On March 3rd, Nashville was hit with a devastating tornado that took lives, destroyed communities and crippled local businesses. The community came together to support each other to pull through and start to rebuild following the physical and lasting emotional damage. Right on the heels of that, Music City, as well as the rest of the country, were hit with COVID-19, which continues to leave so many without income and any sense of security while we all remain in self-quarantine. Without the ability to tour, the music community everywhere, particularly in Nashville, has come to a screeching halt leaving many artists without the ability to generate any kind of income to get by.
On Saturday, April 11th at 7pm EST, a group of Nashville-based musicians, creatives, and music industry professionals will join together to produce the People Supporting Artists Telethon. This special online eventwill bring together a cross section of artists from the worlds of music, comedy, theater and some surprises. The event may prove to be a hybrid between the tradition of The Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon and the Wayne’s World public access show. The telethon was officially announce by Rolling Stone last Friday. To tune in via your phone, computer, or smart TV, visit peoplesupportingartists.com.
The People Supporting Artists Telethon will broadcast live out of H.O.M.E. studios in East Nashville co-hosted by WSM Radio’s Eric Marcum and Lightning100’s Annie Klaver. The event will be directed by acclaimed indie filmmaker Curtis Wayne Millard, with original music composed by Aaron Shafer-Haiss.
Artist performing on People Supporting Artists Telethon, include, Rosanne Cash John Oates, Keb Mo, Los Lobos (David Hidalgo & Louie Pérez), Shovels & Rope, Soccer Mommy, Jonathan Wilson, Hayes Carll, The Lone Below (Zach Williams), Aaron Lee Tasjan, Jay Buchanan (Rival Sons), Molly Tuttle, JD McPherson, Langhorne Slim, Nicole Atkins, Ron Pope, Kelsey Waldon, Andrew Combs, Jamie Kent, Michaela Anne, Brian Wright & Sally Jaye, Blackfoot Gypsies and many more!
People Supporting Artists (PSA) is a newly formed nonprofit created by a diverse team of Nashvillians. “The mission statement of the organization is to empower artists in times of growth and facilitate relief in times of need.” says PSA co-founder and Nashville artist/entrepreneur Jamie Kent. “The long term goal is to eventually provide recording and tour support grants, as well as entrepreneurial education to help elevate the careers of independent, full time artists. Many other countries like Canada, France, and Germany do this already, and the impact on their music industry is huge. We’d love to grow enough to be positioned to help artists year round, not just when there’s a crisis. But in times of crisis such as right now, PSA will create events like this telethon to rally funds behind other nonprofits best positioned to help. In this case, that’s the MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund!”
The People Supporting Artists Telethon will take place Saturday April 11th at 7pm EST. 100% of profits will go to benefit the MusiCares COVID Relief Fund. To tune in via your phone, computer, or smart TV, visit PeopleSupportingArtists.org.
The PSA Board of Advisors behind the Telethon is comprised of: Jamie Kent, Aaron Shafer-Haiss, Bob Lewis, Libby Rose, Curtis Wayne Millard, Ashley Atz, Hillel Frankel, Logan Crowell, Banks Camak III, and Manuel Delgado. Any members of the PSA team are available for interview beforehand.
Visit PeopleSupportingArtists.org
For press information about the People Supporting Artists Telethon, please contact Jim Flammia jim@alleyesmedia.com
at All Eyes Media (615) 227-2770