Brice Long and Friends Concert for Back to Back Foundation Shatters Records
More than 1,200 people packed the James E. Bruce Convention Center for the thirteenth annual Brice Long and Friends Back to Back Foundation Benefit Concert held Saturday in Hopkinsville, KY. Foundation Chairman Brent Gilkey announced the concert, which is the primary fundraiser for the foundation, continues to grow and shattered last year’s total by raising $91,900.
Brice Long and Mark Nesler (Just To See You Smile, You Look Good In My Shirt) entertained fans during an intimate songwriters round and country and blues singer Casey James headlined the evening.
Long’s set included his hit singles “Nothing On But The Radio,” “Like A Cowboy.” “Heartache On The Dance Floor” and his recent Chris Stapleton cut “Scarecrow In The Garden.” One of the night’s most emotional moments happened when Nesler sang his Daryl Worley hit “I Miss My Friend” in tribute to Butch Hardison, former soundman and delivery truck driver for the foundation that passed away earlier this year. The song was accompanied by a video montage of Long’s late friend and colleague.
Casey James closed out the evening with an hour long set that included his country radio hit “Let’s Don’t Call It A Night” (co-written by Brice) and songs from his newly released blues album “Strip It Down.”
The evening wrapped with a heartwarming highlight video of the Back to Back Foundation’s recent projects and a heartfelt Brice thanking concert goers for their support. Long said “this night couldn’t happen without the support of the community, I hope to see the event continue to grow so we can continue helping these families.”
Money raised for the evening is generated from sponsors, silent auction, ticket sales and donations. All proceeds from Saturday’s concert will stay in Christian, Trigg and Todd Counties in Kentucky. Since its inception, Back to Back Inc. has raised over $551,000 and has directly helped over 272 families along with several local charities. Back to Back Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
Brice is a singer/songwriter in Nashville and a native of Hopkinsville, KY. He’s had cuts with Garth Brooks, Chris Stapleton, George Strait, Hank Williams Jr, Randy Houser, Jon Pardi, Gary Allan, Josh Turner, Reba McEntire, Chris Young, Darryl Worley, Randy Travis, Craig Campbell, Casey James, Gretchen Wilson, Porter Wagoner and more. His songwriting hits include the #1 singles “Nothing On But The Radio” by Gary Allan and “Heartache On The Dance Floor” by Jon Pardi. As well as Randy Houser’s “Like a Cowboy” and “Anything Goes”, “Today” by Gary Allan, “Let’s Don’t Call It A Night” by Casey James and “What I Can’t Put Down,” by Jon Pardi. Brice received a CMA nomination for Song Of The Year for “Like A Cowboy.” Long formed The Back to Back Foundation in 2005 with the intent to give back to the community that has supported him so much throughout his career.
For more information or to connect with the Back to Back Foundation or Brice Long: www.back2backfoundation.org
Jessica Blankenship is the owner and founder of Kentucky Country Music website with over 20 years experience in music journalism, concert planning, photography, and promotion. Jessica is a Kentucky Colonel and alumni of the 2019 Leadership Kentucky BRIGHT Class and a recipient of the Laurel County’s Ten Under 40 Award. Listen to her each week on WFKY on Friday mornings for the Nashville News Roundup.