A Songwriter’s Retreat hosted by Sunny Jim
Nov 2 - 4, 2023
Top singer songwriters are gathering in our Osprey, FL neighborhood from November 2 - 5, 2023 to chill together after MOTM and create new music, and you can be a part of it! It is the weekend after Meeting of The Minds, which is being held in Orange Beach, AL. We plan to start the songwriting process in Orange Beach on Monday after MOTM, so if you are attending the big event and are interested in songwriting magic to follow, be sure to sign up. We'll have more details on that soon.
Most of our artists will be at MOTM, so the songwriting process will resume in Osprey the following week. It will be time to chill and get creative - and you can be part of the process! Guests can submit song ideas and lyrics for consideration , but there is no guarantee that they will be used. Although, one fan did submit a song idea that sparked a song.
Donny Brewer, Eric Erdman and Carrie Welling are back this year, and they'll be joined by Brent Burns, Jimi Pappas and John Patti.
The idea behind the Suncoast Serenade is to gather songwriters In Osprey and give them time to collaborate and write new music together. With super busy individual schedules, this is hard to do, so Sunny Jim decided to set aside a weekend to host the artists.
Last year's retreat was such a success that we decided to do it again. Check out our photo gallery from last year. We look forward to new music from our songwriters this November. There will be plenty of opportunities to get the know the artists and maybe learn some things about their songwriting magic.
We've scheduled workshops and discussions with the songwriters about the creative process, studio production and the artist's own personal experiences in the music industry.
New songs will be presented during the final night of the event, and there will also be a very special tribute to our late friend Jim Morris, who exemplified the salt life of Southwest Florida and wrote about it. Luthier Mike Giltzow of Boise, ID has built and donated a Jim Morris Signature Guitar which will be auctioned off during the finale. Mike built a custom guitar for Jim and he's also built Sunny Jim's custom guitar "Grace."
Our host hotel is Casey Key Resorts located in Osprey on U.S. 41 and this is where most events are planned. The resort also features a beautiful beachfront property right on Nokomis Beach, a mere six miles from the main hotel and a short drive away. We have a very limited number of VIP rooms available on the beach, and guests who book these rooms will be invited to exclusive VIP events and have special access to the artists. The hotel operates a shuttle between the two properties.
To be a part of this Suncoast Serenade weekend, you MUST book your packages through our travel partners who are managing our room block at the resort. We want to make sure you are not excluded from the Suncoast Serenade by mistake.
event schedule
Thursday, Nov 2
6 - 7:30 pm
- Meet n Greet w/artists Poolside at the Main Hotel
Friday, Nov 3
10 am - Private VIP Event
6 :00 - 10:00 pm
- Songwriter Concert/Taco Bar poolside Main Hotel
Sat, Nov 4
9:30 am - 12:00 pm
- Songwriter panel 1
1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
- Songwriter panel 2
5:00 pm
Ballroom Opens for silent auction to raise money and collect shoes for Shoes for Kids Project of Charlotte County
- Silent Auction - Jim Morris Signature Guitar and JM Gift Baskets
- Shoe Donations
6:00 - 11:00 pm
- Dinner/Concert
- New Songs introduced
- Jim Morris Tribute Set
____________________
HOTEL PACKAGES
Must be booked through our travel partners to ensure proper inclusion in the Suncoast Serenade group.
VIP BEACHFRONT
$1927
MAINLAND HOTEL POOL
$1177
*All room rates are based on double occupancy and are plus taxes & resort fee
Contact our travel partners at Travel by Georgia to book hotel packages:
gmcfarlin@dreamvacations.com
(941) 218-6399
To book events only click below:
Our Sponsors
Chords Sponsors
Songwriter Patrons
Songwriter Patrons
Many thanks to Rick and Deb Graves for supporting our Suncoast Serenade and the artists who make the music that makes us all happy! They can't be with us this year, but they send their best and hope to join us in 2024. And thank you for being our friends!
Songwriter Patrons
Songwriter Patrons
Songwriter Patrons
Thanks to Buddy and Karyn Roussel, hosts of the fabulous house concert venue Buddy's Backyard in Baton Rouge, La. They are big supporters of Troprock music and the songwriters at the heart of the genre.
Songwriter Patrons
Songwriter Patrons
Songwriter Patrons
Our travel partners Fred & Georgia McFarlin travel the world looking for our next adventure, so thanks Travel by Georgia for all you do! Here they are checking out a glacier in Iceland.
Housing Hosts
Songwriter Patrons
Songwriter Patrons
Special thanks to friends who are housing our songwriters for the retreat and pitching in with other duties:
Bill & Raynell Woods
Bill Brehm & Kristen McFadden
Nicola Jones
The Songwriters
Brent Burns
Brent Burns
Brent Burns
Born in Oklahoma, raised in Arizona, and currently a resident of Gulf Shores, Alabama, Brent Burns is a poet laureate of the beach. A decorated combat veteran, Brent is the first American entertainer to perform for troops overseas after September 11, 2001.
A Trop Rock Music Awards winner, Brent has been named Entertainer of the Year. Songwriter of the Year, and several of his CDs have been named CD of the Year. He has also received a special Wave Award for his charitable work.
Jimi Pappas
Brent Burns
Brent Burns
As a singer/songwriter Jimi's original tunes are a blend of Americana meets Folk/Rock and they bring out his love of tropical places. His covers and originals are influenced by the early 70’s singer/songwriter movement. Jimi also picks classic rock gems and gives them his acoustic treatment. Jimi Pappas has six CDs of original music, and he as won four TRMA Music Awards: the Horizon Award in 2012, Song of the Year, Musician of the Year in 2013 and 2014.
John Patti
Brent Burns
John Patti
From Singapore to Key West, Manhattan to the Caribbean, crowds of all ages and nationalities have seen John Patti bring the steel pan to the forefront of musical entertainment. Whether in a solo performance or collaboration with bands, John’s intriguing stories and skillful performance leaves long lasting and memorable impressions with any audience.
Donny Brewer
Carrie Welling
Donny Brewer
Donny Brewer is a Central Texas born and bred multi-instrumentalist with over 30 years experience entertaining crowds in all genres in all parts of the world. He has been writing and recording Trop Rock music all his life and has released five beach and escapism themed albums.
He’s since won 23 Trop Rock Music Association awards for his music including Entertainer Of The Year 5 years running.
Eric Erdman
Carrie Welling
Donny Brewer
Eric Erdman was writing songs at 8 years old as a kid in his home at Mobile Bay , AL. His passion for music grew throughout his high school and college years. As a pro, he fronted a group that recorded four albums and toured worldwide. Smart lyrics, gorgeous melodies, soulful ballads: Eric’s range transcends genre, and he is a master on the guitar. Besides his own singer/songwriter credentials, Eric also produces projects for others.
Carrie Welling
Carrie Welling
Carrie Welling
Singer/Songwriter Carrie Welling embraces the confidence that sometimes alluded her and has won her battle to be good to herself, and to quiet the inner voice nagging her to be “perfect”. Carrie's music reflects her strength and confidence, and she sings in a bold, sultry voice. She shares a genuine love and connection with her fans both on and off stage. An international touring artist, Carrie is based in Nashville, TN.
3-NIGHt Event Packages
VIP NOKOMIS BEACHFRONT PACKAGE $1927
MAINLAND HOTEL POOL VIEW PACKAGE $1177
MAINLAND HOTEL POOL VIEW PACKAGE $1177
We have a limited number of beachfront accommodations just for our VIPs, on beautiful Nokomis Beach known for its stunning sunsets. Special events are planned for our VIP guests and artists here.
This VIP package also Includes:
- Pizza Party Meet n' Greet
- Poolside Dinner/Concert
- Saturday Finale Dinner/Concert
- Preferred seating at concerts
- Entry into artist workshops
- Champagne Brunch with Artists
- Special Gift
- Shuttle service to main hotel
- Entry into a special prize drawing
PRICING BASED ON DOUBLE OCCUPANCY - 3 NIGHTS (THURS/FRI/SAT) + TAXES AND FEES*
MAINLAND HOTEL POOL VIEW PACKAGE $1177
MAINLAND HOTEL POOL VIEW PACKAGE $1177
MAINLAND HOTEL POOL VIEW PACKAGE $1177
Pool View Rooms have great views of the Resort Pool and Sundeck from private patios or balconies. Choose from a King bed or two Queen beds. The rooms feature large walk-in showers and mini-fridges.
Mainland Hotel Packages Include:
- Pizza Party Meet n' Greet
- Poolside Dinner/Concert
- Saturday Finale Dinner/Concert
- Entry into Artists Workshops
- Special Gift
PRICING BASED ON DOUBLE OCCUPANCY - 3 NIGHTS (THURS/FRI/SAT) + TAXES AND FEES*
Resident Package $330
MAINLAND HOTEL POOL VIEW PACKAGE $1177
FRI POOL DINNER/CONCERT $85 PP
If you are lucky enough to live in our area,
you love the lifestyle and Troprock music.
To join all the fun we've got planned this weekend, and still sleep in your own bed, check out our Locals Package.
Locals package includes:
- Pizza Party Meet n' Greet
- Poolside Dinner & Concert
- Saturday Finale Dinner/Concert
- Entry into Artists Workshop
- Special Gift
FRI POOL DINNER/CONCERT $85 PP
SAT NIGHT DINNER/CONCERT FINALE $125 PP
FRI POOL DINNER/CONCERT $85 PP
Friday night we'll enjoy the individual singer songwriters perform their own music on the poolside stage of the hotel. (This photo is from our 2022 event) Guests will also enjoy a buffet dinner poolside.
SAT NIGHT DINNER/CONCERT FINALE $125 PP
SAT NIGHT DINNER/CONCERT FINALE $125 PP
SAT NIGHT DINNER/CONCERT FINALE $125 PP
Saturday night is the weekend finale where new music is presented by the songwriters as a group in the ballroom of the hotel. There will also be a special tribute to Jim Morris in the final set. (This photo is from our 2020 event). The event includes a buffet dinner.
Jim Morris signature guitar auction for charity
Special Tribute to Jim Morris
No celebration of Troprock music in Southwest Florida is complete without honoring the songwriter who immortalized our saltwater lifestyle, Jim Morris, who died almost 7 years ago.
“Jim paved the way for all of us, and helped build this supportive music community that we all now enjoy,” said long-time friend Sunny Jim. “We miss him, but we have vowed to keep his music alive.”
James, Jimi Pappas and John Patti will pay tribute to Jim during the final set of a concert on the final night of the event, and a custom-made Jim Morris Signature guitar will also be auctioned to raise money for Shoes for Kids in Charlotte County. Through the years, Jim and Sharon Morris raised considerable funds for their favorite charity.
Boise, ID luthier Mike Giltzow, who built a custom guitar for Jim Morris in 2008, has built the signature guitar specifically for the auction. The original guitar that Mike built for Jim, was gifted back to Giltzow after Jim died. Connie Morrell, Sharon Morris’s sister now owns Jim’s musical estate. “I thought Mike should have Jim’s guitar back, since he built it for Jim,” she said.
From the Fish-Head Studios in Punta Gorda back to Mike Giltzow’s home in Boise, Jim Morris’s custom-built guitar is back where was made.
The custom signature guitar will be auctioned live during the grand finale.