As Nashville continues to grow, so does the number of events supporting the city’s nonprofit community. In late May, guests gathered at The Pinnacle for Music Heals Live!, a benefit for Musicians On Call. The inaugural event raised funds to support the organization’s mission of delivering the healing power of music through bedside visits, virtual programs, songwriting initiatives and streaming experiences for patients nationwide.
The evening began with a VIP reception, where guests enjoyed hors d’oeuvres while browsing an extensive silent auction and taking advantage of a red-carpet photo opportunity. Following the reception, attendees moved into the performance hall for the main program.
The event brought together some of country music’s biggest names to celebrate the volunteers and supporters who make Musicians On Call’s work possible. Charles Esten, a frequent bedside performer and national board member, opened the program with a performance before presenting Jeff Scornavacca and Keenan Kamae with the Michael Solomon Volunteer Musician Golden Ukulele Award.
Musicians On Call co-founder Michael Solomon also presented the Vivek J. Tiwary Volunteer Guide Golden Ukulele Awards to Stan Garrison, Daisy Perez and Dianna Perez in recognition of their extraordinary service.
Together, the five honorees have brought music to more than 70,000 patients.
One of the evening’s highlights came when entertainment icon Reba McEntire received the Music Heals Golden Ukulele Award in recognition of her longtime support of Musicians On Call. Mitch Glazier, chairman and CEO of the Recording Industry Association of America and chairman emeritus of the Musicians On Call board, was honored with the Leadership in Music Golden Ukulele Award. In a surprise moment, the award was presented by country music star Martina McBride.
Belle Frantz performed McEntire’s hit “The Last One to Know,” while Vince Gill shared stories of their decades-long friendship before performing “One More Last Chance,” “Go Rest High on That Mountain” and “Whenever You Come Around.” Wynonna also made a special appearance, arriving directly from rehearsals for her upcoming tour to celebrate McEntire after Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood were unable to attend.
By the end of the evening, Music Heals Live! had raised $700,000 to further Musicians On Call’s mission of bringing comfort, connection and healing through music to patients across the country.
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