HELD AT THE RYMAN AUDITORIUM LAST NIGHT, STARS FOR SECOND HARVEST FEATURED ERNEST, HARDY, DARIUS RUCKER, CHASE RICE, MITCHELL TENPENNY, JAMEY JOHNSON, LUKAS NELSON, AND MORE AND RAISED ENOUGH FOR 1.4 MILLION MEAL DONATION
“More than any performer, ERNEST best represents how, in the next decade, the communal spirit driving country music in Nashville will likely redefine popular culture worldwide” – The Tennessean
NASHVILLE, TENN. – Top selling singer-songwriter ERNEST took the stage at the Ryman Auditorium last night joined by friends HARDY, Jamey Johnson, Darius Rucker, Mitchell Tenpenny, Chase Rice, Lukas Nelson, and more for a special night of music, laughter, and community at the 2024 Stars for Second Harvest benefit concert presented by Nissan.
The show was held at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium (6/4) and included special performances and a writers’ round from top Nashville talent, raising funds to support Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee and their efforts to provide food to people facing hunger and work to advance hunger solutions in the community. Proceeds from the sold-out show supported a donation of more than 1.4 million meals to Second Harvest.
After a decade of being run by mentor and friend Craig Wiseman, this year’s event marked the first official year Nashville-native and long-time supporter of Second Harvest ERNEST took over as host, who opened the night with a heartfelt message of thanks to Craig for seeing something in him early on, before officially introducing the songwriters’ round and later that evening taking the stage to headline an hour-plus long solo set.
The ACM nominated artist / songwriter’s set included hits “Flower Shops,” “Why Dallas” alongside guest Lukas Nelson, as well as “Ain’t As Easy” and “Kiss of Death” off his recently-released album NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE. Produced by Joey Moi, the project brings to life the musical vision of one the modern era’s most impactful country hitmakers.
In addition to the release of his latest album, NASHVILLE TENNESEE, ERNEST topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart as a songwriter for the current hit, “I Had Some Help,” by Post Malone feat. Morgan Wallen. With over a billion global on-demand streams as a solo artist, ERNEST proves to be more than just a game changing behind-the-scenes force who’s helped define a generation, but also a maverick that “creates a sound all his own” (Pollstar). NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE is the follow up to ERNEST’s 2021 debut album, FLOWER SHOPS (THE ALBUM), which featured the 2X Platinum title-track “Flower Shops (feat. Morgan Wallen)” and gave fans a glimpse of ERNEST’s edgy artistic stylings.
ABOUT ERNEST
Nashville’s most unpredictable hitmaker ERNEST is “The Charmer” (MusicRow), a triple threat talent and one of Music City’s on the rise artist-writers who is changing the status quo. The two-time ACM Award nominee (2024), CMA Triple Play Award winner, and 2022 / 2023 Variety Hitmaker fuses influences ranging from Eminem to George Jones, crafting a twist-heavy verse style that’s become his signature, proving its mettle, and earning him nine No. 1 hits to date. The eccentric free spirit just released his highly anticipated sophomore album, NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE, which follows up his critically acclaimed debut album FLOWER SHOPS (THE ALBUM) and FLOWER SHOPS (THE ALBUM): Two Dozen Roses, the rebranded edition doubling its track list with 13 fresh cuts. Praised as one of Holler and The Tennessean‘s best albums of the year, FLOWER SHOPS, showcased the more classically country side of his craft, and that “ERNEST creates a sound all his own” (Pollstar).
ABOUT SECOND HARVEST FOOD BANK OF MIDDLE TENNESSEE
For 46 years, Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee has followed its mission to provide food to people facing hunger and work to advance hunger solutions across the 46 counties in its service area. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Second Harvest distributes food and other products to over 600 partners across Middle and West Tennessee. Our partners include food pantries, congregate meal sites, shelters, childcare facilities, senior centers, group homes, and youth enrichment programs. For more information about Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee, its mission, and programs, please visit secondharvestmidtn.org.
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Media Contacts
For ERNEST
Jennifer Vessio | 1220 Entertainment
Jess Anderson | Big Loud Records
For Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee
Karen Callahan | FINN Partners
karen.callahan@finnpartners.com
