Combustion Music Raises $55,000 for Bahamas Charities

Combustion Music’s second annual Hope Town Music Festival, held on the island of Elbow Cay in the Bahamas, raised $55,000 for three area charities. The festival presented four shows across three days (Dec. 4-6).

Combustion Music President and Owner Chris Farren has owned a home on the island for the last 12 years. He got the idea to host the event after deciding it would be fun to bring Nashville songwriters to the little island, where he spends much of his spare time.

“Raising money for these three local charities was a no-brainer” says Farren. “All of my friends donated their time and talents, and together with the local community and some incredible Nashville sponsors, we raised a bunch of money that will all stay on the island and make a difference … not to mention the fact we all had a blast.”

Along with Farren, featured songwriters included Matthew West, Ashley Gorley, Chris DeStefano, Jon Pardi, Jimmy Robbins, JT Harding, Troy Verges, Matt Jenkins, and Sara Haze.

Every Child Counts, Friends of the Environment, and The Hope Town Fire and Rescue Department were the charitable beneficiaries.

Suntrust Bank, The Academy of Country Music, Warner/Chappell Music, Northwestern Mutual, MV2 Music and A+ Storage were among the event sponsors. Next year’s festival will take place Dec 1-5.