GLAAD And Ty Herndon’s Concert For Love And Acceptance Welcomed Surprises

Country music legend Vince Gill surprised the sold-out audience at Nashville’s Wildhorse Saloon on Thursday evening (June 7) for GLAAD and Ty Herndon’s Concert for Love and Acceptance.

“As a young child I always heard the words that we are all created equal,” said Gill. “I believed that as a little boy and I believe that as a grown man.”

Also in the lineup were Tanya Tucker, Terri Clark, Billy Dean, Michael Ray, Cam, a cancer-free Anita Cochran, Cale Dodds, Britain’s Got Talent 2015 contestant Calum Scott and newcomer Parson James.

CMT Radio host Cody Alan again hosted the event, which has become a partnership with GLAAD.

Inspired by Herndon’s honesty and coming out as gay in 2014, Alan revealed publicly he was enjoying a new normal in his family life with his partner.

The LGBTQ media advocacy organization also announced a $2500 grant for young LGBTQ musicians called the Ty Herndon Rising Stars Grant. The grant is eligible to LGBTQ young people who are working to accelerate acceptance in the music industry.

Additional appearances were made by newcoming trio Temecula Road, Thompson Square, Shelly Fairchild, Cassadee Pope, Brandon Stansell, and WWE Superstars Lana and Sonya.

Partners included CMT, Ketel One Vodka, Nissan Mary Frances Rudy from Rudy Title & Escrow and Wade Weissmann Architecture.