Nashville, Tenn. – Flying high after her Top 5 and soaring stunner “Peter Pan” was certified GOLD, Black River Entertainment’s Kelsea Ballerini took a sweet moment to give back Wednesday night while hosting a “pop up” benefit at Nashville’s legendary Bluebird Cafe.
Ballerini thrilled her sold-out crowd with a night full of surprises including stellar featured guests Dave Barnes, Luke Laird, and Ingrid Michaelson for the full round, with local tunesmith Trent Dabbs and young country music newcomer Tegan Marie joining for a song each. Praised for her hit songwriting credit on all 12 songs on her critically acclaimed debut album THE FIRST TIME, the intimacy of “In The Round with Kelsea Ballerini & Friends” was pure magic, as Ballerini also shared the spotlight for a song with two Nashville School of the Arts students, Amelia Eisenhauer and Tristan McIntosh. Finalists Eisenhauer (Top 24) and McIntosh (Top 6) are both American Idol season 15 alums.
“I discovered my love for performing through my music program in high school and know the impact of discovering your passion through initiatives like Music Makes Us,” Ballerini admits. “I was so excited to help raise awareness for music in schools alongside my friends Ingrid Michaelson, Dave Barnes, Luke Laird, and Trent Dabbs. They all have a passion for music education so it made perfect sense for us to join forces!”
All proceeds of the unforgettable event are being donated to Music Makes Us, a program spearheaded by Metro Nashville Public Schools, the Mayor’s office, the music industry and community leaders, which is aiming to become a model for strengthening music education around the country. In addition, the Bluebird Cafe auctioned a guitar signed by all of the unbelievable talent which garnered $2,100, bringing the total donation to more than $5,000 for Music Makes Us.
Ballerini’s exciting week continues as she’ll perform on Good Morning America’s 2016 Summer Concert Series today (8/19). Good Morning America airs weekdays on ABC at 7 a.m. (ET/PT).