Singer-Songwriter Shuffle
Concert & Auction

Join the fun at the 2026 Songwriter Shuffle

2025 Photos by Mackenzie Bode

Dean Dillon

One of the most successful and influential songwriters in country music, as well as an original supporter and visionary for Gunnison TETWP, Dean Dillon has furnished more than sixty compositions for George Strait, and his songs have also found favor with many other recording artists.

Dillon’s hard-edged style and creative melodies suited Strait’s affinity for traditional country. In 1981, Dillon and Frank Dycus wrote Strait’s first hit single, “Unwound.” Since then, Strait has recorded Dillon compositions, including “The Chair,” “Ocean Front Property,” “Famous Last Words of a Fool,” “If I Know Me,” “I’ve Come to Expect It from You,” “Easy Come, Easy Go,” “The Best Day,” and “Here for a Good Time.”

Dillon also wrote many honky-tonk hits for Kenny Chesney, Vern Gosdin, Pam Tillis, Keith Whitley, and other singers. “Tennessee Whiskey,” which Dillon co-wrote with Linda Hargrove, has become a modern classic with widely heard versions by George Jones and Chris Stapleton.

ARTIST LINK
Hall of Fame
Spotify Playlist

Special Guest

Get ready for a night of unforgettable stories, legendary songs, and one incredible surprise! Alongside acclaimed songwriters Dean Dillon, Brian White, and Wil Nance, a very special secret guest will take the stage at the Gunnison Tough Songwriter Shuffle.

This celebrated country music performer has captivated audiences around the world with chart-topping hits and an unmistakable voice.

While we’re keeping the name under wraps just a little longer, you won’t want to miss this once-in-a-lifetime evening. Grab your tickets now and be there when the curtain rises for another amazing Gunnison Tough surprise guest. Some moments are too good to spoil!

Brian White

Brian White is one of Nashville’s most accomplished songwriters, with a remarkable catalog that includes 16 No. 1 hits spanning country and Christian music. His biggest country successes include Rodney Atkins’ “Watching You”—named Billboard’s Most Played Country Song of the Year and later recognized as one of the 100 Greatest Country Songs of All Time—and Jason Aldean’s chart-topping hit “Blame It On You.”

His award-winning songwriting has earned two Dove Awards for Song of the Year, a SESAC Country Song of the Year award, and nominations from both the Academy of Country Music and the Country Music Association. Over the course of his career, more than 400 artists have recorded his songs, including Rascal Flatts, Trace Adkins, Gary Allan, Jason Aldean, and Rodney Atkins.

A gifted storyteller with a passion for connecting through music, Brian brings decades of songwriting experience to the stage. 

ARTIST LINK
Brian White’s Website
Artist Videos of Songs Written by Brian White

Will Nance

Wil Nance is a multi-platinum, chart-topping songwriter whose songs have been recorded by many of country music’s biggest stars. He earned his first No. 1 hit with George Strait’s “Round About Way” and reached the top of the charts again with Brad Paisley’s beloved smash “She’s Everything.” His songwriting has also contributed to George Strait classics including “Where Have I Been All My Life,” “If Heartaches Were Horses,” and “It Takes All Kinds.”

Over his career, Wil’s songs have been recorded by Tim McGraw, Joe Nichols, Tracy Lawrence, Craig Morgan, Easton Corbin, Chris Janson, Rodney Atkins, Diamond Rio, The Oak Ridge Boys, John Michael Montgomery, and many more. His catalog has been part of more than 10 million records sold, earning him a reputation as one of Nashville’s most respected and authentic songwriters.

Beyond the charts, Wil continues to make an impact through his songwriting, including a 2024 Dove Award for “Here Comes Jesus!” recorded by Jeff & Sheri Easter. He is also a proud member of Operation Song, a nonprofit that helps veterans, active-duty military members, and their families tell their stories through the power of songwriting.

ARTIST LINK
Wil Nance Songs on Genius.com

Alyssa Atzenbeck

Cake Me Away

Alyssa always loved baking and began decorating cakes in 2012. An assignment at WCU ignited a spark that led to the formation of Cake Me Away, LLC, and a diploma in Pastry Arts from Escoffier School of Culinary Arts in Boulder.

Cody Penton

The Wooden Nickel and Elk Ave Prime

Cody’s bio is coming soon.

Rob Zack

Culinary Director, Elk Avenue Food & Beverage

A 30 year resident of the Roaring Fork Valley, Chef Rob recently joined Elk Avenue Food & Beverage as the Culinary Director. Prior to joining Elk Ave, he was the Executive Chef at the historic Hotel Jerome, the iconic Aspen hotel where he began his career as a line cook nearly 20 years earlier. The popular Aspen chef has played an instrumental role in the hotel’s remodel in 2012 and the reinterpretation of the hotel’s food and beverage program.

Much of Chef Rob’s culinary experience was honed in Colorado. He also served as the Executive Chef at the Viceroy Hotel in Snowmass, where he opened and oversaw the acclaimed signature restaurant, EightK, as well as the slope-side location, Nest. Prior to that, he ventured out on his own as chef-partner at the popular casual dining restaurant, Crave Kitchen, in Basalt, Colo.

Chef Rob looks forward to participating in this year’s Gunnison Tough event and showcasing the creative talents of the Elk Avenue Food & Beverage Culinary team.

2026 VIP Soirée Songwriters

Earl Bud Lee

Earl Bud Lee is a renowned songwriter whose work has helped define the sound of modern country music. Since beginning his career in the early ’80s, he has built a legacy of crafting heartfelt, enduring songs recorded by some of the genre’s biggest stars. His iconic credits include Garth Brooks’ “Friends in Low Places,” an ACM and CMA Single of the Year, Blake Shelton’s 2x Platinum hit “Who Are You When I’m Not Looking,” and George Strait’s chart-topping “One Night at a Time.”

Known for his gift of pairing honest lyrics with unforgettable melodies, Earl’s songs have left a lasting mark on country music. Beyond his success as a hitmaker, he is also respected as a mentor and guiding influence in Nashville, continuing to inspire the next generation of songwriters with his authenticity and craft.

ARTIST LINKS
Earl’s Website
Earl’s Spotify Playlist

Anthony Smith

Anthony Smith is an award-winning songwriter whose work is woven into the fabric of modern country music. His songs have helped shape the careers of iconic artists including George Strait, Tim McGraw, Blake Shelton, Chris Stapleton, Eric Church, and Montgomery Gentry. His accolades include honors from BMI, ASCAP, and NSAI, along with MusicRow Magazine’s prestigious Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year award. As a recording artist, his critically acclaimed album If That Ain’t Country produced three Billboard Top 40 singles.

Known for his distinctive voice as a writer, Anthony crafts songs that feel fresh, vivid, and emotionally impactful. With standout titles like “Cowboys Like Us,” “Who Invented the Wheel,” “Half a Man,” “Run,” and “I’m Tryin’,” his work captures both imagination and heart. Whether performing live or behind the scenes, Anthony Smith brings a level of authenticity and artistry that continues to resonate with audiences everywhere.

ARTIST LINKS
Anthony’s Website
Anthony’s Spotify Playlist

Billy Montana

Billy Montana is a critically acclaimed singer-songwriter known for crafting emotionally resonant hits recorded by some of country music’s biggest stars. His chart-topping credits include Garth Brooks’ record-breaking “More Than a Memory,” Sara Evans’ “Suds in the Bucket,” the Grammy-nominated “Bring On the Rain,” and Lee Brice’s “Hard to Love.”

Beyond radio, Billy’s songwriting has reached television audiences as well, with his song “What If I Was Willing”—co-written with his son—featured prominently in ABC’s hit series Nashville. With a career spanning decades, his work has been recorded by artists ranging from Tim McGraw and Kenny Chesney to Blake Shelton and Martina McBride, solidifying his reputation as one of Nashville’s most respected songwriters.

ARTIST LINKS
Billy’s Website
Billy’s Spotify Playlist

Marla Cannon-Goodman

Marla Cannon-Goodman grew up in Kingston Springs, TN.  She grew up surrounded by some of the greatest songwriters in the business, with one of them being her own father, Buddy Cannon.  Marla was working as a nurse when her song “The Fool”, recorded by Lee Ann Womack, reached #1 on the country charts.  She has had cuts by everyone from Sammy Kershaw, Billy Currington, Blake Shelton, Eric Church, Kenny Chesney, George Strait and many others.  Marla has twice more reached #1 status with “Ten Rounds of Jose Cuervo” by Tracy Byrd, and “Cleaning This Gun” by Rodney Atkins.  You can also find her name on the Willie Nelson / Merle Haggard duet album “Django And Jimmie”, “Stealing Home” by Willie Nelson, and “Same Devil” by Brandy Clark (feat. Brandi Carlile).

ARTIST LINKS
Marla’s Spotify Song List
Marla’s Facebook Page

Jenee Fleenor

2019, 2020, 2021 & 2022 CMA Musician of the Year, Jenee Fleenor is an award winning multi-instrumentalist, singer and songwriter known primarily for her fiddle playing. Jenee is from Springdale, Arkansas and is currently breaking glass ceilings in Nashville as the first female ever nominated for CMA Musician of the Year. (Jenee was also the CMA Touring Musician of the Year in 2015, a Music Row Album All Star Winner in 2019 & 2022 and a 2020 winner of ACM’s Specialty Instruments Player of the Year.) As a songwriter, Jenee has had songs recorded by Blake Shelton, Reba, Dolly Parton, Gretchen Wilson, Kathy Mattea and Del McCoury to name a few.

ARTIST LINKS
Jenee’s Website
Jenee’s Spotify Playlist

Josh Martin

Josh Martin knows how to dance the fine line between radio country and his deep-holler Kentucky roots. It’s clear the songwriter/vocalist/guitarist is no stranger to longnecks and pick-up trucks – but he’s even closer to the bluegrass of his youth. His latest album, Nothing Holding Me, is taut balancing act of accessibility and credibility, replete with honest songwriting and extraordinary musicianship. His songwriting is a testament to life in Kentucky, where he used to run up and down the holler roads – going anywhere he wanted, just because he could. That freedom, he says, rings out in every note he plays. You can hear traces of Guy Clark and Darrell Scott in his lyric, and the echo of John Mayer and Tony Rice in his guitar licks – and a hint of old-time spirituality in his voice. His songs are both smart and accessible, running wild and smiling back at Nashville from the open road. Martin is at the apex of his musical freedom, not afraid of joy or sorrow, just eager to share what he loves with the audience.

ARTIST LINKS
Josh’s Official Facebook Page
Josh’s Spotify Playlist

TITLE SPONSOR

$150,000

(One Available – SOLD)

Songwriter Meet & Greet VIP Soirée & Acoustic Concert

July 14th, 2026

• Meet & Greet Dinner & Acoustic Concert for Ten Guests – Hang out with the songwriters and enjoy an intimate evening of music and friendship at the 11/7 Ranch
• Top shelf open bar & a delicious four-course dinner
• Framed Event Poster signed by songwriters

Songwriter Shuffle Concert & Auction

July 16th, 2025

• Reserved Table for Ten Guests in the VIP up close to stage area with Private Bar – Best seats to watch the Songwriter Shuffle Concert & Auction at The Almont Resort
• Wait staff throughout the evening
• A selection of fi ne wine served at your table chosen by sommeliers from Elk Avenue Prime
• VIP Parking Area at the Almont Resort
• Recognition on stage and on the Gunnison Tough Webpage and Social Media Platforms
• Sponsor Bags with Gunnison Tough Goodies

GRAND SPONSOR

$50,000

Songwriter Meet & Greet VIP Soirée & Acoustic Concert

July 14th, 2026

• Meet & Greet Dinner & Acoustic Concert for Eight Guests- Hang out with the songwriters and enjoy an intimate evening of music and friendship at the 11/7 Ranch
• Top shelf open bar & a delicious four-course dinner

Songwriter Shuffle Concert & Auction

July 16th, 2026

• Reserved Table for Eight Guests in the VIP area up close to the stage with Private Bar – Best seats to watch the Songwriter Shuffle Concert & Auction at The Almont Resort
• Wait staff throughout the evening
• A selection of fine wine served at your table, chosen by sommeliers from Elk Avenue Prime
• VIP Parking Area at the Almont
• Recognition on stage and on the Gunnison Tough Webpage and Social Media Platforms
• Sponsor Bags with Gunnison Tough Goodies

GOLD SPONSOR

$25,000

Songwriter Meet & Greet VIP Soirée & Acoustic Concert

July 14th, 2026

• Meet & Greet Dinner & Acoustic Concert for Four Guests- Hang out with the songwriters and enjoy an intimate evening of music and friendship at the 11/7 Ranch
• Top shelf open bar & a delicious four-course dinner

Songwriter Shuffle Concert & Auction

July 16th, 2026

• Reserved Table for Eight Guests in the VIP area up close to the stage with Private Bar – Best seats to watch the Songwriter Shuffle Concert & Auction at The Almont Resort
• Dinner and Drinks included
• VIP Parking Area at the Almont
• Recognition on stage and on the Gunnison Tough Webpage and Social Media Platforms
• Sponsor Bags with Gunnison Tough Goodies

SILVER SPONSOR

$10,000

Songwriter Meet & Greet VIP Soirée & Acoustic Concert

July 14th, 2026

• Meet & Greet Dinner & Acoustic Concert for Two Guests- Hang out with the songwriters and enjoy an intimate evening of music and friendship at the 11/7 Ranch
• Top shelf open bar & a delicious four-course dinner

Songwriter Shuffle Concert & Auction

July 16th, 2026

• Reserved Table for Eight Guests in the VIP area up close to the stage with Private Bar – Best seats to watch the Songwriter Shuffle Concert & Auction at The Almont Resort
• Dinner and Drinks included
• VIP Parking Area at the Almont
• Recognition on stage and on the Gunnison Tough Webpage and Social Media Platforms
• Sponsor Bags with Gunnison Tough Goodies

Bronze Sponsor

$5,000

Songwriter Shuffle Concert & Auction

July 16th, 2026

• Reserved Shared Table for Four Guests
• Dinner and Drinks included
• Recognition on stage and on the Gunnison Tough Webpage and Social Media Platforms
• Sponsor Bags with Gunnison Tough Goodies

Copper Sponsor

$2,500

Songwriter Shuffle Concert & Auction

July 16th, 2026

• Open seating for two guests
• Dinner and Drinks included
• Recognition on stage and on the Gunnison Tough Webpage and Social Media Platforms

If these categories are not exactly what you are looking for, we are open to other unique sponsorship ideas or packages. Please get in touch with Shannon Mujica at 303-250-8302 or Lana Athey at 970-306-1688.

Transportation

65,100 Miles traveled by 31 individuals in  2025

Make it a Great Day

$23,500 for 82 Sessions of Integrative Therapy

Friends of Tough

$111,353 of financial aid for 32 clients.

Lucy’s House

303 Nights of lodging provided to 27 individuals

Sparky’s Fund

$3,351 awarded to 5 clients to provide support or engagement to children of families going through cancer

In 2025, we supported 34 clients and their families, impacting 116 community members in total!

We also provided 120 cost-free breast cancer screenings and diagnostic procedures (mammograms, ultrasounds, biopsies, and MRIs) to community members in need.

Early Detection & Support for Life Saving Screenings

Provide life-saving cancer screenings for those who do not have insurance.  

Help to raise awareness around the importance of early screening for cancer. 

Gunnison Tough has ramped up our awareness campaign resulting in a 40% increase  in the number of women getting their annual mammogram! 

More and more women have been getting their annual mammograms at GVH. With this great success, we have also experienced an increase in requests for financial assistance to help cover the cost of mammograms, ultrasounds, and/or biopsies for the uninsured or underinsured. 

Our financial support program for mammograms, ultrasounds, biopsies, and MRIs have seen increasing demand over the last couple of years. With more and more individuals becoming aware of the program and able to access additional diagnostic screenings at Gunnison Valley Health many women are getting their mammograms and following through with additional recommended diagnostic screenings.

In 2025, Gunnison Tough helped support 120 uninsured or underinsured women with screening mammograms, diagnostic ultrasounds, MRI’s, and biopsies. Totaling $47,615 worth of care.

LUCY’S HOUSE – LODGING PROGRAM

A special thank you to Norman & Dorothy Eastwood for generously creating & funding this critical program.

Since 2019, over 1,598 nights of lodging have been provided to individuals with various forms of cancer.

Over the last 3 years, Gunnison Tough has seen a DRAMATIC increase in our Lucy’s House program utilization compared to previous years.

Providing 1,085 nights of lodging in 2023, 2024, and 2025 combined, compared to an average of 150 nights of lodging in previous years. A 140% increase!

MAKE IT A GREAT DAY

Gunnison Tough gives cancer patients and their caregivers the opportunity to access integrative therapies such as Reiki, massage, acupuncture, light therapy, nutrition, and orthobionomy.

These therapies have been proven to help cancer patients stay strong mentally and physically while they are going through their surgeries and treatments. Research findings show that integrative therapies can help to boost the immune system and reduce pain.

In 2025, Gunnison Tough provided $23,500 in integrative therapy support.

With over 45 clients/caregivers receiving multiple therapy sessions.

TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM

HARRISON, BETTY ANN, TUFFY, JIMMIE LOU, AND MINNIE PEARL

Our FIVE vehicles help get people with any type of cancer safely to their out-of-town appointments and treatments.

Total Miles Traveled: 65,100 miles compared to 47,800 miles in 2024.

Supporting 31 clients and their families as they access treatments outside of the valley.

FRIENDS OF TOUGH (FORMERLY KNOWN AS FRIENDS OF PINK)

Since 2015, Friends of Pink has given over $293,353 in financial support to individuals going through breast cancer. Since we transitioned to Gunnison Tough, this program has been opened to individuals with ANY form of cancer.

In 2025, Gunnison Tough significantly expanded its reach to support all cancer types, leading to a transformative increase in community assistance. Over the last two years, the program’s impact has surged by 300% in individuals served and over 400% in financial aid distributed.

• Individuals Assisted: Grew from 8 individuals in 2024 to 32 in 2025.
• Financial Support: Increased from $21,798 in 2024 to $111,353 in 2025.

The Friends of Tough program provides critical relief for a wide range of needs, including treatment expenses, transportation, housing and grocery bills, house cleaning, and lost wages.

GUNNISON VALLEY HOSPITAL

Provides state-of-the-art equipment, physicians, and services to be the best small-town cancer care hospital in the USA.

In 2025, Gunnison Tough purchased new recliners for the infusion room at GVH as well as new vital monitoring machines.

A contribution of over $18,000
Adding to the inventory of top-of-the-line equipment that Gunnison Tough (TETWP) has provided to our local hospital, which includes a 3D Tomosynthesis Mammography machine, digital ultrasound, stereotactic biopsy equipment, a breast MRI coil, and an ABUS breast ultrasound machine.

All of this state-of-the-art equipment allows our community to receive the necessary screenings and treatments for breast cancer here at GVH.

Oncology Nurse Navigator
We support a portion of the salary of the nurse navigator who helps anyone going through a cancer diagnosis in the Gunnison Valley (not just those who are using the services of the hospital)

Salary support in 2024 was $9,200

SPARKY’S FUND

In 2025, Gunnison Tough was able to provide a total of $3,351 in financial support for child care, extracurricular activities, summer programming, etc. to five families with children.

Learn more about all of our Programs.