Hit Makers & Rum Chasers 25-City Songwriters Tour Kicks Off January 29 at City Winery in Nashville

Presented by Soggy Dollar Rum, island-inspired music event to feature performances by hit Nashville songwriters to support music and arts education programs in US and USVI 

WHO: Emceed by Ty Bentli, of Westwood One’s The Ty Bentli Show

JT Harding (Keith Urban’s “Somewhere in My Car” and Blake Shelton’s “Sangria”), leading a songwriters round with the following fellow writers:

Jon Nite, “We Were Us” by Keith Urban featuring Miranda Lambert, and Kenny Chesney’s “Noise”

Justin Ebach, Brett Young’s “Sleep Without You” and Billy Currington’s “It Don’t Hurt Like It Used To”

Bridgette Tatum, Jason Aldean’s “She’s Country” and Kristy Lee Cook’s “Lookin’ for a Cowgirl”


WHAT:  Presented by Soggy Dollar Rum, Hit Makers & Rum Chasers 25-city songwriters tour kicks off Tuesday, Jan. 29 at City Winery in Nashville in support of music and arts initiatives for school children in the United States and US Virgin Islands.


An intimate and entertaining musical experience, the evening will feature Nashville songwriters performing their hits and sharing behind-the-scenes anecdotes about the music and the writing process in a setting which will evoke a feeling of being in the islands. Guests will enjoy Soggy Dollar Rum Caribbean cocktails (including the Soggy Dollar’s famed Painkiller), a silent auction, and an island-inspired dinner menu created by celebrated USVI chef Mat Vacharat. Attire: Island Resort.
The Hit Makers & Rum Chasers songwriting series first launched in St. John, USVI in 2013. In January 2017, the show came to City Winery in Nashville to raise USVI hurricane relief funds. All proceeds from the 2019 tour will benefit the Charley Foundation, the 501 (3) (c) which distributes funds to qualified agencies that address the critical needs of children in the US and US Virgin Islands.


For table reservations, standing room tickets and additional information, please visit www.hitmakersandrumchasers.com

WHEN: Tuesday, January 296:30 Cocktails
7:15 Dinner
8:00 Performance

WHERE: City Winery, 609 Lafayette St, Nashville, TN

About the Performing Artists:

J.T. HARDING grew up in Detroit loving MTV and the radio. Following his dream to write songs, JT moved to Hollywood and made his first demo recording with money he won on the game show VH-1’s Rock N’ Roll Jeopardy. JT traveled the world as a personal assistant for the band LINKIN PARK writing songs all along the way leading him to a publishing deal in Nashville. JT has written seven number one songs for artists such as KEITH URBAN, BLAKE SHELTON and the 4 million selling song “Smile” for UNCLE KRACKER. Other notable cuts include JAKE OWEN’s “Alone with You,” KENNY CHESNEY’S “Somewhere with You,” and DIERKS BENTLEY’S “Different for Girls”. Additionally, J.T. wrote a musical called Music City that recently world premiered in North Carolina and will be opening in New York City next year.

Justin Ebach is a multi-platinum, award winning songwriter and producer based in Nashville, Tn. Originally from Tarpon Springs, Florida, he moved to Nashville to attend Belmont University and pursue a degree in Music Business. In early 2012, Ebach signed his first publishing deal with Word Entertainment and established himself as a promising new talent. In Ebach’s first two years at Word Ent. his songs were recorded by Christian artists like Francesca Battistelli, Jason Grey, Lauren Daigle, Sidewalk Prophets, and Hillary Scott & The Scott Family. In 2014, his production on Royal Flush’s album “Flame” earned him a Dove Award nomination in the Rap / Hip-hop Album of The Year category.

Ebach’s talents quickly brought him outside of the Christian market and into the country music sphere. In 2015, he began writing full time for Word Country—the newly established country arm of Word Entertainment—and landed his first single at country radio before the year concluded. In 2016, Ebach experienced his first No.1 song and his first platinum selling single with Brett Young’s “Sleep Without You.” He earned his second No.1 hit with Jordan Davis’ “Singles You Up;” a career launcher for the new Universal recording artist. Ebach’s songs have been recorded by household names like Craig Morgan, Jake Owen, Dan & Shay, and Josh Turner, as well as up and coming talent like Jimmie Allen, Mitchell Tenpenny, and Trent Harmon. His current singles at radio include “Friend’s Don’t” by Maddie & Tae and “Good Girl” by Dustin Lynch.

Jon Nite (born in Amarillo, Texas) is a CMA and ACM award winning singer/songwriter who has written 15 top ten hits for music’s top artists. Jon’s songs have been recorded Tim McGraw, Chris Young, Dierks Bentley, Blake Shelton, Keith Urban, David Nail, Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney, Phillip Phillips, Chase Rice, Jake Owen, Michael Ray, Darius Rucker, and many more.

Teaming with EMI/SONY ATV, Jon has written hits like “Whatever She’s Got” by David Nail, “Smoke” by A Thousand Horses, “We Were Us” by Keith Urban and Miranda Lambert, “Beachin” by Jake Owen, “Strip It Down” by Luke Bryan, “Break On Me” by Keith Urban, “Noise” by Kenny Chesney, “Think A Little Less” by Michael Ray, “If I Told You” by Darius Rucker, “Boy” by Lee Brice, and “Break up in the End” by Cole Swindell. He is the recipient of two CMA songwriting triple play awards.

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 out sold 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.

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