In Pictures: ‘MacKenzie Porter + Friends’ Concert Raises $85K For American Cancer Society

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Pictured (L-R, back row): Lily Rose, Walker Hayes, MacKenzie Porter, Dustin Lynch, Madeline Merlo and Nate Smith; (L-R, front row): Dr. Arif Kamal (Chief Patient Officer, American Cancer Society) and Alana Springsteen. Photo: Aubrey Wise

Country artist MacKenzie Porter hosted “MacKenzie Porter + Friends Present: Country vs. Cancer,” her inaugural benefit concert as an ambassador for the American Cancer Society, at Nashville’s Brooklyn Bowl on Monday, Nov. 20.

Porter performed fan-favorites tunes “These Days” and “Pickup,” and debuted some new music from her forthcoming full-length album as well as previously-released tracks “Bet You Break My Heart” and “Chasing Tornadoes,” which Madeline Merlo and Porter transformed into a surprise duet for the special night.

Pictured (L-R): Maggie Ryan, Dan Ryan (Founder & CEO, Ryan Aviation Group), Dr. Arif Kamal (Chief Patient Officer, American Cancer Society), Miriam Kamal and MacKenzie Porter. Photo: Aubrey Wise

“This means so much to me,” she shared from the stage. “Cancer has affected my life in so many ways and I’m sure it has every single person in this room. I’ve always wanted to be involved in something like this.”

The event raised a total of $85,000 for the American Cancer Society, including a $20,000 donation from sponsor Ryan Aviation Group.

Nate Smith, Alana Springsteen, Lily Rose, Walker Hayes and Dustin Lynch also took the stage to support Porter and the American Cancer Society. The crowd was serenaded with Smith’s “Whiskey On You,” Springsteen’s “Goodbye Looks Good On You,” Rose’s “Villain,” Hayes’ “Fancy Like” and Lynch’s “Small Town Boy.” Porter joined in for performances of Hayes’ “Halloween” and her double-Platinum, six-week No. 1 collaboration with Lynch “Thinking ‘Bout You.”

“These artists are so busy so the fact they’re here shows how much this means to all of us,” she continued. “Doing good, spreading love, and helping people is the reason we’re all here.”

The evening ended with a milestone moment as Lynch presented Porter with a career plaque in celebration of her six No. 1 songs at Canadian country radio and seven Music Canada Gold, Platinum and multi-Platinum certifications.

Nate Smith performs during “MacKenzie Porter + Friends Present: Country vs. Cancer.” Photo: Aubrey Wise

Alana Springsteen performs during “MacKenzie Porter + Friends Present: Country vs. Cancer.” Photo: Aubrey Wise

Dustin Lynch surprises MacKenzie Porter with career plaque during “MacKenzie Porter + Friends Present: Country vs. Cancer.” Photo: Brayln Kelly

Liza Anderson
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