(Photo Above: L-R Travis Howard, Alex Call, Johanna Jacobsen, Jennifer, Derek Wyatt, Aaron Benward, Brian McComas)
They say that music heals the heart and calms the soul And with that in mind; several artist’s took their music on a special mission Wed July 8th to bring a night of song to a unique young lady who has been fighting a battle with cancer for the second time in a her short life.
Songs For The Cure Chairman, Nile Peaytt, organized the surprise visit to “Jennifer’s” house through her brother, Mike, and brought along several Nashville singer/songwriters and musicians to jam and share joy with the family, friends and special people in Jennifer’s life.The look of shock and disbelief on her face when the caravan of vehicles pulled in was one that won’t soon be forgotten. Several of those in attendance had the pleasure of meeting Jennifer at the Spring “Songs For The Cure” benefit and since that time she has been through a rough time of chemotherapy and radiation treatment, but always faces each new day with a smile, much laughter and determination to beat this monster.
The evening could not have been any more perfect as the tailgate dropped on the truck which was pulled up into her yard and the guitars came out of their cases. Lawn chairs filled the grass as music filled the air and the evening sun set behind the party adding an ambiance and serenity to the moment. Later on fireflies danced while the full bright yellow moon above gave the night a glow that matched the smile on Jennifer’s face.
All the artists took turns playing several songs throughout the evening accompanied by percussionist, Derek Wyatt. Several highlights included Brian McComas, "99.9% Sure (I've Never Been Here Before)", when he opened the evening with a song titled “Havin’ Us A Party” and in true songwriter form, the others joined in changing the words to fit the special moment. Travis Howard, “Famous In A Small Town”, slowed the momentum with a moving version of Steve Earle’s “Pilgrim” and Johanna Jacobson added a personal touch performing “Bonified Country Girl”, since both she and Jennifer are originally from New York. Alex Call, “867-5309/Jenny” and his wife, Lisa Carrie sang Jennifer his famous and well known song and then presented Jennifer a plaque with the lyrics to the song which had been autographed and dedicated to her. Aaron Benward, “Good Little Girls”, closed the night with a sing-a-long of “Pink Houses”.
Songs For The Cure was started in 2006 after Peaytt lost his wife in her battle with cancer and since the organization has grown into a national effort and soon to be international campaign. You can join these songwriters and more on Tuesday July 14th at The Listening Room starting at 8 PM for the summer fundraiser.
For more information on Songs For The Cure visit http://www.songsforthecure.org/.
Additional photos of this event are available at http://www.flickr.com/photos/momentsbymoser/sets/72157621166286744/
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