Star-Studded Lineup To Perform in Nashville For St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) March 17, 2005 -- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
"Are You Ready for the Country?"

Nashville, TN - It's a nationally syndicated radio show hosted by Jon Hensley, but it is much more than that. It's a song that was written by Neil Young and later recorded by Waylon Jennings. It's a title that has even been used for a book about "Country Rock".

Are You Ready for the Country?

When putting together these charity concerts for St. Jude Children's Hopsital, many titles were tossed around but only one seemed to sound the best, look the best on paper, and simply match up perfectly with the artists who have agreed to perform.

"I just wanted to put together a string of really great concerts that people would enjoy and get excited about," said Jon Hensley, 21, in a recent interview. "I then decided that the proceeds should go to a great charity.. St. Jude Children's Hospital is an extraordinary charity."

Hensley's nationally syndicated radio show "Are You Ready for the Country?" has been called the most diverse radio program on commercial radio. Each week listeners hear blues, country, rock, folk, bluegrass music, and anything else that is "good". Hensley has featured a wide range of guests on the program including country legend Loretta Lynn, soul great Solomon Burke, BR549, Ray Price, Todd Snider, Merle Haggard, Chris Robinson, Warren Haynes, and many more.

These three concerts are Hensley's vision of what "Are You Ready for the Country?" is all about, live in Nashville at the beautiful Cannery Ballroom.

On opening night fans will be treated to a performance by Little Milton backed by Chicago based trio the Steepwater Band. Chuck Mead of BR549 will be headlining with his Hillbilly Allstars on opening night. Legendary songwriter, producer, and artist Cowboy Jack Clement will sit in with Chuck and the Allstars.

Saturday night's show will be headlined by Lee Roy Parnell who recently signed a record deal with Universal South. It will also feature Dodd Ferrelle & the Tinfoil Stars who have been compared to the Drive By Truckers in recent reviews. Each and every performer set to hit the stage for these shows has a stunning live presence. They also have a lot of friends in Nashville.

"The plan is to have a lot of surprise guests drop by and sit in with other artists. That's what I like to see. When I go see a concert it's those type of moments that really excite me. We've got some great plans and surprises for these three shows." Hensley stated.

Tickets are now on sale for these three concerts at: http://www.ayrftc.com or charge by phone: 800-594-TIXX (8499)

ARTIST LINEUP/SCHEDULE

Thursday -- Show time 7:30
Paul Burch
Gary Bennett
Little Milton w/Steepwater Band

T. Graham Brown
Chuck Mead & the Hillbilly Allstars w/Cowboy Jack Clement


Friday -- Show time 8:30
Rosie Flores
Otis Gibbs
Jesse McReynolds
(more names to be added)


Saturday -- Show time 8:30
Dave Insley
Chatham County Line
Dodd Ferrelle & The Tinfoil Stars
The Coal Men
Lee Roy Parnell

Plus other "Surprise Guests"

April 28-30, 2005
The Cannery Ballroom (Mercy Lounge)
Nashville, TN

For more information about Jon Hensley and the "Are You Ready for the Country?" Syndicated Radio Show, visit http://www.AreYouReadyForTheCountry.com