Organizers say lovers will experience a taste of Nashville at the concert. Songwriters and artists performing include Tony Arata, Bruce Burch, Kim Williams, Larry Jon Wilson, Roxie Dean and local artist Allen Nivens.
Burch, a Gainesville native and longtime friend of Jarrard, organized the annual concert to pay tribute to Jarrard, who was also from Gainesville, and who died in
February 2001 after a lengthy battle with diabetes.
Tony Arata penned former ACM's song of the year, "The Dance," which was recorded by Garth Brooks. Other songs written by Arata and recorded by Brooks include "The Change," "Face To Face," "Kickin' and Screamin'," :Same
Old Story," "Why Ain't I Running," and "Anonymous." Other number one hits written by Arata are "Here I Am" (Patty Loveless), "I'm Holding My Own" (Lee Roy Parnell), and "Dreaming With My Eyes Open" (Clay Walker). Arata is a
native of Savannah.
Kim Williams is the songwriter behind a long string of hits that include "Papa Loved Mama," "It's Midnight Cinderella," "Ain't Going Down 'Til The Sun Comes Up," and "She's Gonna Make It," all recorded by Garth Brooks. Williams also wrote "If The Devil Danced In Empty Pockets" (Joe Diffie), "The Heart Is A Lonely Hunter" (Reba McEntire), and "Who Needs You Baby"
(Clay Walker). His song "Three Wooden Crosses" (Randy Travis) rose to number one in both Country and Christian genres and was the winner of the CMA, CCMA and NSAI song of the year.
A Georgia native, Larry Jon Wilson is a singer/songwriter whose singing style is often compared to Kris Kristofferson and Johnny Cash. His songs include "Sheldon Churchyard," "Ohoopee River Bottomland," "Melt Not My Igloo" and "I Remember It Well." He currently hosts "Georgia Backroads," a PBS show.
Roxie Dean is a singer/songwriter whose songs include the number one hit single "When I Think About Angels" (Jamie O'Neil). Other Roxie Dean songs include "Why They Call It Falling" (Lee Ann Womack) and "Lonely" (Tracy
Lawrence).
Nivens, a Gainesville native, returns after his performance at the 2003 Jarrard benefit concert.
Proceeds from the concert will go to the John Jarrard Fund, administered by the North Georgia Community Foundation, and will benefit local charities including Good News At Noon, The Good News Clinic and The Boys and Girls Clubs of Hall County.
Jarrard penned numerous hit songs for top country music stars, including Don Williams, Alabama, the Forester Sisters, John Schneider and T. Graham Brown.
The gates open at 5:30 with the concert set to begin at 6:30. Tickets are $25 and may be purchased at Chapter 11 Bookstore, Gainesville Bank & Trust, Regions Bank, WDUN or The Times. Food, provided by Johnny's Barbecue, will
be available for purchase at the concert.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2004/7/156368