Carrie Underwood, Thomas Rhett, Lady A, Tyler Hubbard and many other artists and songwriters are set to perform at an event in honor of The Covenant School and Covenant Church this month. All proceeds from the show will benefit students, faculty, staff and families of The Covenant School, who are recovering following the March 27 tragedy.
On that morning, a 28-year-old former student was identified as the suspect who opened fire at the private Christian elementary school. Officials identified the victims 9-year-old students Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs, and William Kinney, and three adult staff members, including substitute teacher Cynthia Peak, 61, headmaster Katherine Koonce, 60, and custodian Mike Hill, 61. Responding Metro Nashville Police Department officers have been hailed as heroes, including officers Rex Engelbert and Michael Collazo, who fatally shot the attacker during the incident.
The event is billed as A Night of Joy Celebrating The Covenant School, set for Wednesday, April 12 at 7 p.m. CT at The Fisher Center for the Performing Arts at Belmont University. Author, speaker and podcaster Annie F. Downs will host the event. She said in a statement that she’s “so honored to be a part of this event, gathering with our city and rallying around a school and community that I love so much.”
“Nashville musicians and songwriters stand with The Covenant School and Covenant Church for a night of joy, restoration, music, and memory. Join us and add your voice to honor the victims and their families, the church, staff, and the first responders. Hosted by Annie F. Downs (Author/Speaker), an extraordinary group of Nashville-based artists have gathered to lend their voices and talents in support.”
Other artists and songwriters set to perform include Ben Rector, Chris Tomlin, Colony House, Dave Barnes, Drew Holcomb, Ellie Holcomb, Ketch Secor, Mat Kearney, Matt Maher, Natalie Hemby, Sixpence None the Richer, Stephanie & Nathan Chapman, The War and Treaty, The Warren Brothers, Trent Dabbs. Brett Taylor/Luke Laird/Sandra McCracken, and Dwan Hill/Jasmine Mullen/Sarah Kroger. Special guests will be announced soon, per the website. Public tickets are on sale as of Wednesday (April 5). Find more info here.