Veterans’ Songwriting Workshop
Songwriters Tommy Karlas and Bill DiLuigi will lead an exclusive Songwriting Workshop focused on how to capture and share your story through music. This hands-on experience will start with introductions, followed by writing prompts that inspire your creativity. During this workshop, participants will collaborate with other attendees to write your own song(s), share them and perform for each other!
This workshop is free and for Veterans only. Please be prepared to show your ID at check-in. Lunch is provided for participants.
Tommy Karlas is a professional country music singer/songwriter for Sony Music Nashville/Droptine. At age 14, Tommy started writing songs and taking trips to Nashville after he visited the Bluebird Cafe and fell in love with Nashville songwriting. In 2001 at the age of 19, Tommy moved from his hometown East Alton, IL to Nashville & secured his first publishing deal on Music Row. Since then, he’s written songs for country music’s biggest stars such as Blake Shelton, Randy Travis, Old Dominion, Montgomery Gentry, Trisha Yearwood, and many more. And it was the multi-week number one smash hit, Roll With Me, that went on to be the fastest rising and most downloaded song of Montgomery Gentry’s long career, penning Tommy an ASCAP Songwriter Of The Year nomination. Tommy’s written songs with Luke Bryan, Darius Rucker, Old Dominion, Bobby Braddock, Mac Davis, and many more; Tommy has performed under the Arch for over 100,000 people, as well as the Ryman Auditorium, and plays regularly in Nashville at the world-famous Bluebird Cafe.
And now, after two decades of writing songs professionally in Nashville for some of the biggest stars in country music, Tommy Karlas has released his debut full length album entitled, “PUT IT IN DRIVE,” sponsored by Calhoun Enterprises.
Songs written by Tommy Karlas:
Bill DiLuigi is a musician who came out of the eclectic Philadelphia music scene. His influences are equally eclectic; ranging from The Delta Blues to Grunge and Country. He was part of Sierra’s Mantra in the 2000’s. The PA based band mixed the heaviness of Soundgarden with female vocals and sampling. His background as a Worship Leader also helped him to learn the craft of Christian Music. He gives thanks in all things to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
In 2005 Bill moved to Nashville. He teamed up with long time friend Melissa Bollea from 2013 to 2016, and became a staff writer for Rhyme Partners on Music Row. He is currently a staff writer for 888 King Music in Nashville.
In addition to writing hits for the stars, he is a performing singer songwriter with a unique raw and honest style. “I don’t just want people to come watch me perform, I wanna share my heart and give them something to take away.” Bill is a regular performer at the Bluebird Cafe. He has played everywhere from the Bitter End in NYC to The Tamworth Festival in Australia.
Songs written by Bill DiLuigi:
