The Franklin High School Band is excited to bring back its Songwriter Showcase & Silent Auction, an unforgettable evening of music, stories, and community in support of Franklin’s student musicians.

The event will take place on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at the FSD Performing Arts Center. Doors open at 6:00 PM for silent auction shopping and catered VIP event, with the Songwriter Showcase beginning at 7:00 PM.

Hosted by Jesse James of 103.3 Country’s “Jesse James Morning Show,” the evening will feature acclaimed Nashville songwriters Gordon Kennedy, Neil Medley, and Steve Moakler along with opening performances by Carter Windham, Collins Horton, and Ben Kadlecek.

Guests will enjoy a classic Nashville songwriter night, where the stories behind the songs take center stage. The event will also include a silent auction and an exclusive VIP event from 6:00 to 6:45 PM, featuring a catered meet and greet with the featured songwriters. Live music will be performed in the lobby ahead of the event by members of The Franklin Band.

Tickets range from $35 to $75 and are available for purchase by clicking HERE or by visiting www.thefranklinband.org.

Proceeds from the event will directly support The Franklin Band by helping provide needed instruments, instrument repairs, equipment, and educational opportunities for student musicians throughout the year.

“This is our second year hosting this event, and we are thrilled to have some legendary songwriters joining this year’s Songwriter night! It makes for a fun Saturday evening and is a great way to experience what Nashville does best in an intimate setting right here in Franklin,” said Dr. Michael Holland, Director of Bands at Franklin High School. “We can’t thank the artists and businesses enough for supporting our student musicians and our band program.”

The evening’s featured lineup brings an impressive mix of award-winning songwriting, Nashville storytelling, and rising country talent to the stage.

Gordon Kennedy is a two-time Grammy Award winner and four-time Grammy nominee, best known for co-writing Eric Clapton’s “Change the World,” which won both Song of the Year and Record of the Year. His songs and musicianship have been heard through artists including Garth Brooks, Bonnie Raitt, Don Henley, Stevie Nicks, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Alison Krauss, Peter Frampton, and many others.

Neil Medley is a Nashville-based singer-songwriter with more than 100 songs recorded by major artists, including Luke Bryan, Jake Owen, Miranda Lambert, Jason Aldean, Cody Johnson, Jon Pardi, Kid Rock, and Hudson Westbrook. He has co-written three No. 1 country radio singles and has earned nearly a billion streams across all platforms.

Steve Moakler is a country music singer-songwriter with Pennsylvania roots known for his heartfelt storytelling and authentic style. As a songwriter, he penned Dierks Bentley’s No. 1 hit “Riser” and has written songs recorded by Reba McEntire, Jake Owen, Ashley Monroe, Ben Rector, and Eric Church. As a recording artist, he has released seven studio albums and earned recognition from Billboard, Rolling Stone Country, and SiriusXM’s The Highway.

Collins Horton is a country artist and songwriter whose Southern roots, gospel influence, and deep baritone voice shape his heartfelt storytelling. Since moving to Nashville, he has shared stages with hit songwriters and artists including Pam Tillis, Rodney Atkins, D. Vincent Williams, Terri Jo Box, and Scott Sean White.

Carter Windham is a Nashville-based country artist originally from Bossier City, Louisiana. His music blends southern grit with honest storytelling, inspired by artists such as Eric Church, Chris Stapleton, and Turnpike Troubadours. He released his first single, “How I Remember You,” in2025 and is currently working on his debut EP.

Ben Kadlecek was born and raised in the Texas Hill Country, cutting his teeth in the underground Texas scene in and around College Station, Texas. Playing both piano and guitar, Ben combines many musical styles and influences into something unique. His song, “Amen,” topped many Christian Country and Indie-Country charts in 2022.

The Franklin Band has long been a source of pride for our community. This event is a great way to enjoy an incredible night of music while supporting the students who continue the band’s tradition of excellence.

About The Franklin Band

The Franklin Band is an eight-time recipient of the Tennessee Governor’s Cup and a 2014 recipient of the prestigious Sudler Shield, awarded by the John Philip Sousa Foundation to marching bands of world-class excellence.

The band’s performance highlights include appearances in the Tournament of Roses Parade and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, as well as the 2024 New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Most recently, The Franklin Band proudly returned to march in the 2026 Rose Parade, marking 30 years since its original appearance in 1996.

The Franklin High School Winter Guard has earned multiple championships, including the 2015 SAA Class Championship, 2021 and 2023 SA Class Championships in the SCGC, and a Scholastic A Bronze Medal at the 2023 WGI World Championships.

A proud participant in Bands of America since 2008, Franklin is a two-time BOA Regional Champion and four-time class national runner-up. Seven Franklin ensembles have been invited to perform at the Music for All National Festival, and the Wind Ensemble has performed three times at the Tennessee Music Education Association Conference.

The Franklin Band is under the direction of Dr. Michael Holland and Nicholas Blue, assisted by Levi Brandenburg, Kate Alward and Aaron Farris.

For more information, visit www.thefranklinband.org