Dan's Cancer Benefit On Feb. 2nd

(Scroll down for information on the performers)

 

On February 2nd at The Limelight in Nashville, a benefit is being put on to help Dan raise funds to cover his loss of income and expenses as a result of his cancer.  For the last eight months, Dan's been battling rectal cancer.  He's going through his second round of chemo and will likely be unable to work again full-time until this coming summer.

 

The benefit has an eclectic lineup with some major hit writers, artists and bands.  The schedule as it now stands is:

 

6:30pm – Chief Greenbud
6:40pm - Tori Sparks and Thom Shepherd
7:10pm – Winfield’s Locket
7:40pm – Hip Kitty
8:15pm – Amber Hayes, Stephen Cochran, Chas Sandford, Becky Schlegel
9:15pm – Gordon Kennedy, Tim Nichols, Danielle Peck
10:15pm – Jeff Bates, Gary Talley and Keni Thomas

11:00pm – Charlie Louvin

 

Cover at the door will be $15 - a pretty low price for such great talent.  There will also be items on hand for purchase and a silent auction.  As part of the event, Dan will be selling some photos of artists he's taken over the years.  Get yours for the autograph sessions at this year's CMA Music Festival!

 

If you can't make the benefit but would like to donate to help Dan, please CLICK HERE

 

If you have items you would like to donate for the silent auction, please mail them to:

 

Susan Greene

256 Seaboard Lane, #G-103
Franklin, TN 37067

 

or call Dan to arrange for pickup at 615-948-7425.

 

The Limelight is located at 201 Woodland St. in Nashville.  CLICK HERE for Mapquest location and directions.  For information on the limelight, visit their website at www.limelightnashville.com/

 

About the performers...

(Click on their photo to visit their websites)

Charlie Louvin - What can you say about a Grand Ole Opry legend?  As half of the Louvin Brothers, Charlie Louvin was one of the most influential musicians of the '40s and '50s; the Louvins defined close harmony duet singing for several generations of country fans. After the Louvins disbanded in 1963, Charlie began a solo career, recording for Capitol Records until 1972. During that time, he had two Top Ten hits -- "I Don't Love You Anymore" (number four, 1964) and "See the Big Man Cry" (number seven, 1965). Louvin continues to perform and record and has gained a faithful following among the younger generation.

Danielle Peck - There is an undeniable division in Danielle Peck's voice. A bluesy pull, a reluctant smokiness that, when it breaks, yields soaring, ringing, soul-stirring power and clarity. That tantalizing slow-pour tension is a fitting reflection of the artist herself. Is she an exuberant young country singer or an experienced and purposed entertainer? Is she the self-described "plain Jane girl next door" or a statuesque brunette bombshell? Is she a former waitress fighting for her big break or a prolific songwriter who contributed eight of 11 songs to her upcoming album? Danielle Peck is all that and much more.

Jeff Bates - Jeff Bates doesn’t cherry pick his life for the high spots. Whether he’s writing or singing a song, he’s always emotionally honest. You heard that quality in such of his RCA Records hits as “The Love Song,” “Rainbow Man,” “One Second Chance,” “I Wanna Make You Cry” and “Long Slow Kisses.” The first single from the new album is the driving up-tempo “Don’t Hate Me For Loving You.” CLICK HERE for more about Jeff.

Gordon Kennedy - is an singer-songwriter, guitarist and record producer with so many hits it's hard to count them. He has collaborated with the likes of Eric Clapton, Garth Brooks, Bonnie Raitt, Jewel, Kenny Loggins and others. The Grammy-winning song "Change the World", was co-written by Gordon with Tommy Sims and Wayne Kirkpatrick for Eric Clapton and was included in the soundtrack for John Travolta's film Phenomenon. 

Tim Nichols - Tim Nichols is one of country music's leading songwriters. He has been responsible for numerous hit songs including Alan Jackson's "That'd Be Alright," JoDee Messina's "Heads Carolina, Tails California" and Ronnie Milsap's "All Is Fair In Love and War." Nichols' co-wrote Tim McGraw's "Live Like You Were Dying" with Craig Wiseman, which won the Best Country Song Grammy award in 2005 and was nominated for the Grammy Song Of The Year category. In addition, "Live Like You Were Dying" won the Song of the Year award from the Country Music Association, Academy of Country Music, BMI Country Awards, ASCAP Country Awards, and the Nashville Songwriters Association International.

Hip Kitty - Hip Kitty is truly a one of a kind rock band that is exploding on the radar. Their sound is fresh, innovative and energized. Bringing songs to life in a way that light a city, but also a talent capacity that converts a new listener to a fan in the time it takes to form an opinion. From Key West, FL to Anchorage, AK, Hip Kitty has played venues across the nation performing more than 250 shows a year while establishing a loyal “Kat Krew” of fans along the way. Hip Kitty definitely brings “The old school to the new school.” True with tunes everyone can relate to, Hip Kitty will deliver to the masses of all age groups. Their music gives you a sense of who they are and their performance proves they are a one of a kind, refreshing change in today’s industry.

Amber Hayes - No stage is too big or too small for Amber Hayes. From entertaining residents of her family-owned nursing homes as a child in rural Weleetka, Oklahoma, to competing in national competitions, and performing at fairs and festivals across the south, Amber has used her captivating, country vocals and commanding stage presence to connect with audiences of all ages. Whether it be the historic Ryman Auditorium or the local dinner theater, Amber is at home on a stage of any size and with an audience of all ages. Amber has had many opportunities to share the stage with some of the hottest new stars like Rodney Atkins, and the more established artists, such as, Marty Stuart and T.G. Sheppard. She just loves to perform – after all, it's all she's known!

Chas Sandford - Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, Chas Sandford moved to Los Angeles at age 15. Within a month of moving there he met Ike Turner, which led to his first recording session later that night with Ike & Tina Turner and Delaney & Bonnie and Friends. This was the beginning of Chas’ professional career, which has included success as a session/live musician, producer, engineer, songwriter, recording artist, publisher and studio owner.  His credits include songwriting or producing for such top artists like John Waite, Stevie Nicks, Chicago, Tina Turner, Roger Daltrey, Berlin, Brooks & Dunn, Alison Krauss, Rick Springfield, Sammy Hagar, Rod Stewart and many, many more.

Thom Shepherd -Thom Shepherd is a singer / songwriter with three number one hits to his credit: "Riding with Private Malone," "Redneck Yacht Club" and the Texas hit, "Beer Season." His song "The Rock" is the title track of Tracy Lawrence's Grammy-nominated album. Thom's latest project is "Turning Point," sixteen new songs including the crowd favorites "Rather Be happy Than Right," "Djibouti" and "The Only Way He Knew How."  Thom performs and tours constantly and has entertained troops in the Middle East, Alaska, Europe, Iceland, Kosovo and Greenland for Armed Forces Entertainment.

Gary Talley - What do Willie Nelson, Billy Preston, Waylon Jennings, The Beach Boys, Tim McGraw, Dr. John, Tammy Wynette, Sam & Dave, Pat Boone, Pam Tillis, Brenda Lee, Keith Whitley, Tennesseee Ernie Ford, James Burton, James Cotton, Randy Travis, Dobie Gray, James Carr and Sherrie' Austin have in common?  Answer: Gary Talley - Teacher, Musician, Songwriter. Gary still tours and records with the Boxtops, contributing original songs and background vocals.  Along with songwriting and performing, Gary's teaches guitar and includes stars like Pam Tillis and Sherrié Austin, along with a host of others.

Stephen Cochran - If great country music is still built on a foundation of real-life stories and soul-deep family tradition, Stephen Cochran was born to the breed. With a Music Row pedigree, a soldier's sense of purpose and a lifetime's worth of stories, this singer/songwriter exploded onto the country music scene in 2007 with a critically acclaimed, self-titled debut album that captured the hearts of fans, critics and a lot of everyday heroes. Between road gigs, Cochran has been in the studio co-producing his upcoming sophomore album with longtime producer Jim Allison. Having recently filmed the video for "Wal-Mart Flowers" in front of a rowdy, packed house full of fans at Chevy's Niteclub in Hammond, Louisiana, Cochran is anxious to get his new songs out there and take on the world, one honky-tonk at a time.

Keni Thomas - Whether standing on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry or entertaining the troops in Iraq, the southern country-rocker is indeed using his God-given gifts to deliver a message through his words and his music. His undeniable charisma and tremendous talent as a singer, songwriter and performer have firmly established him as one of country music's brightest new stars. Keni's new album, Gunslinger, is a collection of insightful songs that live and breathe the stories of life. Gunslinger is the follow-up to Thomas's critically acclaimed debut album, "Flags of Our Fathers." The first single "Shreveport 2 LA," produced by Thomas and co-written by hit writers Billy Montana and Mike Plume, is an infectious rocker that spent 4 months in the Top 10 on GAC.

Becky Schlegel - Becky Schlegel has a gift for taking life’s experiences and transforming them into songs that are passionate and unique. Her music is a fusion of folk, bluegrass and country that is mesmerizing. Schlegel sings with an effortless, angelic and wistful soprano that has been described as “Clear and expressive. Her voice can go gritty at times or break appropriately or soar to ethereal heights or drift off in a whisper. Schlegel hasn’t forgotten her roots, but her heart and her music know no bounds. She continues to explore, dream, write and sing songs of life and love – of heartache and redemption. Her music is diverse; a compelling, almost spiritual ride that is the embodiment of a fascinating woman and her engaging stories. FOR ALL THE WORLD TO SEE uncovers the hidden gem that is Becky Schlegel.

Winfield's Locket - A fresh blend of soul-infused country. Unmistakable blood harmonies. Emotive vocal performances and musicianship that make you feel something... different. Timeless songs with remarkable melodies that stretch conventional boundaries and expectations. Engaging charisma. A sound all their own.

This is Winfield's Locket.

First and foremost, Leslie and Brooke Martin are sisters and close friends. On an entirely different level, they are magical musical collaborators – versatile composers, vocalists, musicians and producers – who complement each other so well there is no doubt they were meant to create music together.  CLICK HERE for more

Chief Greenbud - Back in the 70’s, Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong found their niche in the entertainment world performing comedy about two pot heads who simply wanted to enjoy life from their alternative consciousness. The proof of their popularity is evident in the fact that they are still touring today, bringing their comedy to an entirely new generation. But there’s a new artist on the scene who's now carrying the torch of marijuana comedy – Chief Greenbud. With his self-titled freshman release and follow-up CD on the streets, Chief Greenbud has taken the marijuana music world by storm… or, if you will, by one gigantic puff. The Chief has already won accolades in his field, acquiring three Global Marijuana Music Awards and four American Marijuana Music Awards, along with being nominated by High Times Magazine for their 2009 Doobie Award for Best New / Underground Artist. Additionally, he’s finding himself in high (pun intended) demand on the underground concert and festival circuit.

Tori Sparks - Tori Sparks calls Nashville home, but spends most of her time on the road in the U.S. and Europe. Called “a knockout” by the Village Voice, her dynamic live show is equal parts eye-popping soul-singing, and zany stand-up-style humor. Tori’s third album, The Scorpion in the Story, was co-produced with indie rock veteran David Henry (R.E.M., Ben Folds, Josh Rouse, Widespread Panic, Cowboy Junkies) , and features players such as Steve Bowman (Counting Crows), Will Kimbrough (Rodney Crowell), Viktor Krauss (Lyle Lovett, Mindy Smith, Allison Krauss), Fats Kaplin (Mark Knopfler, Kevin Welch), and Barry Walsh (Gretchen Peters). The Scorpion in the Story is a tale in thirteen chapters, a tour diary in the form of a concept album. Each song was written about one of the many colorful individuals Tori met while touring across the U.S. last year.