Bay County Bullet: Christon Birge Sings His Way to Nashville

Winning Tootsie’s 54th Annual Birthday Bash Contest is a great way to start a career. Christon Birge, a local singer and songwriter, flew to Nashville with his winnings and his talent to perform at Music City’s legendary honky-tonk Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge for the annual celebration in November.

“That’s the first time I’ve won anything with music, Birge said. “And hanging out with Dr. Shane was awesome too. He’s a real cool guy on the mic and off.”

Dr. Shane from WPAP-FM 92.5 was a partner of Tootsie’s for the event and traveled to Nashville to help host the annual bash.

As part of the celebration, Tootsie’s had entertainment on the outdoor stage throughout the day with well-known artists Terri Clark, Chuck Wicks, Troy Gentry, Randy Houser, Trick Pony, Darryl Worley and Tracy Lawrence.

“The Tootsie’s Birthday Bash has become an annual event that everyone looks forward to,” said Tootsie’s proprietor Steve Smith. “We kicked it off at the Ryman with Kris Kristofferson, Terri Clark, Mel Tillis and Jamey Johnson a few years back. Then Kid Rock and The Kentucky HeadHunters took the party to the street on Broadway.”

Dierks Bentley, Randy Houser and Troy Gentry have kicked it up a bit. And then there was this year!

Birge was able to perform during the beginning of his trip at a couple of other hot spots owned by Tootsie’s. Rippy’s Bar & Grill, right across the street, is more casual dining featuring live music. Honky Tonk Central has more of an acoustic feel, Birge said.

Rocking the big outdoor stage at Tootsie’s was the night Birge had been waiting for. He opened for Kid Rock, of whom he is a huge fan. “I was only supposed to open for the Birthday Bash, but they had me sing every day while I was there. I took advantage of every opportunity I could,” Birge said. “Being in a VIP room with all these amazing artists was a dream come true. What an amazing experience!”

Birge is now preparing himself for his future music career. He plans to do a dual residence in Nashville for half the year and then Panama City for the other half. Eventually he will make the full move to Nashville. He is currently working on songs for an album to be released this year. Birge now performs at Tootsie’s in Panama City Beach and enjoys every minute of it.