There are some exciting developments to announce today about our upcoming concert in Nashville on June 12.
GLAAD, the nation's LGBT media advocacy organization, along with Grammy-nominated and Dove Award-winning artist Ty Herndon, today announced the additions of entertainer and author Stella Parton, Nashville Mayor Karl Dean, and alt-country band Antigone Rising to the lineup of the inaugural Concert for Love and Acceptance. The event, presented by GLAAD and Herndon, will feature artists and celebrities in a coalition of support for LGBT acceptance and will take place at City Winery (609 Lafayette St.) in Nashville, Tenn.
Growing up in South Carolina as a fan of country music, it is so gratifying to see the music industry and leaders like Mayor Dean standing up for love and acceptance. Their involvement sends a strong message to young people – wherever they are – that there is nothing wrong with them and that they are worthy of love just the way they are.
Parton is an international award-winning recording artist and is not only an accomplished singer and entertainer but a proficient songwriter, producer, speaker, actress and author as well. Her career is filled with awards and accolades including being named the Christian Country Music Association’s Female Vocalist and Mainstream Country Artist of the Year, the Alabama Country Music Hall of Fame’s Entertainer of the Year, Most Promising International Act by the CMA/GB, Honorary Ambassador of Country Music in Kentucky, Louisiana, Pennsylvania and New Zealand, not to mention being inducted into the American Country Music Hall of Fame.
In addition to Parton, we are thrilled to welcome Nashville Mayor Karl Dean, who has been a stalwart supporter of the LGBT community and will bring greetings on stage to attendees at the event.
Finally, alt-country band Antigone Rising has joined the lineup and will be bringing their signature harmonies to the stage on the heels of their latest release, "Whiskey & Wine Vol. II," which features the anthem of love and acceptance, "Game Changer."
We are so thankful to our Official Sponsor for this event, Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, as well as Major Sponsor, Honey Maid. Our local and national organizational partners include the Academy of Country Music, The Edge Salon, IveyCake, Nashville Cares, the Nashville LGBT Chamber of Commerce, Nashville Pride, The Trevor Project, Tennessee Equality Project, Unite Magazine, and WWE.
Tickets are still available at www.glaad.org/nashville. This is an amazing event you do not want to miss.