Republic Nashville’s Martina McBride, performed to a sold out Hard Rock Cafe Nashville crowd on Fri., Nov. 16 with all proceeds directly benefitting Musicians On Call (MOC) Nashville. The non-profit brings music to the bedsides of patients in six area healthcare facilities. Breaking MOC Nashville fundraising records for a single event, the benefit amassed over $35,000 all of which will be used to support the MOC Nashville branch and help to continue and expand its Bedside Performance Programs. The funds were raised from ticket sales, a silent auction, and a unique online auction that afforded one lucky winner the opportunity to join McBride on stage for a song to which winning bidder, Lyndsi Riley, chose “This One’s for the Girls.”

“We could not imagine a better way to celebrate our fifth anniversary in Nashville. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see such an icon perform in an intimate setting,” shared Katy Epley, MOC Nashville’s Program Director. “Martina and her entire team could not have been more gracious or supportive of our efforts to bring the healing power of music to the bedsides of patients.”

McBride, who also sang her current hit “I’m Gonna Love Your Through It,” said, “I was so happy to be a part of the fifth anniversary of Musicians On Call in Nashville. We put together an eclectic set list of hits mixed with some of our favorite album cuts for a show that was one-of-a-kind. It’s a great organization doing important work and I was proud to be a part of that very special evening.”

Visit www.MusiciansOnCall.org for more information on upcoming events or on how to donate or volunteer.

(L-R): Rob Beckham, Co-Head Nashville, WME; Marion Kraft, Owner, ShopKeeper Management; Chris Young; Gary Overton, Chairman & CEO, Sony Music Nashville; Sally Williams, General Mgr., Ryman Auditorium. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images

Chris Young kicked off the first leg of his headlining Liquid Neon Tour last Thursday (11/15), with a sold-out show at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium. The date marked his first headlining concert in his hometown and featured supporting guests on the tour Joanna Smith and Thomas Rhett.

RCA Records label mate Smith started the night with an acoustic set including “Ring To Sell,” “Broken Wishes,” “Girls Are Crazy,” and current single “We Can’t Be Friends.” She captured the audience’s attention and shared that she often dreamed about performing at the Ryman during her many shows at nearby Tootsies. Valory Music Co.’s Thomas Rhett then performed songs from his self-titled EP including, “Whatcha Got In That Cup,” “Make Me Wanna,” “Beer With Jesus,” “Front Porch Junkies” and “Something To Do With My Hands.” Rhett’s onstage charisma kept fans engaged with every note and every move.

Centered between four LED video towers, Chris Young opened with “Gonna Find It Tonight” and then led into his first No. 1 song, “Getting You Home.” Singing every word, the enthusiastic crowd stood for most of the show, giving the Nashville artist a sincere hometown reception. Young gave a shout out to his parents, sister and grandparents who were in attendance. And perhaps the most endearing part of the concert was watching his proud mom Becky Harris enjoy every moment of the show, standing front and center.

After performing “Lost,” Young expressed heartfelt gratitude to the audience “for giving me a life I love.” He thanked them for spending their hard earned money to support not just him, but all artists. He then followed up with “The Man I Want To Be,” “Save Water, Drink Beer,” “When She’s On,” and “Neon.”

Before the Nov. 15th show, Chris Young tweeted this photo, "This= epic #Ryman"

Young gave a special thanks to his label Sony Music Nashville (RCA Records) for sticking with him when his first singles fell short on the charts. He then performed a few songs from his first album, Chris Young, that were not hits but had often been requested by fans.

Following the performance of his No. 1, “You,” Young shifted into an acoustic set, offering the energetic crowd “Text Me, Texas,” “Beer Or Gasoline,” and “The Dashboard.” The latter song was dedicated to members of the military. Young also highlighted his involvement in the Stars and Stripes Program.

After singing a crowd favorite, “Voices,” Young confessed that the next song, “She’s Got This Thing About Her” was the first time he had ever performed the song live. The audience loved it. Young ended the show with ZZ Top‘s “Sharp Dressed Man,” and followed with his hits “I Can Take It From There,” and “Tomorrow.”

The encore included “Who’s Gonna Take Me Home” and “Ain’t Livin’ Long Like This” and brought Joanna Smith and Thomas Rhett back to the stage for the finale.

Pictured (L-R) Front: Clint Higham, Alan Valentine, John Huie, George Jones, Robert Williams, Mike Fisher. Back: Ed Bazel, Bonnie Sugarman, Rod Harris, Tony Conway, Carrie Moore-Reed, Randi Perkins, Steve Tolman

The Nashville Association of Talent Directors (NATD) spent yesterday evening (11/14) honoring a group of individuals who share the organization’s objectives and ideals during its 2^nd Annual Gala at the Hermitage Hotel in Nashville.

After a silent auction to raise funds for the NATD’s College for Knowledge program, along with hors d’oeuvre and cocktails in the lobby, attendees were called to the dining hall by xylophone for the main event.

“Community involvement and the legacy they have made in their career have made tonight’s honorees deserving of recognition,” said President Steve Tolman.

Robert K. Oermann took the stage prepping the crowd to receive the evening’s first honoree, George Jones. “Great voices attract great songs,” praised Oermann of Jones’ 60 year legacy before listing the singer’s accolades including 167 chart placements. “Tonight we will be giving him another award, but you can’t give him enough.”

A reminiscent Tanya Tucker shared equal praises of the Country icon before bringing him to the stage for a brief acceptance. Tucker and Jones will perform together in 2013 for his final Nashville concert on the Grand Tour.

The organization’s Hubert Long Award was presented to WBA’s Robert S. Williams for significant and positive contributions to the music industry relating to artist development. Williams was introduced by Bob Kinkead.

Michael W. Smith honored CAA’s John Huie, noting that his contributions “took music out of the churches and into the arenas.” Huie’s responsibilities at the company included establishing its first satellite office in Nashville, which recently celebrated the 75^th employee hired at its new SunTrust Building headquarters.

Nashville Predator Mike Fisher received recognition for his community engagement efforts from Predators head coach and last year’s NATD honoree, Barry Trotz. Fisher’s wife, Carrie Underwood, was not in attendance.

Dale Morris took the stage to recall offering Clint Higham $70 a week and a tank of gas when he first began work at Morris Artist Management. Higham, now President, oversees the roster including Kenny Chesney, Martina McBride, and Jake Owen. “All I ever wanted to do was work in the industry, I don’t know how to do anything else,” said Higham, who corrected Morris, saying his starting compensation was only a tank of gas.

Béla Fleck remarked about honoree Alan Valentine’s contribution to the Nashville Symphony from expansion, to the Schermerhorn, and rebuilding after the 2010 flood. Valentine received the honor saying, “we should have this kind of Hall and Symphony in Music City.”

The 2012 Honorees were chosen by the NATD Board of Directors, led by Steve Tolman, including Rod Harris, Bonnie Sugarman, Ed Bazel, Rod Essig, Randi Perkins, Tony Conway, Mike Smardak, Carrie Moore-Reed, Jeff Debusk, Karen Entz, Josh DeBusk, Philip Lyon, Clyde Bright, Neal Spielberg, and Kirt Webster.

“A concerted effort was recently focused on this gala and scholarships to support up and coming talent,” notes Tolman of the organization’s education ideals. “We take industry professionals to colleges to do panel discussions to showcase the variety of jobs, teaching students the strongest aspect of our industry is relationships. You’ve gotta get involved, even if it is a voluntary thing to get your foot in the door to meet people.”

The key players in the College of Knowledge programs include Murray University in KY, where NATD will return for the third time; institutions in Montana; and through IEBA, Belmont University.

Dinner included salad, rolls, steak served over mashed potatoes and a side of broccolini. Dessert choices included a fruit tart or coconut cake.