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Another Festive Night on the Farm with Amy Grant, Vince Gill, Don Schlitz and Stephanie Chapman
Amy Grant, Vince Gill and Don Schlitz presented a special edition of Alive & The Bluebird Songwriter Series on October 24th. These all-stars have been longtime supporters of Alive Hospice and special guest Stephanie Chapman added her voice to the cause in 2024. The concert with a VIP component was held at the Performance Pavilion located on Amy and Vince's farm in Franklin, Tennessee. The stage set-up was on top of a hill giving fans a fantastic view of Middle Tennessee before the sunset.
Don Schlitz holds court at the Nashville-style round in Franklin. Prior to the concert food catered by Kristen Winston was paired with drinks supplied by Lipman. Our favorites were the pecan crusted chicken served with apricot ginger sauce and for desert in honor of Amy, Grandma Grant's Fudge Pies. Adding to the appealing atmosphere of this working farm was the music of Grass Strings who expertly kicked off the proceedings. Staff and plenty of volunteers were on site to ensure that patrons were enjoying themselves. Guests made their way up the hill to find a seat under the Pavilion. After a few words about Alive Hospice and The Bluebird Cafe, Amy welcomed us to the farm. She opened with her classic and compelling "Saved By Love" and later delighted us with "Tennessee Christmas" - a song fans are sure to hear more of at her and Vince's holiday residency that begins in a few short weeks at the Ryman Auditorium.
Amy Grant and Vince Gill were our fabulous hosts once again for this Alive & The Bluebird away game. Next, Stephanie Chapman shared that her lyrics paint pictures from her pastoral childhood growing up in rural West Virginia. Her first piece the insightful "Artificial Flowers" touching upon the topic of love. Later "Garden of Eden" would provide more visual images from her youth. In case folks did not know who Don Schlitz was, he soon showed his hand by mentioning that the song he was about to play was written when he was in his early twenties. It may have taken people a few extra notes to realize Don was dealing out an innovative acoustic version of "The Gambler" made famous by Kenny Rogers. Schlitz has penned plenty of hits plus he has a wonderful sense of humor as revealed in the witty "Allergic To Crazy".
Don Schlitz returns to the farm; Stephanie Chapman makes her debut at the Pavilion. Next up was Vince Gill who we last saw at his mid-summer opening night at the Ryman Auditorium when a Bruce Springsteen-length concert of nearly four hours in length broke out to start his four-show residency at the Mother Church. Gill chatted to the sold-out crowd about his recent bucket list moments which included singing with Paul McCartney and jamming with Keith Richards last week at the Country Music Hall of Fame induction ceremony. The current Eagles singer and guitar player is scheduled to continue that band's ongoing stand at The Sphere in Vegas. But, on the farm in Franklin he was working a bit on his stand-up act spiking the night with a lot of funny stories and other comical commentary.
Alive & The Bluebird volunteers; a look at the farm; and, some of the silent auction items in Franklin. In fact, the boys in the round were really having trouble containing themselves both cracking up several times to themselves before they could even get the jokes out of their mouths. Getting the biggest laugh was Vince recalling the first time he had met Keith Richards and watching fellow Nashville mainstay Ricky Skaggs giving a Gospel witness to the notorious Glimmer Twin. Keef listened to the lead voice of the Kentucky Thunder before replying that if he ever does meet his maker that he's probably due for a "big spanking". In honor of another significant occasion in his life, Gill played "Whenever You Come Around" which he wrote for Amy when he first met her. A bit later he mentioned being inspired and later meeting Chet Atkins so Vince played a track dedicated to one of his heroes.
Grass Strings were the featured opening act playing for the VIP crowd who gathered before the main event. In addition to a silent auction there was a live auction with all proceeds going to Alive. Towards the end of the event the group presented songs with a focus on loss. Vince's "Go Rest High On That Mountain" for his departed brother was still so moving. Amy followed with prose about missing you. Stephanie said that she had experience with hospice and was surprised how much laughter can be part of one's last days. She played "I Don't Want Anything to Change" which Bonnie Raitt covered in response to losing loved ones. Don strummed a tune for his wife reminiscing how she would come to The Bluebird to hear him sing. He said many of the songs he wrote were for her yet quickly stating but not "Allergic To Crazy". Gill would close out the set with a new piece to end a night of grand music on a great note.
Some of the testy appetizers available pre-show on the farm. The Bluebird Cafe is a well-respected Nashville listening room. During its 40 plus year history it has gain the reputation of holding first class writer rounds. Some big names have graced their small stage including Garth Brooks, Kris Kristofferson, Taylor Swift and many more. During his set Vince mentioned how much he loved the venue as he recalled playing there in his early days. For almost 25 years, The Bluebird Cafe has been a strong supporter of Alive by hosting events to raise awareness and funds for this worthy charity. During the evening both Alive Hospice and The Bluebird Cafe had merch available that included colorful commemorative shirts, hats, posters, koozies and totes and many fans arrived in attire that promoted either organization - proving that both are deeply woven into the fabric of local Nashville culture with a combined presence of in the region of more than 90 years.
New Alive Hospice President/CEO Kerry Hamilton celebrates his first Alive & The Bluebird on the farm in Franklin. It was a fantastic fall night at the farm to champion a great cause. Alive Hospice was founded in 1975 as a nonprofit organization dedicated to offering comprehensive care for terminally ill patients and their families. Their work also includes education, grief counseling and research. However, their main goal is to provide compassionate personalized care paired with their vision to make death a sacred experience. One's last days can be a time to feel gratitude for life, heal emotional wounds, say goodbye to loved ones and Alive wants to ensure that no one dies alone. It is no wonder that Amy and Vince have been strong advocates for Alive and were happy to host another Alive & The Bluebird Songwriter Series at the Performance Pavilion.
Alive Hospice thanks their sponsors and top supporters. Related Links: For more information on ALIVE HOSPICE and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links - Alive Hospice | Bluebird Cafe | Amy Grant | Vince Gill | DonSchlitz | Stephanie Chapman | Vince Gill Opens Four-Night Stand at the Ryman Auditorium in Fantastic High-Flying Fashion | A Festive Night on the Farm with Amy Grant, Vince Gill and Don Schlitz
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