WRIGHT’S READING, WRITING & RHYTHM CONCERT A TRIUMPHANT ENCORE
WRIGHT’S READING, WRITING & RHYTHM CONCERT A TRIUMPHANT ENCORE
Chely Wright and friends Wynonna, Bryan White, Jason Aldean, Julie Roberts, Ty Herndon, Keith Anderson and Little Big Town set the pace for the 2006 CMA Music Festival performing in front of a standing-room only crowd last night at The 6th Annual Reading, Writing & Rhythm Benefit Concert held at the Wildhorse Saloon. Consistent with years past, the event sold-out again this year. “We are delighted,” said Char Daniels, Treasurer of the Reading, Writing & Rhythm Foundation®, “Once again, we’ve matched our goal of raising over $100,000. That is a feat to be proud of for one evening!” In addition to the live performances, the soiree featured live and silent auctions. The first live auction of the evening brought $5,100; seven pair of front row seats were sold on the spot just one half hour before the show start. Other big ticket items included two shopping sprees with Chely Wright at Nashville’s swanky boutique, Flavour, purchased at $2,350 and $2,250 each (the shopping sprees take place this afternoon); and three separate fly-away packages (including travel, accommodations, concert tickets and back stage passes) to see Brooks and Dunn, Wynonna and Terri Clark where auctioned to bring $3,000-4,000 per package. “This is an organized effort. Our continued success is truly because of the devotion of my friends, sponsors, crew, volunteers and my fans who dedicate themselves year after year to make it a success,” says Wright. “I am honored to be surrounded by such a powerful, caring group of individuals and the supportive country music fans that make it all possible.” This year’s event was sponsored by: American Airlines, BB&T Financial, BMI, Best Buy, Creative Artists Agency, Flavour, Harley Davidson of Cool Springs, Hillcrest Ford, Marriott Vanderbilt, Shure Mics, Southern Ice Arena, Wildhorse Saloon and XM Satellite Radio. Emceed by celebrity columnist, Brad Schmitt, the four–hour concert event was aired live on XM Satellite Radio in its entirety. Customary to every close of the event each year, Chely signed autographs until the wee hours of the morning, signing off at 4:00AM.For more information on Chely Wright visit www.chely.com. For information on how you and your school can be involved or become the beneficiary of Reading, Writing and Rhythm visit www.rwandr.org.
Photo 1 Chely Wright/Bryan White Photo Credit: Barry McCloud Photography