What a surprise ending!!! Nashville Songwriters at DPAC concluded with Jessi Alexander on stage to perform her power ballad The Climb, a triple platinum hit for Miley Cyrus in 2009. Then, the curtain was raised to reveal her accompaniment - the Kidznotes orchestra!
Kidznotes was a beneficiary of the evening's proceeds, so this was a most meaningful finale for the performers, the kidz and the audience.
Capitol Broadcasting Company and WRAL TV were media sponsors. We were accompanied by 94.7 WQDR. Thanks to Don Curtis at Curtis Media and President Trip Savery for getting behind this unique event.
The benefit concert began in a high school cafeteria and has graduated to the DPAC. Another round of applause for the impresario, Jeff Outlaw!
Ken Huth Photography was there with his camera...
We are a week away from Nashville Songwriters at the DPAC. Durham County resident and songwriter Jeff Outlaw has persuaded seven of his Music City friends to perform in the Bull City on April 27th. Remarkably, this group is responsible for writing 75 number one country songs!
It's a unique event, sort of like Behind the Music meets Unplugged. The writers sit in a semi-circle on stage, share the story behind each song and give a solo performance...with a little help from their friends. It's like you've been invited into the studio. (Read more about the show.)
Capitol Broadcasting Co. came on board because a portion of the proceeds will benefit Kidznotes, the nonprofit that engages youth with orchestra, band and choir. I really liked the idea of putting the popularity of country music to work in that space.
Jeff Outlaw chats with WRAL's Bill Leslie.
