Big Sky Troubadours launches songwriters series

Big Sky Troubadours returns this summer with the inaugural edition of a new annual event series, Songwriters Behind the Headliners. 

The featured songwriters' work helped shape the careers of Chris Stapleton and Zach Top, this year’s Under the Big Sky festival headliners.

The first installment, taking place July 11, will feature Nashville hitmakers Casey Beathard and Mark Nesler, two of country music’s most accomplished and respected songwriters. The event is designed to showcase the stories, songs, and creative journeys behind some of the biggest hits in country music while honoring the connections between songwriters and the festival’s headlining artists

The event is at 7 p.m. at the O'Shaughnessy Cultural Arts Center in Whitefish. 

Originally, acclaimed songwriter and bluegrass legend Ronnie Bowman was scheduled to join the lineup. Following Bowman’s death earlier this year, Hall of Fame songwriter Casey Beathard was added to the show.

For Big Sky Troubadours founder Jo Smith, Bowman’s absence will be deeply felt. Smith and Bowman wrote many songs together, and Bowman and his wife Garnet were excited about their trip to Montana, including using his “lifetime lanyard” to his see his best friend Chris Stapleton and his wife, Morgane Stapleton at the Under the Big Sky Festival.

“Ronnie couldn’t wait to spend a little time in Montana,” said Smith. “Ironically, Ronnie and I wrote songs with a western flair - we both romanticized the West — and having him here was going to be a full circle moment. He won’t be with us physically at the show now, but he will absolutely be part of the evening.”

Beathard, a Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member, shares a connection with Stapleton as both a collaborator and songwriter whose work has been recorded by the country superstar.

Throughout his career, Beathard has written No. 1 hits for artists including Kenny Chesney, George Strait, Tim McGraw, Eric Church, Billy Currington, Justin Moore, Rodney Atkins, Trace Adkins, Lee Ann Womack, Tracy Lawrence, and Chris Stapleton. His accolades include two BMI Songwriter of the Year awards, NSAI Songwriter of the Year, multiple Grammy nominations, and ACM recognition for the iconic hit “Don’t Blink.”

Joining Beathard is Mark Nesler, one of Nashville’s most successful songwriters. Nesler has penned chart-topping songs for George Strait, Tim McGraw, Keith Urban, Billy Currington, Josh Turner, Tracy Byrd, Aaron Tippin, Darryl Worley, and many others. His catalog includes beloved hits such as “Just to See You Smile,” “Living and Living Well,” “You Look Good in My Shirt,” “Let Me Down Easy,” and “Time Is Love.”

In addition to celebrating world-class songwriting, the event will serve a greater purpose by benefiting the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, an organization that provides college educations to the children of U.S. Special Operations personnel who lose their lives in service to the nation.

The cause holds special meaning for Smith, a Navy Reservist herself, whose husband retired after 22 years as a Special Operations Master Chief. 

“Supporting the families of those who made the ultimate sacrifice is something that resonates deeply here,” Smith said. “This is a chance to enjoy an incredible night of music while helping provide opportunities for the next generation.”

The evening will also feature a silent auction benefiting the foundation, with items including a Glacier-area drift boat experience and additional local offerings.

Tickets for Songwriters Behind the Headliners are available at bigskytroubadours.com.