KYLE MURPHYStaff Writer

Marking a decade of giving back to his hometown, country music star Dustin Lynch, backed up by his songwriting friends, took to the stage at Tullahoma High School for the annual “Dustin Lynch and Friends” benefit concert, where they raised $32,000 for local charities.

The annual concert took place Tuesday, Dec. 2, filling up the Tullahoma High School auditorium where Lynch, joined by Nashville based songwriters Ben Johnson, Josh Thompson and Austin Shawn, hit the stage to perform a variety of songs from their respective catalogs.

Prior to the show, Lynch met with and took photos with fans during his meet and greet, where he was greeted with handshakes, hugs, gifts and other surprises, like an appearance from Santa Claus.

Kicking off the show was Lynch making his way to the stage to perform a song before welcoming his guests to both the stage and to Tullahoma. Lynch thanked everyone for coming, including one fan who traveled from Saskatchewan in Canada, and for making the benefit show special for the last ten years.

Following Lynch was Thompson, Shawn and Johnson, respectively, as each of the songwriters talked briefly about themselves and the origins of the songs they wrote, while engaging with the audience and joking amongst each other. The songs they performed during show have been recorded and performed by HARDY, Lee Brice, Riley Green, Chase Matthew, Blake Shelton, Jon Pardi, Jelly Roll, Morgan Wallen and Bailey Zimmerman.

A highlight of the show came from Johnson, who performed the song “All the Way” which featured rapper BigXthaPlug. Johnson warned the crowd that not only would he perform what he wrote, but do the rap as well so he apologized in advance if it didn’t go so well. Johnson would receive a loud ovation from attendees for his performance.

Midway through the show, Lynch let his fellow songwriters and backup band take a break as it was time to present the check donations for this year’s selected charities. He first thanked local Tullahoma establishment Piggy’s Place Bar-B-Que for providing food for his crew, and then thanked his band crew for setting up the stage and show, as well as the Tullahoma High School JROTC for helping with unloading the equipment. He then thanked Lane and Evelyn Curlee for continuing to organize the benefit show so they help the children. 

“I’m really stoked that we have an opportunity to help out,” Lynch said.

This year’s recipients were the Bel-Aire Elementary School PTO and Isaiah 117 House, where both received $16,000 each, adding up to $32,000.

For the Bel-Aire PTO, the money will specifically go towards its project of building an inclusive playground for children with special needs.

Isaiah 117 House is a nonprofit organization that helps to provide a place for children to go during the in between time when they’re removed by the Department of Children’s Services and being placed with foster families. According Isaiah 117 House Leader for Coffee/Franklin/Grundy counties Susan Johnson, in the three years since opening they have served around 444 children.

Following the check donations, Lynch got a surprise from the school district, as Director of Schools Dr. Catherine Stephens revealed that prior to the show, she presented Lynch with a plaque honoring the Grand Ole Opry member for ten years of hosting the benefit show where he graduated from.

“We’re always proud of our students for dreaming big and attaining great things in their career,” Stephens said. “It is especially pleasing for me to stand here, 10 shows worth, to say thank you.”

Stephens continued and praised Lynch for coming back to his hometown each year, bringing in his crew and guests, to share both his gift and love for music to help give back to the children in the area. She then shared what was inscribed on the plaque that was on display in from of the auditorium as everyone came in and got their seats.

“Behind these doors is the first stage on which Grand Old Opry member Dustin Lynch ever performed,” Stephens recited.  “A graduate of the Class of 2003. He has gone on to captivate audiences at many of the world’s most renowned venues and prominent stages.”

Stephens continued, “We are so proud of him. Please help me honor him. This is 10 years of benefit to Tullahoma.”

Everyone in the auditorium then gave Lynch a standing ovation as he hugged Stephens and gave his thanks.

“Those of you that do know I’m a crier, so she got me earlier when I walked in and said ‘We got a surprise for you,’” Lynch said.

He continued and shared that his friend Terry Hall, the President of the Lesley & Rhyan Prather Foundation in Louisville, Ky., who also sent a donation for the show that night as well.

“Thank you, guys, so much,” Lynch said to attendees. “This is the most fun I could to have on stage every year is right here because it, it comes back to the stage that I started on.”

He then shared that several kids he met during his meet and greet told him they had started learning how to play guitar or piano, writing songs and singing.

“My advice is keep having fun, keep writing songs,” Lynch said. “If you find joy writing songs, it usually brings a lot really good people. Thank you, guys, so much for that.”

The concert also benefitted the Tullahoma Fire Department, as every person who attended brought in a new, unwrapped toy to contribute to the department’s annual toy drive.

Check out the full gallery of Dustin Lynch and Friends Benefit Show on page 11A.