TOP NASHVILLE SONGWRITERS/ARTISTS AND LABEL JOIN WHITEFISH SONGWRITER FESTIVAL AWARD-WINNING – CHART-TOPPING WRITERS
Marla Cannon-Goodman, Aaron Rattiere, Frank Meyers, Adam Hambrick, Paul Jenkins and more with artists Lakelin Lemmings, Spencer Hatcher and Gabe Walsh joining the lineup
Quartz Hill Music Group Named Presenting Sponsor of the 6th Annual Whitefish Songwriter Festival, Taking Place September 18-20, 2026
WHITEFISH, MONTANA (July 17, 2026) -- Hit songwriters behind dozens of No. 1 songs, GRAMMY, CMA, ACM and DOVE awards and millions of records sold set to gather in Whitefish, Montana, September 18–20 for the 6th Annual Whitefish Songwriter Festival. The festival will welcome some of Nashville's most accomplished and celebrated songwriters with Quartz Hill Music Group serving as the event's presenting sponsor. Purchase Tickets here.
Nashville’s lauded songwriters Marla Cannon-Goodman, Aaron Rattiere, Frank Meyers, Paul Jenkins, Adam Hambrick and more will light up the stages around Whitefish. For a full list of performers, please visit here.
“The Whitefish Songwriter Festival is built on the power of great songs and the connections they create,” said Cari Klepper, festival producer and founder. “Having Quartz Hill Music Group as our presenting sponsor allows us to expand opportunities for songwriters while bringing even more world-class music to our community.”
The all-ages event has something for everyone and works in conjunction with the Whitefish Chamber of Commerce to offer exceptional educational elements throughout the event. Several of the artists/songwriters will visit local schools and encourage the art of songwriting with the local students. Each year, the festival transforms Whitefish into a destination for music lovers, hosting acclaimed songwriters performing original music in restaurants, theaters, shops, and gathering spaces throughout downtown. The festival supports working artists while enriching the cultural life of the community and generating significant local economic activity.
Founded by legendary music industry veteran Benny Brown, Quartz Hill Music Group is a continuation of Brown’s reputation within the Nashville music community for championing authentic artists as well as strong songwriting that’s rooted in tradition and storytelling. Brown is a longtime industry leader known for discovering, signing, and leading the charge on developing some of modern country music’s most successful artists during his decades-long career. Those artists include thrice ACM “Entertainer of the Year” and multi-platinum-selling superstar Jason Aldean; chart-topping ACM and CMA “Duo of the Year” Thompson Square and history making female trio Runaway June. Brown is also responsible for revitalizing the careers of country stalwarts Randy Houser and Joe Nichols who each enjoyed several multi-week No. 1 hits at country radio under Brown’s leadership as Founder, President and CEO of BBR Music Group.
From the time of its creation in 1997 until its sale to BMG in 2017, Brown’s BBR Music Group grew from a fledgling independent label to a four-label plus publishing company powerhouse.
During that time, the label earned 34 No. 1 Country Radio singles; five Multi-Platinum singles; 14 Platinum singles and 17 Gold singles as well as three Multi-Platinum albums; four Platinum albums and five Gold albums. Additionally, BBR Music Group artists received 129 award show nominations and 32 wins.
When Brown launched his latest endeavor, Quartz Hill Music Group, in 2020 he did so with a vision centered on artist-first development, meaningful songs, and long-term creative careers.
Quartz Hill Music Group reunited Brown with both Joe Nichols and Runaway June as well as saw the signings of some of country music’s fastest-rising stars including Dusty Black, Annie Bosko, Matt Cooper, Ben Gallaher, Spencer Hatcher and Lakelin Lemmings.
“I’ve always believed in the power of a song – as well as in both the joy and in the healing that music can bring,” said Benny Brown, Quartz Hill Music Group founder. “I’m excited to partner with the Whitefish Songwriter Festival because it’s a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the talented songwriters who create those special moments with a new audience that truly values great music and how it all begins. "
The collaboration highlights the growing connection between Nashville’s songwriting tradition and Whitefish’s vibrant arts culture, creating unique opportunities for artists, audiences, and local businesses alike. Label artists Spencer Hatcher, Lakelin Lemmings and Gabe Walsh will join the festival this year.
The festival is also unveiling more opportunities for music education and cultivating aspiring artists with a songwriter workshop and songwriting contest.
The Whitefish Songwriter Festival continues to support independent songwriters, foster community engagement, and welcome visitors from across the country to experience live original music in Montana. It is nonprofit 501(c)3 organization with a three-pillar mission to:
• Celebrate the art of songwriting by bringing world-class songwriters to Whitefish and
sharing the stories and craft behind great songs through memorable live performances.
• Cultivate arts, culture, and opportunity for local youth through festival-based
education, mentorship, songwriting programs, and scholarship-supported access.
• Enrich downtown Whitefish and drive economic prosperity by attracting regional and
national audiences, strengthening shoulder-season tourism, and positioning the Flathead Valley as a distinctive music destination.
For festival details, artist announcements, and ticket information, visit
whitefishsongwriterfest.org or follow us on social media.
ABOUT QUARTZ HILL MUSIC GROUP
The Quartz Hill Music Group footprint includes BSB Management as well as Quartz Hill Records and Stone Country Records, both full-service country music labels. Quartz Hill Records, founded at the height of the pandemic in 2020, boasts an active roster comprised of chart-topping, multi-Platinum neo-traditionalist Joe Nichols, rising, girl-next-door Lakelin Lemmings, soulful country pop duo. 2 Lane Summer and viral, genre-blending singer-songwriter Matt Cooper. Stone Country Records, founded in 2021, possesses an active roster that includes celebrated country artist Annie Bosko, triple-threat singer, songwriter and guitarist Ben Gallaher, modern country traditionalist Spencer Hatcher and soulful country newcomer Dusty Black. The BSB Management artist roster is home to all the above. For more information, visit www.qhmusicgroup.com