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.”