Star-studded lineup set for 2ndAveStrong benefit

$2 million goal for March 26 broadcast

Set your DVR now or plan to be in front of your TV (or both) on Friday March 26 to see the stars come out to raise funds for those affected by the Christmas Day bombing that devastated Nashville’s Second Avenue and beyond.

The DISTRICT, Inc. and Metro Historical Commission Foundation announced the full lineup of performers for the March 26 virtual benefit concert hosted at the Wildhorse Saloon by Natalie Stovall of Runaway June. Ashley McBryde, BRELAND, Derek St. Holmes, Lee Brice, Lindsay Ell, Old Dominion, Phil Vassar, Phillip Phillips, Scotty McCreery, Shenandoah w/ special guest Gyth Rigdon and Tyler Rich will perform to raise money for 2ndavestrong restoration and preservation fund. 

One of the evening’s highlights will bring together for the first time ever GRAMMY Award Winning Shenandoah with special guest Gyth Rigdon performing “I Want To Be Loved Like That”. Gyth performed the song on the 16th season of The Voice as a member of team Blake. 

Gyth Rigdon (light shirt) on the Wildhorse stage with Shenandoah at the 2nd Ave Strong concert. Photo credit: Preshias Harris

On a personal note, I am so proud of Gyth Rigdon who not only has an amazing talent that took him to the finals on The Voice, but also has the resolve and focus that will make him a star. It was an honor to have Gyth as part of my “Nashville music family!”

Many of the performances from the iconic Wildhorse Saloon stage will be backed by house band SIXWIRE. Known for their work on USA Network’s Nashville Star, CMT’s Can You Duet and CMT’s Next Superstar, SIXWIRE members have played with artists such as Tim McGraw, Dolly Parton, Randy Travis, Pam Tillis and John Michael Montgomery.

Named one of CMT’s “Next Women of Country”, host Natalie Stovall is known for her powerhouse vocals and multi-instrumental talent. A fiddle phenom, Natalie made her debut on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry at the age of 12 years old and has since toured the world performing over 200 dates each year. 

The show features appearances by Nashville Mayor John Cooper and Governor Bill Lee, plus a tribute to Nashville’s heroic first responders. The goal is to raise a milestone $2 million towards the $10 million overall goal for the restoration and preservation of the vitally important 2nd Avenue historic district, severely damaged by last year’s Christmas Day bombing. 

“We have been humbled by the outpouring of support from the community. That the music industry would come together to help support the efforts to restore and preserve Second Avenue will show the world what Nashville is all about.” said Tim Walker, executive director of Metro Historical Commission. 

The show will be broadcast on March 26 from 7 – 9 PM on NewsChannel 5 and will be live streamed through the Grand Ole Opry YouTube and www.2ndavestrong.org.

Funds raised will be distributed to support restoration and preservation of impacted buildings and streetscapes and to associations working collaboratively to restore and revitalize 2nd Avenue. Click Here to support 2NDAVESTRONG and learn more about the mission. 

Preshias Harris  is a music journalist and music career development consultant with the emphasis on new and aspiring artists and songwriters. Her book, ‘The College of Songology 101: The Singer/Songwriter’s Need to Know Reference Handbook’ is available at   www.collegeofsongology.com   Follow her blog at  www.nashvillemusicline.com

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