Top songwriters gather to benefit Second Harvest
By Ron Wynn,
rwynn@nashvillecitypaper.com
September 19, 2006
In a city filled with great songwriters, Craig Wiseman’s name is right near the top of the list. He’s penned 15 No. 1 country hits, been named Nashville Songwriter Association International Songwriter of the Year in 1997, and just recently had his song “Believe” named the Academy of Country Music Song Of the Year for 2006.
Tonight Wiseman assembles several of his friends for the Stars for Second Harvest benefit at the Ryman Auditorium. This is an event whose proceeds will aid the Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee, a private, nonprofit, tax-exempt organization whose mission is to feed the hungry and work at solving hunger issues throughout the community.
“This is an outgrowth of some other benefits and concerts in the past that had helped Second Harvest, which is a fantastic organization,” Wiseman said. “One of the things that I wanted to do with the event is gear it more toward songwriters and artists who wrote their songs. We want to make this an annual event that attracts the best songwriters in town and also helps out a great cause.”
The benefit is presented by O’Charley’s, and features acoustic performances from such stars as LeAnn Rimes, Ronnie Dunn of Brooks & Dunn, Randy Owen of Alabama, Jeffrey Steele, Dann Huff, Tony Mullins and the Joyful Noise. Wiseman also adds that some “big surprise guests” will definitely be attending and performing. Last year’s surprise guest was Tim McGraw,
and among the possibilities for guest stints this year such names as Jon Bon Jovi and Keith Urban have been mentioned, though not officially confirmed.
Wiseman also is grateful that corporate support is ensuring that all funds will benefit the cause.
“We’re very grateful to O’Charley’s for picking up all the incidental costs, ensuring that all the proceeds will go directly to the Second Harvest Food Bank,” Wiseman said.
The Second Harvest Food Bank was organized in 1978. The organization works with a network of approximately 400 active nonprofit agencies in 46 Middle and West Tennessee counties. It was named America’s Second Harvest’s 2003 Affiliate of the Year. For more information on Second Harvest Food Band of Middle Tennessee and its programs, go to secondharvestmashville.org.
What: Stars for Second Harvest, a musical extravaganza benefiting Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee
When: 7:30 tonight
Where: The Ryman Auditorium
Cost: $30
09-19-2006, 04:39 PM
Jon And Richie in Nashville Tonight
You had two days notice. I've got like 9 hours and am at work!
