stays in the Blues, Blues rock & Americana area. Drawing inspiration from a variety of musical influences while demonstrating an obvious connection to some genuine soulful blues, Kiersi is beginning to bring her own sound to the stage that is drawing in a fan base of all ages! Kiersi continues to evolve as a musician as she is also doing session harmonica work for other artists & as a singer/songwriter/performer.

Kiersi was the artist chosen to represent the Nashville Blues & Roots Alliance to perform at The Blues Foundation’s International Blues Challenge (IBC) in Memphis and at the Women In Blues Showcase in January 2024.

Kiersi has been invited to work with Banner Music Publishing and has been involved in co-writes with their staff songwriters & their takeover songwriter rounds. She also is a regular with Music Row Freakshow at The Local & numerous other songwriters rounds & showcases throughout the Nashville area.  Additionally, in May ‘24 Kiersi was invited to perform at the Opelika, AL songwriter Fest and the North Central Women In Blues fest in Gainesville FL. She was also a featured artist on Friday, Saturday & Sunday at the Black Mountain Blues Festival in North Carolina 7/12-14. Kiersi has just released “Hey There Blues” & will be releasing award winning song “Took A Man” this August ‘24 & more to follow!

PBSF Performance Schedule:

THUR OCT 3
6:30pm- Hilton Garden Inn “Garden Party” – Ticketed Event – Buy Tickets

FRI OCT 4

7pm – Bamboo Willies

SAT OCT 5
2pm – Paradise Bar & Grill – PBSF Awards Ceremony

5pm – Casino Beach Bar – Blues & Bluegrass Beach Bash – Ticketed Event – Buy Tickets

** All events are free, except where noted. Schedule is subject to change, please check back for updates.

2024 PBSF NATIONAL SONGWRITING COMPETITION WINNER – FIRST PLACE: GOSPEL

Naomie, originally from Connecticut and now based in Pennsylvania with her family, is a devoted wife and mother of four. From a young age in a Haitian household, she honed her musical talents, mastering piano, violin, and guitar.

Influenced by artists like Kim Walker-Smith and Yolanda Adams, Naomie’s music blends contemporary styles with soulful classics, reflecting her journey as a single mother balancing IT work and a call to worship leadership. Her debut EP, “Diamond in the Rough,” released in 2021, shares her faith journey and was followed by impactful singles like “Someday” and “Show Up.”

Nominated for WVIU Music Awards and with songs reaching a global audience, Naomie’s heartfelt lyrics and melodies continue to resonate. Her latest release, “Holy (My heart is singing),” showcases her growth as an artist. With humility and gratitude, Naomie looks forward to sharing more uplifting music and making a lasting impact in the industry.

As she welcomes a new addition to her family, Naomie remains dedicated to her craft, aiming to inspire others through her music.

PBSF PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

TBA

** All events are free, except where noted. Schedule is subject to change, please check back for updates.

Nashville-based recording artist Kaitlyn Croker makes her Pensacola Beach Songwriters Festival debut, adding to her list of high profile stages.  Complementing her ongoing writing sessions in Music City, playing writers nights and other events there, and releasing original music, the singer, songwriter, guitar player has been performing at notable venues and events.  Of note on the growing list are the famed Bluebird Café in Nashville, the fabled FloraBama (on the Alabama/Florida border), an event on the legendary Johnny Cash’s farm, performing as part of an event in Nashville that also included Ashley McBryde, plus, having opened for Shenandoah (in Alabama), GRAMMY winner Rhonda Vincent (in Alabama), and “The Voice” winner Todd Tilghman (in Knoxville).  Learn more about her at www.KaitlynCroker.com and use the links there to connect with her across her social media channels.

Performance Shedule:

THUR OCT 3
7:00pm – Bamboo Willies

SAT OCT 5

12:00pm – The Pensacola Beach Resort/The Salty Rose

4:00pm – Flounders Chowder House

6:00pm – Paradise Bar & Grill

** All events are free, except where noted. Schedule is subject to change, please check back for updates.

With the fuel of both Southern rock and country music influences pumping through his veins, it’s no surprise that CJ Solar is a natural at fusing the two worlds. Combine that with Delta blues, compliments of a childhood spent in Cajun country, and you’ve got one badass up-and-comer, with the pure musical talent and vocal chops to back him up. Already turning heads throughout Nashville, Baton Rouge and beyond, having been named one of the“New Artists You Need To Know” by Rolling Stone Country, Solar says the driving force behind his untimely success isn’t fame nor fortune – it’s just a diehard infatuation with the music he grew up on.

When not out touring the country headlining his own shows and opening for such artists as Lynyrd Skynyrd, Hank Jr and Gary Allan, he continues to write and record. He’s released 3 EP’s and 2022’s debut full length “The Future’s Neon” comprised of songs he’s co-written. He’s also penned songs for artists such as Jason Aldean, Jerrod Niemann and Justin Moore, while also writing number one singles for Jameson Rodgers with 2020’s “Some Girls” and Morgan Wallen’s breakout hit “Up Down” featuring Florida Georgia Line.

PBSF Performance Schedule: TBA

Cowboy Johnson’s originals run in the acoustic folk, singer-songwriter vein, incorporating elements of country, soul and gospel. Cowboy has been into music since he started singing in church as a kid in northern California. Traveling around for much of his youth, Johnson settled in Austin, Texas, in 1993 before moving to the Gulf Coast of Alabama in the early 2000’s. In 2004, he released a tribute album of songs by Mickey Newbury on MoonHouse Records and has settled back in his home state of California, continuing to travel and share his stories and songs.

PBSF SONGWRITERS SCHEDULE: 

TBA

** All events are free, except where noted. Schedule is subject to change, please check back for updates.

With his deep-rooted, traditional country sound and authentic, heartfelt lyrics, Colby Lee Swift is carving out his own path in the country music scene. Born and raised on a ranch in Midfield, TX, Swift’s passion for traditional country music and authentic storytelling often draws comparisons to Johnny Cash and his sound is influenced by Texas country music legends George Strait and John Conlee.

​Swift began playing the guitar at age five, singing at age 15 and performing at age 17.  Swift released his highly-anticipated single, “Chaser,” on June 21st on the heels of his successful single “Tail Lights” (April 2024). Swift had the privilege of working with multi-instrumentalist & producer Brent Rader on both singles.

 “Chaser” is about the struggle of getting over someone. Swift continues to hone his craft as a songwriter and entertainer, appearing all over the country and on national television. Country fans will undoubtedly be watching this talented young man as his country music journey continues to unfold.

PBSF SONGWRITERS SCHEDULE:

TBA

** All events are free, except where noted. Schedule is subject to change, please check back for updates.

Emma Zinck is her own brand of powerhouse “Electric Country” and one to watch on the Nashville music scene today! Armed with her guitar, vocals, and dynamic presence, she captivates fans with any stage she’s on. The Fredericksburg, Virginia native brought her passion of music to TN 6 years ago. Writing with several hitmakers and honing her own artistry simultaneously, she caught the attention of #1 songwriter Bridgette Tatum (“She’s Country” by Jason Aldean) who signed Zinck to her first publishing deal(SoNash) and production deal (Tatum Town).

Besides her one-of-a kind original live performances, Emma is an artist with no limitations. She solidified that even more in 2023 with several viral video’s showcasing her 4 octave range vocal stacks to include (Bruno Mars, “Talking to the moon”, Taylor Swift’s “Anti-Hero”). Reaching over 7 million views and gaining a staggering 100k + new followers, she continues to bring fresh creative ideas into Country music. Currently Zinck and Tatum are co-producing a project of her original songs to be released in 2024.

PBSF PERFORMANCES:

TBA

** All events are free, except where noted. Schedule is subject to change, please check back for updates.