Nashville Songwriters return to Durham

Memorable songs - the tunes we sing in the car or shower - are associated with the superstars who recorded the music. In most cases, however, that song came from the heart and soul of a not-so-famous songwriter - a poet or wordsmith with a guitar. We will celebrate (and enjoy) that talent Friday night April 5th at DPAC as the Nashville Songwriters return to the Bull City. They have penned hits for Blake Shelton, Dierks Bentley, Miley Cyrus, Brad Paisley, Jason Aldean and Rascal Flatts.

Click on image to enlarge.

The show, a benefit concert, is organized by Durham's Jeff Outlaw and his family foundation. We signed on last year because a portion of the proceeds goes to Kidznotes, and some of the kidz have an opportunity to perform with the professionals in one of the country's leading theaters.

Consider this your invitation to join us! And check out the videos...

Country Crescendo

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...

Music City + Bull City

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.

Watch the TV commercial.

Reserve your seats!!!