Carrie Underwood introduced him as "country music's best friend" at this month's Country Music Association Awards, but Vince Gill could also be said to carry that banner for the Children's Advocacy Center of Hamilton County.
The country superstar returns to Chattanooga on Saturday, Nov. 29, for his ninth consecutive year to play a benefit concert for the center that serves abused or neglected children - 583 children in the 2013-14 fiscal year alone.
If you go> What: "A Song for the Children" featuring Vince Gill> When: 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29> Where: Tivoli Theatre, 709 Broad St.> Admission: $35 and $50 general admission, $175 VIP> Phone: 423-642-TIXS> Website: www.ChattanoogaOnStage.com• Note: For VIP tickets, call 423-266-6918 or visit www.cachc.org.Did you know?Vince Gill was asked by Mark Knopfler to join British rock band Dire Straits. He declined, although he did sing backup on Dire Straits' album "On Every Street."
"He likes the Tivoli Theatre because it's a more personal setting," says Cathy Eldahan, CAC external affairs coordinator. "He sits onstage with his guitar, and sometimes will interact with people in the audience who call out to him. He always brings a different guest with him every year, which is kept a surprise. He sings new music and the old favorites that everybody loves. It's just a great show."
Eldahan said Gill hasn't divulged who this year's surprise guest will be, but she added that CAC has booked Janelle Arthur to open for him. Arthur is the blonde singer from Oliver Springs, Tenn., who placed fifth in Season 12 of "American Idol." After taking part in "Idol's" 2013 summer tour, she released her debut single in May of this year, "What You Asked For."
Gill started playing in a bluegrass band while a teenager at Northwest Classen High School in Norman, Okla., in the 1970s. After graduation, he played in Ricky Skaggs' Boone Creek before joining Pure Prairie League in the late 1970s. His pure tenor voice became the signature sound of PPL, especially in memorable hits such as "Let Me Love You Tonight."
Just four weeks ago, Gill was honored by his alma mater when Northwest Classen celebrated its famous alum with the unveiling of a bronze statue in his likeness. While there, he also attended the grand opening of a new wing for Special Care, the nonprofit he raises money for that provides early childhood education for children with and without special needs.
It was the first of three honors Gill received just in the last month. On Nov. 4, he was presented the BMI Country Icon Award in recognition of his prolific songwriting career. On Nov. 7 at the CMA Awards, Gill received the Irving Waugh Award of Excellence, the only other artist to receive the career milestone since Johnny Cash won it in 2003.
He's closing out November with Saturday night's fundraiser in the Tivoli, followed by a second benefit on Nov. 30 in Nashville. On Sunday night, Gill will be among the performers at Dawn Sears and Friends: A Benefit for Lung Cancer Research. Sears is a member of The Time Jumpers, a Monday-night Nashville band Gill plays with, and it's her voice harmonizing with Gill on his classic hit "I Still Believe in You." Reba McEntire is headlining the benefit, which will be hosted by cancer survivor Scott Hamilton.
On Dec. 3, Gill and wife Amy Grant open their holiday concert series in the Ryman Auditorium. It runs through Dec. 18.
Contact Susan Pierce at spierce@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6284.