In addition to Anderson, the lineup this year includes Shawn Mullins, Richard Leigh, Larry Jon Wilson, Archie Jordan, Rachel Proctor, John Lancaster, Bruce Burch and Allen Nivens.
Jarrard, a Gainesville native, was a well known Nashville songwriter who penned hits for a number of top country music stars, including Don Williams, Alabama, the Forester Sisters, John Schneider and T. Graham Brown. An inspiration to many, he died in February 2001 after a long battle with diabetes that included two kidney transplants and the amputation of both legs.
Burch, also a Gainesville native and longtime friend of Jarrard, has had hit songs recorded by Reba McEntire, Faith Hill and George Jones among others. Burch organized the annual concert to pay tribute to Jarrard.
Anderson is a country music legend and is in the Country Music Hall of Fame, Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, South Carolina's Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame, the Georgia Music Hall of Fame and the Georgia Broadcasters' Hall of Fame. He also is a member of the Grand Ole Opry. His hits include "Po' Folks," "Wish You Were Here," "Two Teardrops," "The Tips of My Fingers," "8x10," and the unforgettable country and pop smash "Still."
Mullins grew up in Atlanta and attended North Georgia College in Dahlonega. His hit songs include "Lullaby," which became a number one hit at top 40 and adult contemporary radio stations throughout the country and topped many international charts also. Other Mullins hits include "Shimmer" and "The Gulf of Mexico" from his "Soul's Core" album.
Hits from songwriter Leigh include "Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue" and "I'll Get over You" by Crystal Gale, "That's The Thing about Love" by Don Williams, "Somewhere in My Broken Heart" by Billy Dean, and "Cold Day in July" by the Dixie Chicks. He is a member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.
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 Clinics, The Boys and Girls Clubs of Hall County, and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society - Georgia Chapter.
The gates open at 5:30 with the concert set to begin at 6:30. Tickets are $25 and may be purchased in Gainesville at The Times, Chapter 11 Bookstore, the Northeast Georgia Community Foundation and all Hall County locations of Gainesville Bank & Trust, Regions Bank and BB&T.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2005/6/131065