Concert is for healing By Tena Lee Hendersonville Star News

While surveying the damage off of Saundersville Road left by an April 7 tornado, Kelly Lang couldn’t help but think of her father Velton. She thought about how much he loved the land and how, if he were here, he would do whatever he could to help his neighbors.

This Monday night at Hendersonville High School, Lang and some of those friends - who just so happen to be among the biggest names in country music - will do what they do best to help those in Sumner County devastated by the tornado.

The “A Night of Healing” line up includes Ricky Skaggs, Lorrie Morgan, the Oak Ridge Boys, T.G. Sheppard, The Del McCoury Band, The Whites, Gary Allan, Connie Smith, Lang, Tommy Cash and co-hosts Ralph Emery and Cathy Martindale. All, with the exception of Emery, have ties to Sumner County.

Donations will be accepted at the gate and all proceeds will go to the United Way of Sumner County’s Tornado Relief Fund.

Lang said she is surprised by the response she has received by both her friends and community members.

“So many people really are wanting to help,” she said. “They are devastated. This is their home.”

Lang, whose father was Conway Twitty’s road manager for years, doesn’t remember an event of this magnitude taking place in Hendersonville before.

Hendersonville native Mike McClanahan agreed.

“This is going to be pretty huge,” said McClanahan, who is director of the United Way of Sumner County.

“This is probably one of the biggest things to come to Hendersonville in a while. I think it’s just going to be incredible.”

McClanahan said the money raised goes directly to the United Way of Sumner County’s Tornado Relief Fund.

An allocation committee will meet next week to determine how to make sure that money is effectively spent, he said. McClanahan said the money will help those hit by the tornado in Goodlettsville, Hendersonville and Gallatin. Hendersonville Mayor Scott Foster, who was also involved in the planning for the concert has been invited as well as mayors from Gallatin, Goodlettsville and County Executive Hank Thompson. Police and emergency services personnel from surrounding areas who responded to the April 7 disaster are also included.

“One hundred percent of this money is going to tornado relief,” McClanahan added. “And it’s all staying here in Sumner County.” “In addition to raising funds, the desire of everybody involved is to really bring the community together,” said McClanahan.

He added that the evening begins with Hendersonville resident and Grand Ole Opry star Connie Smith singing “Amazing Grace.”

McClanahan encourages those affected by the tornado to come to the front of the stage before the show in order to take part in a candlelight service during Smith’s song.

“We all have been affected by this personally,” said Oak Ridge Boys bass singer Richard Sterban.

Sterban said he and his fellow Oaks have physically helped clean up, and “now we’re trying to do what we do best.”

He added he was at fellow Oak Ridge Boy William Lee Golden’s home within an hour after it was hit by the tornado as it blew through the Station Camp area.

“Golden’s home - one of the state’s oldest – was damaged badly, but not destroyed by the storm. He has said he plans to rebuild it.

“It’s going to be a great night of entertainment,” he said.

“This is worldwide,” Lang said, adding a “huge special guest star” will also participate in the concert.

Additional information from the United Way:

Mike McClanahan, CEO and president of United Way of Sumner County, announced Monday, that legendary country music recording artists Lorrie Morgan, the Oak Ridge Boys, TG Sheppard and Kelly Lang are joining forces with United Way of Sumner County to raise money for Sumner County tornado victims.

The stars will help with a free benefit concert set for Monday, May 1, at the Hendersonville High School gymnasium.

The concert, dubbed "a Night of Healing," is designed not only to raise money for those who suffered tragic, personal loss, but also to help bring the community together to begin the healing process, organizers said.

The only admission is a donation at the door, said McClanahan, adding that all funds will be earmarked for a number of charitable organizations in Sumner County which are coming to the aid of tornado victims.

Hendersonville singer-songwriter Kelly Lang first approached McClanahan with the idea of a celebrity concert, and "the list is still growing," said Lang, who praised the Oak Ridge Boys for their eagerness to help others.

Their own William Lee Golden saw his house destroyed during the April 7 twister.

Performers, in addition to Lang and the Oak Ridge Boys, include Lorrie Morgan, Gary Allen, Dale McCrory, Connie Smith, Ricky Skaggs and Ralph Emery as emcee.

"I’m sure we’ll have others and some surprise guests will probably pop in," said Lang.

All monetary donations accepted at the door will go directly to the disaster relief fund established by the United Way of Sumner County.

"Mike Shelton (principal at Hendersonville High School) has been so helpful," said Lang, explaining that the concert will be held in the gym possibly with a big screen feed into the auditorium and the stadium if necessary.

A fund has been established to help aid tornado victims in Sumner County.

To give by credit card, go to www.unitedwaysumner.org.

For checks or money orders, make payable to Sumner County Tornado Relief Fund and send to: United Way of Sumner County, 103 Hazel Path Court, Suite 5, Hendersonville, TN 37075.