NASHVILLE, TENN. – (December 19, 2018) – The Bluebird Cafe and Alive, the only nonprofit provider of hospice care and end-of-life services for Middle Tennessee, today announced its annual benefit concert series, Alive at the Bluebird, returns on Wednesday, January 2, 2019, for its 26th year. Featured artists include Jason Isbell, Amanda Shires, Charles Esten, Vince Gill, Amy Grant, Pat Alger, Kathy Mattea, Kent Blazy, Steve Wariner, The Warren Brothers, and Victoria Shaw.
A total of 29 benefit shows will be presented Tuesdays-Thursdays at 9PM, Fridays at 9:30PM and Saturdays both at 6:30PM and 9:30PM at the historic music venue.
Pre-paid, presale, reservations for a limited number of the shows will be available on the Bluebird Cafe’s website (www.bluebirdcafe.com) starting Friday, December 21 at 8AM CT. Most shows will follow The Bluebird’s standard reservation policy of one week in advance for Tuesday-Thursday shows and the Monday prior for Friday and Saturday night shows.
All proceeds from the month-long series are donated to Alive, a nonprofit hospice that also provides education and grief counseling to the community and financial assistance to hospice patients when insurance doesn’t cover everything. This year’s presenting sponsors are Bass, Berry, & Sims, Hub International, Jackson National, Tennessee Oncology, and WSM Radio.
“As a musician and actor, I have never taken health care or insurance for granted. I know how quickly medical care can eat up a family’s resources,” said Charles Esten, a local musician and actor who starred in the hit TV show Nashville. “I am honored to be able to give back. Contributing to Alive helps ensure that everyone in our community receives the kind of care we all want for ourselves and our loved ones at the end of life.”
Pat Alger Debuts New Song, Provides Original Art for the Series
Hit songwriter Pat Alger (“Unanswered Prayers,” “The Thunder Rolls”) will debut a new song written especially for the occasion. Although he is best known for songwriting, Alger is also a talented visual artist. At Alive’s request he created and donated this year’s original art, a deeply personal collage which pays tribute to his loved ones who have passed. Posters and T-shirts are available at Alivehospice.org/Shop
Both of Alger’s parents received hospice care, and he has been a committed supporter of Alive for many years. “I began participating in Alive at the Bluebird after they took such loving care of a dear friend and singer who passed away in her prime. It became the place where friends and family could remain connected to her,” said Alger.
This unique partnership is the only one of its kind hosted by Nashville’s iconic Bluebird Cafe.
“We are incredibly grateful for our relationship with the Bluebird and the many talented songwriters who participate. As the only homegrown, nonprofit hospice in the region, it is our mission to bring loving end-of-life care to all who need it in Middle Tennessee,” said Alive’s President/CEO Anna-Gene O’Neal. “This incredible community supports us, and in return, we have the privilege of caring for their loved ones at the end of their lives. We are proud to be a member of this community.”
Auction Helps Raise Funds with Collector’s Items
Alive will auction off the original art work for this year’s series, signed posters, and a guitar, as well as other generously donated items. Bidding closes February 2 at 9:00 p.m. Check back regularly for more items: https://www.biddingowl.com/alivehospice
About Alive
Alive is the only nonprofit provider of hospice care and end-of-life services in Middle Tennessee. Its mission is to provide loving care for people with life-threatening illnesses, support to their families, and service to the community in a spirit of enriching lives. This includes in-home and in-patient hospice care, grief support, advance care planning, outreach, support to underserved communities, education about the end of life, financial assistance, a robust volunteer program, and clinician training through the Alive Institute. A pioneer in the “good death” movement, Alive established the third hospice in the nation in 1975. Today, it remains true to its roots as an innovator and leader, helping individuals live fully while approaching death. To learn more or volunteer, visit AliveHospice.org or call 615-327-1085.
