Brandi Carlile, Levi Hummon, John Prine, Ruby Amanfu Perform Thistle Farms Benefit At Ryman

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Pictured: John Prine, Dave Ragland, Inversion Vocal Ensemble, Brandi Carlile, Teresa Carlile, Tanya Tucker. Photo: Wade Punch

Thistle Farms, the nonprofit for women survivors based in Nashville, hosted a sold-out show on April 3 at the Ryman Auditorium. The “Love on Fire” event included performances by Ruby Amanfu, Brandi Carlile, Shemekia Copeland, Levi Hummon, Inversion Vocal Ensemble and John Prine, along with readings by survivors of trafficking, prostitution and addiction.

Amy Grant received the The 2019 Thistle Farmer of the Year Award for many years of generous support and service. Tanya Tucker joined Carlile for an unannounced, show-stopping rendition of her massive hit, “Delta Dawn,” which closed out the night with a standing ovation.

Levi Hummon opened the night with “Love Heals,” a tune he penned with his father Marcus Hummon and Tom Douglas, about the organization that was begun by his mother—Becca Stevens, Thistle Farms Founder & President—over two decades ago.

“Watching Levi sing our theme song on the Ryman stage was a proud moment as his momma and the founder of Thistle Farms,” reflected Stevens. “All the artists sang about love’s healing power. We are thrilled we have already raised $270,000 to provide more women survivors housing and jobs. We also loved getting to share our story with all the Brandi Carlile and John Prine fans!”

Brandi Carlile. Photo: Wade Punch

Pictured: Thistle Farms Fundraiser 2019 Amy Grant, and 2015 Thistle Farms graduate Kristin McWilliams. Photo: Wade Punch

Pictured: Jaimee Harris, Mary Gauthier, Lisa Oliver Gray, Shemekia Copeland, Will Kimbrough. Photo: Wade Punch

Pictured: Brandi Carlile and John Prine. Photo: Wade Punch

Lorie Hollabaugh
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