MUSIC HEALTH ALLIANCE CELEBRATES TEN YEARS OF HELPING TO "HEAL THE MUSIC"

Over 100 million dollars saved in healthcare costs, providing free healthcare advocacy to over 20,000 music industry professionals in all 50 U.S. states

Dierks Bentley joins celebration as celebrity ambassador

In its tenth year, Music Health Alliance launches the Richard M. Bates SMILE Fund

and The Visionary Circle

Music Health Alliance celebrates ten years of helping to heal the music

Left to right: Rose Bates, Dierks Bentley, Tatum Allsep

Photo credit Steve Lowry

Music Health Alliance (MHA), the music industry’s critical non-profit healthcare resource, is marking major milestones in its mission to provide free healthcare advocacy and resources to music industry professionals. As the non-profit celebrates its first decade of providing free healthcare advocacy and support to a largely self-employed industry, MHA is uniquely positioned to continue to heal the music in the decades to come.

Music Health Alliance’s mission is to create a safe and confidential place for the music community to gain the very best healthcare and health insurance solutions through defined and transparent advocacy services, with an emphasis on the prevention of illness and overall wellness. 

Since 2013, MHA has:
Saved more than $100,000,000 in healthcare costs

• Provided free advocacy and support to over 20,000 music industry clients in 50 states
• Facilitated more than 3,200 counseling sessions through MHA’s Mental Health Fund
• Saved nearly 2,500 families from bankruptcy due to medical bills
• Provided life-saving diagnostic care to 57 clients through the Ben Eyestone Fund
• Aided 31 individuals in securing life-saving heart, liver, kidney and lung transplants
• Provided access to more than 1,000,000 meals during the COVID-19 pandemic “In ten years 

MHA has gone from just an idea to a thriving organization that has served tens of thousands and saved over $100 million in healthcare costs to keep the music playing across this country,” says Tatum Allsep, Music Health Alliance Founder and CEO. “MHA’s success is possible because we have a fierce staff, dedicated Board of Directors and encouraging donors and community who sincerely believe in our mission to Heal The Music. Thank you all and cheers to 10 years!”

The 15 person team at MHA continue the non-profit’s mission to provide free healthcare advocacy, access and resources to the music industry, more than 75% of whom are self-employed. Songwriters, musicians, performers, producers, engineers, venue operators, artist managers, agents, publishers, business managers, and more have had access to critical medicine, mental health resources, diagnostic tests, lifesaving transplants, end of life care and many other necessary services.

Reggie is one of the many music industry professionals who have received free healthcare advocacy and support from MHA. The 41 year-old tour manager lost his right arm below the elbow when he was injured in a tragic accident witnessed by his wife and children. He was quickly referred to MHA as he had no health insurance. Music Health Alliance was able to secure affordable coverage and negotiate his more than $500,000 in medical bills down to zero. By helping Reggie navigate the healthcare process, MHA enabled him to secure a neurobionics prosthetic arm, allowing him to resume his music career, and arranged trauma counseling for the entire family. By providing access to health insurance, negotiating medical costs, and navigating the healthcare process, MHA was able to provide affordable solutions for an otherwise debilitating and career-ending healthcare crisis. “Music Health Alliance literally put my life and family back together when we thought all hope was lost,” said Reggie. “We thought we were going to lose our house and I thought I would never be able to work again. They saved us.”

During a kickoff event held at Nashville’s Gibson Garage yesterday, multi-platinum entertainer Dierks Bentley, a longtime supporter and client of MHA, joined the celebration as celebrity ambassador.

“Healthcare is the ultimate thing you can offer your team out there on the road,” shared Bentley. “Having 30 people on my team, it is tough to navigate insurance and healthcare and having MHA to help us figure it out and uncover benefits we didn’t even know were available. They’ve helped us save so much over 10 years and $100 MILLION industry wide...it's just incredible!”

As MHA begins its tenth year of serving the music industry, it is honored to establish the Richard M. Bates SMILE Fund, named in memory of music enthusiast and the Walt Disney Company’s longtime SVP, Government Relations. The Richard M. Bates SMILE Fund is the music industry’s first dedicated fund for dental health. Through the generosity and vision of Richard Bates’s family and friends, and matching grants from The Walt Disney Company, music professionals of all ages will no longer need to forgo critical dental healthcare that is often costly and not covered by medical insurance.

“Our family is very grateful to support something so meaningful and lasting,” said his widow Mrs. Rose Bates. “Richard would have been quite touched by this honor while being thrilled that it will help so many musicians with their health-related concerns.”

Music makers of all genres who are in need of critical dental healthcare will now be able to access qualifying grants through the Fund, with applications accessible here. The Richard M. Bates SMILE Fund will not only bring smiles, but will also make a significant impact on MHA’s mission to heal the music.

Entirely funded through grants and individual and corporate donations, financial support from the music community is critical to continue Music Health Alliance’s advocacy and free services. 86% of all dollars donated go directly to MHA’s programs and services - for every $1 donation, MHA is able to provide $30 in life-saving healthcare resources to Heal The Music.

As the non-profit enters its tenth year of healing the music, MHA is launching The Visionary Circle, an annual giving society to recognize generous friends who are invested in the ongoing success and future vision of Music Health Alliance. The future of MHA lies in the belief that no member of our music industry family should ever have to face a healthcare crisis alone, and The Visionary Circle will make an immediate impact on the scope of MHA’s work and ensure it can continue to heal the music for generations to come. Find additional information here.

MHA fights so those in our industry never have to feel alone in a health crisis and removes obstacles so patients can receive lifesaving care. MHA continues to advocate on behalf of songwriters, producers, audio engineers, musicians, recording artists, publishers and more across the country. Thanks to the direct efforts of MHA, over 20,000 members of the music community across the country have gained access to lifesaving transplants, medicine, mental health resources, end of life care and many other necessary services. Its services are free to any person who has worked in the music industry for two or more years or who has credited contributions to 4 commercially released recordings or videos. Spouses, partners, and children of qualifying individuals may also receive access to the non-profit’s services from birth to end of life.

To learn more about Music Health Alliance’s free services and resources, contact MHA at 615-200-6896 or info@musichealthalliance.com

Donate to Music Health Alliance at: MusicHealthAlliance.com/donate-to-heal

HARDY, RANDY MONTANA, HUNTER PHELPS AND JAMESON RODGERS HEADLINE INAUGURAL “COULDA, SHOULDA, WOULDA” EVENT TO BENEFIT MUSIC HEALTH ALLIANCE

Evening of Stories and Songs raises $125,000 to support non-profit’s free healthcare programs and life-saving advocacy services

L-R: Hunter Phelps, HARDY, Tatum Allsep (Founder/CEO, Music Health Alliance),

Jameson Rodgers, Randy Montana

Photo credit: Hunter Berry

Music Health Alliance (MHA), recently honored with the 2021 CMA Foundation Humanitarian Award, unveiled its inaugural “Coulda, Shoulda, Woulda” event last night, headlined by four of Music City’s hottest songwriters ‑ HARDY, Randy Montana, Hunter Phelps and Jameson Rodgers – performing songs in the round that “coulda, shoulda, woulda” been a smash along with their biggest hits. The evening of stories and songs, hosted by Country Countdown USA’s Lon Helton at City Winery, raised $125,000 to support the Nashville-based non-profit’s free healthcare programs and life-saving advocacy services.

“Coulda, Shouda, Woulda” — an old Southern expression for wistful regret, marks the fate of many a good song. Placed unfinished in the back of a drawer, left off an album it didn’t quite fit, every songwriter is haunted by the songs that didn’t seem to get a fair shake. This is how Grammy-winning songwriter Liz Rose came up with the idea for “Coulda, Shouda, Woulda,” a one-of-a-kind event where top songwriters get to pull out the songs that “coulda, shouda, woulda,” and finally give them their day. Join us to hear songwriters play their best songs with the worst luck, the songs they wished they had written, and of course the hits that did get their due.

For every $1 donation, MHA is able to provide $30 in life-saving healthcare resources to Heal The Music. Working tirelessly the powerhouse team of 12 women assist music industry professionals with the entire spectrum of their healthcare needs, ranging from assistance with medical bills or physical and mental health guidance that includes finding doctors or prescription medicine, finding financial grants while recovering from a serious health issue, affordable health insurance, or answers to Medicare questions.

Based in Nashville, MHA has provided free healthcare advocacy and support to more than 18,000 music industry members across 49 states in the non-profit’s first nine years - songwriters, musicians, performers, producers, engineers, venue operators, artist managers, agents, publishers, business managers, and more - by providing access to medicine, mental health resources, COVID-19 relief, diagnostic tests, lifesaving transplants, end of life care and many other necessary services, saving more than $85,000,000 in healthcare costs for the nationwide music community in less than a decade. Entirely funded through grants and individual and corporate donations, financial support from the music community is critical to continue MHA’s advocacy and free services.

In response to the pandemic, Music Health Alliance’s COVID-19 Relief Plan was created to provide direct support for the immediate needs of music industry professionals and their families during this public health crisis through relief grants, simplified solutions and a comprehensive database of resources. MHA fights so those in our industry never have to feel alone in a health crisis and removes obstacles so patients can receive lifesaving care. Its services are free to any person who has worked in the music industry for three or more years or who has credited contributions to 4 commercially released recordings or videos. Spouses, partners, and children of qualifying individuals may also receive access to the non-profit’s services from birth to end of life.

For more about Music Health Alliance’s free services,

contact MHA at 615-200-6896 or info@musichealthalliance.com

Request assistance at: musichealthalliance.com/request-assistance

Donate to Music Health Alliance at: musichealthalliance.com/donate-to-heal

RODNEY CROWELL AND HIS ALL-STAR FRIENDS RELEASE "SONGS FROM QUARANTINE" BENEFITTING MUSIC HEALTH ALLIANCE - TWO WEEKS ONLY!

13-song Compilation of Rarities Available for a Limited Time

Features Rosanne Cash with John Leventhal & The Milk Carton Kids, Ry Cooder, Elvis Costello, Ronnie Dunn, Steve Earle, Emmylou Harris, Joe Henry, John Hiatt, Taj Mahal, Jeff Tweedy, Keith Urban and Lucinda Williams

Grammy-winning artist and long-time Music Health Alliance supporter, Rodney Crowell, has enlisted a number of his all-star friends, including Rosanne Cash with John Leventhal & The Milk Carton Kids, Ry Cooder, Elvis Costello, Ronnie Dunn, Steve Earle, Emmylou Harris, Joe Henry, John Hiatt, Taj Mahal, Jeff Tweedy, Keith Urban and Lucinda Williams for "Songs From Quarantine", a digital compilation of rarities available for only two weeks exclusively on Bandcamp at https://smarturl.it/SongsFromQuarantine.

This unique collection features fan-favorite songs in their raw form, performed by the artists who wrote and/or recorded them. Proceeds from this star-studded, limited edition 13-song download will benefit the work of non-profit Music Health Alliance (MHA) and its continued work to provide free healthcare advocacy and support to the music community nationwide, including critical mental health and COVID-19 resources in addition to access to healthcare, medicines, diagnostic tests and more.

Crowell, an MHA board member, said: “The good folks at Music Health Alliance work tirelessly on behalf of our nationwide music community. Their selfless contributions have had a profound effect on the lives of countless musician’s families. This little homemade compilation is the least we could do to show our deep appreciation for everything they do.”

Rodney Crowell and Friends’ "Songs From Quarantine" features:

Ry Cooder – “Baby Started Wearing Her Mask”
Elvis Costello – “Maud Gone Wrong”
Emmylou Harris – “Gold”
Jeff Tweedy – “Even I Can See” (Demo)
Keith Urban – “Polaroid”
Taj Mahal – “Sitting On Top Of The World”
Lucinda Williams – “When The Way Gets Dark”
Steve Earle – “Time Is Never On Our Side”
Rosanne Cash with John Leventhal and The Milk Carton Kids – “Western Wall”
Rodney Crowell – “She’s Back In Town”
Joe Henry – “Mission”
John Hiatt – “Goin’ Back To Nashville”
Ronnie Dunn - “Train To Glory”

Crowell is already at work on the star-studded follow up, Songs from Quarantine: Volume 2, also set to benefit Music Health Alliance. More details will be shared soon.

Download and listen to "Songs From Quarantine" at https://smarturl.it/SongsFromQuarantine

For additional information about Music Health Alliance, visit musichealthalliance.com

MUSIC HEALTH ALLIANCE GENERATES MORE THAN $50 MILLION IN HEALTHCARE COST SAVINGS FOR AMERICA’S MUSIC COMMUNITY

11,000+ music industry members have received free healthcare advocacy and support
in the non-profit’s first seven years

Music Health Alliance (MHA), the only non-profit named to Billboard’s Country Power Players list in 2019, has saved more than $50,000,000 in healthcare costs for the nationwide music community. Based in Nashville, MHA has provided free healthcare advocacy and support to more than 11,000 music industry members in the non-profit’s first seven years - songwriters, musicians, performers, producers, engineers, artist managers, agents, publishers, business managers, and more - by providing access to lifesaving transplants, medicine, mental health resources, end of life care and many other necessary services.

Since 2013, MHA has:

 -Generated $50,000,000 in healthcare costs saved including insurance premium savings, medical bill reductions and medications, including:

- $27 million saved in medical costs

- $23 million in health insurance costs reductions

- Served 11,000 members of the music community nationwide in all genres of music from birth to end of life at no cost, including:

- Resources for 8,725 music professionals to pay for healthcare

- Connected 5,944 music professionals with doctors, clinics, hospitals and counselors

- Provided 1,558 clients with mental health resources

- Provided 1,136 clients with dental care

- Saved 560 families saved from bankruptcy due to medical bills

- Provided 13 clients with access to life-saving organ transplants

- Facilitated 251 trauma counseling sessions for Las Vegas shooting survivors and their families

- Saved $21 million in medical bill grant requests for numerous music industry foundations, further assisting the person in need

In 2019 alone, MHA saw a 40% increase in clients served during the six-week open enrollment season, totaling 3,100 members of the music community and more than $7.6 million in insurance premiums and out-of-pocket cost savings.

Music Health Alliance’s Cowboy Jack Clement Fund – “The JackPot” - entirely funded by MHA’s health insurance commissions, has granted $182,000 to 707 financially vulnerable clients to offset medical needs not covered by health insurance. In 2019, MHA launched a group health insurance division, currently serving more than 20 groups, with all health insurance commissions going directly to the fund.

Launched in 2018 in Middle Tennessee, the Ben Eyestone Fund has provided 89 music professionals with access to diagnostic healthcare. The one-of-a-kind resource has produced over $3.5 million in cost-savings and, more importantly, saved lives. In 2020, the fund has expanded to provide nationwide diagnostic care to the uninsured and underinsured music community. For every $1 donated to the Ben Eyestone Fund, MHA is able to deliver $75 in diagnostic healthcare and treatment.

While based in Nashville, in serving the entire music community, MHA has developed a one-of-its-kind database of sliding-scale and no-cost healthcare, mental health, preventative and dental care resources.

Entirely funded through grants and individual and corporate donations, financial support from the music community is critical to continue Music Health Alliance’s advocacy and free services. For every $1 donation, MHA is able to provide $30 in life-saving healthcare resources to Heal The Music. MHA fights so those in our industry never have to feel alone in a health crisis and removes obstacles so patients can receive lifesaving care. MHA continues to advocate on behalf of songwriters, producers, audio engineers, musicians, recording artists, publishers and more across the country. Thanks to the direct efforts of MHA, members of the music community across the country have gained access to lifesaving transplants, medicine, mental health resources, end of life care and many other necessary services. Its services are free to any person who has worked in the music industry for three or more years or who has credited contributions to 4 commercially released recordings or videos. Spouses, partners, and children of qualifying individuals may also receive access to the non-profit’s services from birth to end of life.



To learn more about Music Health Alliance’s free services:

Contact MHA at 615-200-6896 or info@musichealthalliance.com.

Donate to Music Health Alliance at: MusicHealthAlliance.com/donate-to-heal

“HEAL THE MUSIC DAY” RAISES MORE THAN $400,000 FOR MUSIC HEALTH ALLIANCE

Every dollar donated equals $30

in life-saving healthcare resources and free services

Led by multi-platinum entertainer Dierks Bentley, 2019’s 3rd annual “Heal The Music Day” raised over $400,000 for Music Health Alliance (MHA). Entirely funded through grants and individual and corporate donations, “Heal The Music Day” highlights the music community’s efforts to provide financial support for the non-profit’s critical and life-saving free services.

Through “Heal The Music Day,” members of the music community – songwriters, musicians, performers, artist managers, publishers, business managers, record labels, trade organizations and more – pledged their support for their fellow musicians and peers in the industry in times of medical crisis. With $400,000 raised in 2019 in support of Music Health Alliance, every dollar donated equals $30 in life-saving healthcare resources. Music Health Alliance’s free services range from access to doctors and hospitals, medicine, health insurance and finding financial assistance during times of illness. Support from “Heal The Music Day” helps to fund Music Health Alliance’s free programs and services in addition to The Ben Eyestone Fund, which assists un-insured or under-insured music industry professionals in Davidson and surrounding counties within Middle Tennessee receive life-saving diagnostics and treatment.

Pledged supporters include: ACME Feed & Seed, Jason Adams, Rhett Akins, Lauren Alaina, Gary Allan, Lainie Allbee, Bonita Allen, Sarah Alshouse, The AMG, Dave Amole, Al Andrews/Porter’s Call, Kyle Andrews, Animal Collective Productions, Laurie Aronoff, Gus Arrandale, ASCAP, Jim Asker, Average Joes Entertainment, Erin Bailey, Johnna Bailey, Charlton Baker, Jaqueline Banas, Kari Barnhart/Regions Bank, Emily Beard, Stacey Beardsley, Marc Beeson, Matthew Beier, Chris Benelli, Alan Bennett, Jeffrey Bensmiller, Anderson Benson, Dierks Bentley, John Berry, Leigh Bezezekoff, Shelia Shipley Biddy, Big Machine Label Group, Big Muddy Music, Keith Bilbrey, Cindy Blanchard, Brett Blandon, Jill Block, BMI, Sacha Bone, Julie Boos, Brad Bornac, Dave Boyer, Bette Bracken, Ron Bradley, Liz Bradley, Luke Bryan /Little Bird Music, Lee Buchmann, Frank Bumstead, Virginia & Julian Bunetta, Irene Bunny, Kristi Burlingame, T Bone Burnett, Helen Burns, Prudence Burnes, Bart Butler, CAA, The Cadillac Three, Morgan Caldwell, Jayme Calhoun, Terry Calogne, Camel Express, Beth Canavan, Andalee Canto, Coran Capshaw/Red Light Management, Cameo Carlson, Cheryl Lynne Case-Diaz, John Carter Cash, Rosanne Cash, Elizabeth Castellaw, Robin Cee, Beth Nielson Chapman, Jamie Cheek, Ann Chrisman, City National Bank, CKP Lighting Inc, Melanie Clark, Dave Cobb, Shannon Cohn, Luke Cole, Wallace Collins, Matt Combs, Combustion Entertainment, Heather Conley, Joseph Conner, David & Karen Conrad, Jerri Cooper, Thomas Cooper, Marc Copely, Matt Corner, Ron Cox/Studio Bank, Kimberly Crowe, Carrie Crowell, Chelsea Crowell, Hannah Crowell, Rodney Crowell, Trudie Daniell, Michael Davey, Karen Deaney, Susan Denmark, Rob & Ashley Dennis, Jennifer DeVault, Enzo DeVincenzo, Noah Dewey, William DiLugi, Bob Dipiero, Disney Music Publishing, Andrew Distler, Ally Hannon Dodds, Lindsey Dodge, Marc Driskall, Christina Drouin, Billy Dukes, Tiffany Dunn/Loeb & Loeb, Beville Dunkerley, Bob Dylan/Heaven's Door Distillery, Liz Earle, Georgia English, Mary Englund, Steve Escoto, Lindsey Feinstein, Karen Fisher, Pete Fisher, Bradley Fogelman, Tossy Fogle, Caroline Fosnot, Trina Foster, Vance Foster, David Frazier, Andrew Fromm, Donna Gaines, Erik Gaines, Sheri Garrett, Giaccone, Brooke Gies, Christina Geist, Laura Gifford, Girlilla Marketing, Holly Gleason, Adrien Good, Laurie Gore, Dane Gorman, Amy Grant, Shelly Grayson, Carrie Gretsch, Eric Griffin, Sydney Guilliams, Kathleen Hale, Jessie Hall, Karen Hannon, Mary Hannon, Kristen Hansen, Trina Harmon, Joyce Harrison, Mary Hilliard Harrington, Emmylou Harris, Chad Harvey, Christie & Melissa Hauck, Linda Heath, Terri Heath, Christopher Hennessee, Caleb Hickman, Debbie Hill, Whitley Hill, Wes Horton, Laurie Hughes, John Huie, Kurt Hutchinson, Michelle Iaci, Iberia Bank, Robert Ickes, Inspired Musicians, Tom & Elizabeth James, Lisa Jenkins,  Joe Johnston, Louise Johnson, Allison Jones, Emily Jones, Meredith Jones, Jay Joyce, Michael Joyce, Robin Joyce, Cletus T. Judd, Naomi Judd/Larry Strickland, Bruce Kalmick, Judy Kane, Dave Kelly, Caitlin Kennedy, Tracey & Gordon Kennedy, Liz Keran, Jen Ketner, Caroline Kibler, Alex Kinker, Andrew Kintz / First Tennessee Bank, Shawn Kirkham, Jesse Krohmer, Amy Kurland, Diana Ladio, Amy LaFrenz, Miranda Lambert, LANCO, Liz Lawrence, Laura Lawton, Tara Leclerc, Betsy Lee, Elizabeth Lewis, Frank Liddell/ Prometheus Charitable Trust, Robin Lightner, Jeremy Lister, Bill Lloyd, Ryan Lojo, Meredith Long, Roland Lundy, John & Lori Lytle, Jim Malito, Rosalyn Malone, Lori MacLeoad, Jason Manasse, Camille Marks/ Van Uden, Wayne Martin, Joseph Chip Matthews, Felicity Maxwell, Phil May, Janelle Means, Annsley McAleer, Trisha McClanahan, Mindi McCormick, Tyler McDaniel, Jackie McEachern, Reba McEntire, Tracy McGlocklin/Mission Management, Michael McIntosh, Kim McLean, Daniel Miller, Kristin Miller, Nina Miller, Crystal Milligan, Michael Milom, Bryce Mims, Tinti Moffat, Mike & Amanda Molinar, Monarch PR, Hunter Moore, Martha Moore, Emily Neurherz, Denise Nichols/The Primacy Firm, Paige Nolan, Tari Olds, Kerry O’Neil, Alyce Ory, John & Lucie Osborne, Anita Parish, Jackie Patillo, Lea Pearson, Rya Peck, Erik Peterson, Kimberly Peterson, Chip Petree, Lee Ann Photoglo, Melanie Pierce, Pinnacle Financial Partners, John Prine/Sour Grapes Inc, Jacqueline Proffitt, Dana Radford, Britt Redden, Dave Regan, Allen Reynolds & Marie Coz, Thomas Rhett & Lauren Akins, Michael Rhodes, Diane Richey-Haupt, April Rider, Lacy Rieke, John Ritchie, Rivers of Wellness, Timothy Roberts, Debi Fleishcher Robin, Emily Robins, Ken Robold, Glen Rose, Gregg Roth, Ronna Rubin, Kylie Sackley, Safford Motley LLC, Phillip Sandifer/ Urgent Media, Bryan Sargent, Kristin Savage, Rick Savage, Terrance Sawchuk, Ruth See Schimmel Foundation, Brad Schmidt, Ed Schneider, Iggy Schultz, Nicholas Schurman, Steve Schweidel, Cass Scripps, Kate Searls, Kylen Sharpe, Steven Sheehan, Russ Shipp, Kathryn Shoemaker, Philip Shouse, Earle Simmons, Granger & Amber Smith, Sarah Smith, Jennie Smythe, Sony ATV Music, Sloane Spencer, Chris & Morgane Stapleton, Jonathan Stewart, Wayne Stonecipher, Rebecca Warner Strang, Jaime Street, Brinson Strickland, Todd Suggs, SunTrust Bank, Sarah Crossman Sullivan, Brady Surface, Jensen Sussman/ Sweet Talk Publicity, Laura Sutherland, Conley Sweeney, William Taber, Jr., Claire Taylor, Mary Crawford Taylor, Kim Thomason, Linde Thurman, Doug Tibbs, John Tinger, Kathleen Cash Tittle, Ellen Truly, Katii Tusa, Donna Ulisse, Universal Music Publishing, Ben Vaughn, Gina Venier, Laura Velz, Bill Viverette, Terry Viverette, Ty Wall, Brandy Warner, Steve & Caryn Wariner, Edward Warm, Warner Chappell Music Publishing, Mike Westfall, Glenn Whitaker, Rachel Whitney, Kris Wiatr & Associates, Jaime & Kristin Wildman, Wiles + Taylor & Company, JD Wilkes, Jay & Katherine Williams, Randy Wilmore, Justin Wilson, Melinda Wilson, WME, Linda Dotson-Wooley, Mark Wright, Yazoo Brewing Company, Will Yeiser, Thomas Young and Debbie Cox Zavitson.

Entirely funded through grants and individual and corporate donations, contributions can still be made to Music Health Alliance and “Heal The Music Day” at: MusicHealthAlliance.com/donate-to-heal.

Since 2013, MHA has:

* Supported our creative community across 42 states and every genre of music
* Spared 541 families from bankruptcy due to a medical crisis
* Provided 8 patients with access to transplants including heart, lung, kidney and liver
* Facilitated access to over 200 trauma counseling sessions for Las Vegas shooting survivors and
   their families
* Served over 10,000 members of the music community nationwide
* Saved over $47,000,000 in healthcare costs including insurance premium savings, medical bill
   reductions and discounted medications

As advocates, Music Health Alliance fights so those in our industry never have to feel alone in a health crisis. The nine-person team at Music Health Alliance remove obstacles so patients can receive lifesaving care. Thanks to the direct efforts of Music Health Alliance, members of the music community across the country have gained access to lifesaving cancer treatment, transplants, medications to treat Parkinson’s, end of life care and many other crucial services. Its services are free to any person who has worked in the music industry for two or more years, or who has credited contributions to 4 commercially released recordings or videos. Spouses, partners, and children of qualifying individuals may also receive access to the non-profit’s services from birth to end of life.


To learn more about Music Health Alliance’s free services, contact MHA at 615-200-6896 or info@musichealthalliance.com

Donate to Music Health Alliance at: MusicHealthAlliance.com/donate-to-heal

MUSIC HEALTH ALLIANCE OFFERING FREE HEALTH INSURANCE ASSISTANCE TO MUSIC COMMUNITY

“What The Health” and “Medicare 101” workshops offered this month ahead of open enrollment

Immediately following this week’s “Heal The Music Day,” led by Dierks Bentley, Music Health Alliance’s (MHA) 9-member team is readying for individual and group benefit health insurance open enrollment, providing FREE healthcare assistance to the nationwide music community. In 2018 alone, MHA saw a 40% increase in clients served during insurance and Medicare open enrollment, totaling 3,100 members of the music community and more than $7.6 Million in insurance premiums and out-of-pocket cost savings. Expectations for 2020’s enrollment period exceed the prior year.

“The actual FACTS about health insurance are vital and they change every year,” said MHA Founder and CEO, Tatum Allsep. “Music Health Alliance does the research and we know these facts so we can translate them with no gimmicks. This enables our music industry community to accurately compare all of their options and make the best healthcare choice for themselves and their families. We are here to serve our music community and Heal The Music.”

Open enrollment dates for 2020 are as follows:
Medicare: October 15 - December 7, 2019
Insurance Enrollment: November 1 - December 15, 2019

During the open enrollment dates, Music Health Alliance advocates will meet one-on-one to advise and enroll members of the music industry and their families in the best plans to meet their medical needs.

Music Health Alliance, in partnership with MusiCares, will offer two free seminars to inform and empower members of the music community to enroll for new health insurance for the new year. The “What The Health” and “Medicare 101” workshops will be offered this month to educate the music industry on their individual healthcare options during open enrollment. Please RSVP to Erin Lancaster, Manager of Office and Client Services, at the main desk - 615-200-6896 to attend.

MEDICARE 101 - https://www.facebook.com/events/498531150989061

Date: Thursday, October 24
Time: 3:00 – 5:00pm
Location: BMI - 10 Music Square East, Nashville, TN 37203

RSVP required: Erin Lancaster, Music Health Alliance Manager of Office and Client Services, 615-200-6896

Description: Music Health Alliance COO and and Certified Senior Advisor® Shelia Shipley-Biddy will provide information about senior aging needs, answer questions about Medicare, and explain other healthcare options for music professionals 65 or older.

WHAT THE HEALTH -  https://www.facebook.com/events/374405623437914

Date: Tuesday, October 29
Time: 1:00 – 3:00pm
Location: BMI - 10 Music Square East, Nashville, TN 37203

RSVP required: Erin Lancaster, Music Health Alliance Manager of Office and Client Services, 615-200-6896

Description: What are my options for health insurance in 2020? Will there be subsidy to reduce my premiums? What if I can’t afford insurance? Get your questions answered by Music Health Alliance CEO/Founder Tatum Allsep as she explains open enrollment and options for 2020.

The free health insurance workshops follow “Heal The Music Day,” an effort to raise awareness and support for the emergency and ongoing medical needs of our country’s creative community, 76% of whom are self-employed or part of a small business. The majority don’t have access to group health benefits and, in many instances, have limited and unpredictable resources. Music Health Alliance’s free services range from access to doctors and hospitals, diagnostic services, medicine, health insurance and finding financial assistance during times of illness.

The only non-profit named to Billboard’s 2019 Nashville Power Players, MHA Founder and CEO Tatum Allsep and Shelia Shipley Biddy, COO and Certified Senior Advisor®, along with the entire MHA team, remove obstacles so patients can receive lifesaving care. Entirely funded through grants and individual and corporate donations, since founding in 2013, MHA has:

Supported over 10,000 members of our creative community across 39 states and every genre of music
Spared 541 families from bankruptcy due to a medical crisis
Provided 8 patients with access to transplants including heart, lung, kidney and liver
Facilitated access to over 200 trauma counseling sessions for Las Vegas shooting survivors and their families
Saved over $47,000,000 in healthcare costs including insurance premium savings, medical bill reductions and discounted medications

The nine-person team at Music Health Alliance remove obstacles so patients can receive lifesaving care. Music Health Alliance’s free services range from access to doctors and hospitals, medicine, health insurance and finding financial assistance during times of illness. As advocates, Music Health Alliance fights so those in our industry never have to feel alone in a health crisis. Thanks to the direct efforts of Music Health Alliance, members of the music community across the country have gained access to lifesaving cancer treatment, transplants, medications to treat Parkinson’s, end of life care and many other crucial services. Its services are free to any person who has worked in the music industry for two or more years, or who has credited contributions to 4 commercially released recordings or videos. Spouses, partners, and children of qualifying individuals may also receive access to the non-profit’s services from birth to end of life.

To learn more about Music Health Alliance’s free services, contact MHA at 615-200-6896 or info@musichealthalliance.com

Donate to Music Health Alliance at: MusicHealthAlliance.com/donate-to-heal

DIERKS BENTLEY NAMED SPOKESPERSON FOR MUSIC HEALTH ALLIANCE'S "HEAL THE MUSIC" DAY", OCTOBER 18

ASCAP, Heaven’s Door, Miranda Lambert, Pinnacle Bank, 

Red Light Management and more added to 

“Heal The Music Day” supporters

Multi-Platinum entertainer Dierks Bentley has been named the spokesperson for Music Health Alliance’s “Heal The Music Day” and will spearhead the music community’s efforts to provide financial support for the non-profit’s critical and life-saving free services during the 3rd annual fundraiser. Entirely funded through grants and individual and corporate donations, MHA has:

Supported our creative community across 42 states and every genre of music
Spared 541 families from bankruptcy due to a medical crisis
Provided 8 patients with access to transplants including heart, lung, kidney and liver
Facilitated access to over 200 trauma counseling sessions for Las Vegas shooting survivors and their families
Served over 10,000 members of the music community nationwide
Saved over $47,000,000 in healthcare costs including insurance premium savings, medical bill reductions and discounted medications
The only non-profit named to Billboard’s 2019 Nashville Power Players, MHA Founder and CEO Tatum Allsep and Shelia Shipley Biddy, COO and Certified Senior Advisor®, along with the entire MHA team, remove obstacles so patients can receive lifesaving care.

“The work that Music Health Alliance is doing on behalf of our music community is incredible,” said Bentley. “They are on the frontline advocating for people like my band members, our crew, team-members and all of our families. It’s with deep gratitude that I support ‘Heal The Music Day’ so that Music Health Alliance can continue to help the people who dedicate their lives and talents to making Nashville, TN the Music City."

As spokesperson for 2019’s “Heal The Music Day,” Dierks will encourage the music industry to participate in this annual effort to raise awareness and support for the emergency and ongoing medical needs of our country’s creative community, 76% of whom are self-employed or part of a small business. The majority don’t have access to group health benefits and, in many instances, have limited and unpredictable resources. Music Health Alliance’s free services range from access to doctors and hospitals, medicine, health insurance and finding financial assistance during times of illness. Members of the music community — including artists, songwriters, producers, publishers, publicists, promoters, business managers, record label executives, booking agents, attorneys, venues, stylists and more — can pledge a percentage of their single day earnings to support the lifesaving services provided by Music Health Alliance.

Acme Feed & Seed, Gary Allan, Gus Arrandale, ASCAP, Marc Beeson, Dierks Bentley, John Berry, Camel Express, John Carter Cash, Rosanne Cash, Beth Nielson Chapman, City National Bank, Combustion Entertainment, Ron Cox/Studio Bank, Chelsea Crowell, Carrie Crowell, Hannah Crowell, Rodney Crowell, Bob DiPiero, Mark Driskill, Disney Music, Tiffany Dunn/Loeb & Loeb, Bob Dylan/Heaven’s Door, Girlilla Marketing, Amy Grant, Emmylou Harris, Iberia Bank, Miranda Lambert, Robin Lightner, Michael McIntosh, Tinti Moffat, Monarch PR, Pinnacle Financial Partners, Safford Motley LLC, Sony ATV Music, Allen Reynolds & Marie Coz, Coran Capshaw/Red Light Management, Thomas Rhett & Lauren Akins, Regions Bank, Michael Rhodes, Chris & Morgane Stapleton, Universal Music Publishing, Ben Vaughn, Steve & Caryn Wariner, Warner Chappell Music Publishing, Kris Wiatr & Associates, Wiles + Taylor & Company, Jay & Katherine Williams and Yazoo Brewing Company have already joined the Heal The Music Day movement in support of their fellow musicians and music industry colleagues.

Become a Heal The Music Day partner at: MusicHealthAlliance.com/heal-the-music-day
Donate to Music Health Alliance at: MusicHealthAlliance.com/donate-to-heal

GRAMMY WINNING ARTIST JOHN BERRY PRESENTS CHECK FROM “WE ALL COME TOGETHER” BENEFIT TO MUSIC HEALTH ALLIANCE

L – R Music Health Alliance CEO/Founder; Tatum Hauck Allsep , John Berry, COO/Certified Senior Advisor ®; Shelia Shipley Biddy and Robin Berry

photo credit: Moments By Moser Photography

Grammy winning Country music artist, John Berry presented Music Health Alliance CEO/Founder; Tatum Hauck Allsep and COO/Certified Senior Advisor ®; Shelia Shipley Biddy with a check for $54,700.

During the initial planning of the benefit, Berry expressed his wishes to share the financial blessings and gift a portion of the donation money raised from the star studded country music concert and fundraising efforts. The funds raised will offset the medical expenses for treatments not covered by insurance for John Berry and benefit the endeavors of Music Health Alliance to assist others in the Nashville music community.

"As I said before. Thank you is not big enough, incredible is not incredible enough and amazing is not amazing enough. I am honored, humbled and grateful for the love shown to me and Robin. It is my hope that in the future as I continue to heal and get back to playing music, that I can pass on that huge amount of love I received to others. Whether it be for folks in the music community, family, friends or fans, I want to give back what has been shown to me,” shares John Berry. “I am so happy that Music Health Alliance is a recipient of all the love shown from the special night. MHA has been there for my family for several years, providing answers and assistance for all our health insurance needs."

“For most of our  lives John Berry’s music has touched our hearts,” stated CEO/Founder; Tatum Allsep.  “Now the generosity of John and Robin Berry will enable Music Health Alliance to heal the hearts of music makers as well. We are profoundly grateful.”

“We All Come Together" for John Berry and Music Health Alliance was held on April 23rd at City Winery Nashville.

Full Performance Line-Up:

Anita Cochran
Bryan White
Chris Kulick WSM
Chuck Jones
Clint Black
Darin & Brooke Aldridge
Darryl Worley
Exile
Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood
Heidi Newfield
James Wesley
Jeannie Seely w/ Tim Atwood
Jimmy Fortune
Lee Roy Parnell w/Lisa Stewart
Mark Wills
Mike Farris
Oak Ridge Boys
Radney Foster
Sean Berry
Shenandoah
Suzy Bogguss
T. Graham Brown
Tim Rushlow
Trace Adkins
Tracy Lawrence
Travis Tritt
Vince Gill

Follow John on his website at www.johnberry.com

#EVENT - “WE ALL COME TOGETHER” FOR JOHN BERRY AND MUSIC HEALTH ALLIANCE - TUESDAY, APRIL 23 AT CITY WINERY NASHVILLE

“We All Come Together" for John Berry and Music Health Alliance, a benefit concert scheduled for April 23 at City Winery will raise money to offset the medical expenses not covered by insurance for John Berry, who was diagnosed with throat cancer in January. A portion of the ticket sales will go to Music Health Alliance to fund financial assistance to others in the music community. Tickets can be purchased here.

"Wow! We are completely and utterly overwhelmed at the outpouring of love and care for both of us during this time. The music community has all come together for us and we are humbled to be friends with such an amazing group of artists and proud to be part of an industry that cares so much for each other,” said John and Robin Berry. “A few years ago we were faced with the daunting task of finding health insurance for our family. Music Health Alliance stepped in and expertly guided us through the process to find the plan that was right for us. We introduced our band and fellow musician friends to this incredible organization because it’s always good to have help navigating through the maze of health insurance options and Music Health Alliance made the task manageable."

“City Winery Nashville is proud to host  the benefit, "We All Come Together" for John Berry and Music Health Alliance. As a live music venue in Nashville, we have the utmost respect for the musicians and artists who have graced our stage,” said Mike Simon, Talent Buyer, City Winery. “We always strive to be a philanthropic force, and we're humbled to give back to the music community through our friends at Music Health Alliance.”

Artists who have stepped up to perform have been revealed the past week by media partner WSM Radio and live-streamed on The Heartland Network on the Cody, Coffee and Country show, with the full performance line-up announced this morning.

Confirmed Performers:

Anita Cochran
Billy Dean
Bryan White
Chris Kulick WSM
Chuck Jones
Clint Black
Darin & Brooke Aldridge
Darryl Worley
Exile
Heidi Newfield
James Wesley
Jeannie Seely w/ Tim Atwood
Jimmy Fortune
Lee Roy Parnell w/Lisa Stewart
Mark Wills
Mike Farris
Oak Ridge Boys
Radney Foster
Restless Heart
Sean Berry
Shenandoah
Suzy Bogguss
T. Graham Brown
Tim Rushlow
Trace Adkins
Tracy Lawrence
Travis Tritt
Vince Gill

MUSIC HEALTH ALLIANCE PROVIDING CRITICAL HEALTH INSURANCE ASSISTANCE TO MUSIC COMMUNITY

“What The Health” and “Medicare! What Now?” workshops offered ahead of open enrollment

Music Health Alliance, in partnership with MusiCares, will offer two free seminars to inform and empower members of the music community to enroll for new health insurance for the new year. “What The Health” and “Medicare! What Now?” workshops will be offered in October to educate the music industry on their individual healthcare options ahead of open enrollment. Both workshops will be held at BMI (10 Music Square East). Please RSVP to carrie@musichealthalliance.com to attend.

MEDICARE! WHAT NOW? - https://www.facebook.com/events/1950305235025592/
Date: Thursday, October 25
Time: 3pm - 5pm
Location: BMI - 10 Music Square East, Nashville, TN 37203
RSVP: carrie@musichealthalliance.com

Confused about what to do once you receive Medicare and what it covers and doesn't cover? What are your options? Certified Senior Advisor® and Music Health Alliance COO Shelia Shipley Biddy will answer your questions in easy to understand language. Learn about plan changes coming in 2019 and 2020. If you are age 65+, this is a workshop you don’t want to miss.

WHAT THE HEALTH – https://www.facebook.com/events/257943334915271/
Date: Tuesday, October 30
Time: 10am – 12pm
Location: BMI - 10 Music Square East, Nashville, TN 37203
RSVP: carrie@musichealthalliance.com

What are my options for health insurance in 2019? Will there be subsidy to reduce my premiums? What if I can’t afford insurance? Get your questions answered by Music Health Alliance CEO/Founder Tatum Allsep as she explains open enrollment and options for 2019.

Open enrollment dates for 2019 are as follows:

Medicare: October 15 - December 7, 2018
Insurance Enrollment: November 1 - December 15, 2018

The free health insurance workshops follow “Heal The Music Day,” an effort to raise awareness and support for the emergency and ongoing medical needs of our country’s creative community, 76% of whom are self-employed or part of a small business. The majority don’t have access to group health benefits and, in many instances, have limited and unpredictable resources. Music Health Alliance’s free services range from access to doctors and hospitals, diagnostic services, medicine, health insurance and finding financial assistance during times of illness.

To participate in “Heal The Music Day,” members of the music community — including artists, songwriters, producers, publishers, publicists, promoters, business managers, record label executives, booking agents, attorneys, venues, stylists and more — can pledge a percentage of their single day earnings to support the lifesaving services provided by Music Health Alliance. Donate now at HealTheMusic.com or checks can be mailed to Music Health Alliance at 2737 Larmon Dr., Nashville, TN 37204. Funds raised during “Heal The Music Day” support the non-profit’s free services, advocacy, education and preventative care initiatives. Learn more at HealTheMusic.com.

Since founding in 2013, Nashville-based non-profit Music Health Alliance has:

- Served 8,400 members of the music community nationwide
- Saved over $33,000,000 in healthcare costs including insurance premium savings, medical bill reductions and discounted medications
- Supported our creative community across 38 states and every genre of music
- Spared 428 families from bankruptcy due to a medical crisis
- Provided 8 patients with access to transplants including heart, lung, kidney and liver
- Facilitated access to over 200 trauma counseling sessions for Las Vegas shooting survivors and their families

Contact Music Health Alliance at 615-200-6896 or info@musichealthalliance.com to learn more about their free services and how you can take part in “Heal The Music Day.”

MUSIC INDUSTRY JOURNALIST ROBERT K. OERMANN TO BE HONORED AT THIRD ANNUAL MUSIC ROW STORYTELLERS EVENT

October 29 Event to Benefit Music Health Alliance 

Tickets On Sale Now!

Music Row is lined with stories…but few people have witnessed as many – and have as many to tell – as Robert K. Oermann. Since arriving in Nashville 40 years ago, “Bobby Karl” has documented, chronicled and helped tell countless tales of the people, places and events that give Music City its moniker. He’s a natural and deserved choice as this year’s Music Row Storytellers honoree.

Music Row Storytellers is an event designed to honor people who stand the test of time in telling the stories that make the music industry so fascinating – the journalists, interviewers, reporters, show hosts and others who’ve lived, breathed and witnessed these moments alongside the music- and decision-makers of Music Row. The third annual event will be held Monday, October 29 at the Wellspire Center (907 Gleaves St., Nashville TN 37203 – valet parking provided). A 6:00pm cocktail reception will be followed by a 6:30pm program honoring Oermann and benefiting Music Health Alliance. The evening will be filled with laughs and stories from Robert K. and surprise guests who’ve been part of his career.

Tickets are available for purchase here for $75.00 (fees included).

Now the unofficial historian of Nashville’s musical heritage, Robert K. Oermann’s love of music can be traced back to his Pittsburgh childhood, when he clerked in his grandmother’s record store. He moved to Nashville in 1978 for a job with the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum. His freelance writing put his byline into such publications as Billboard, The Hollywood Reporter, Esquire, TV Guide and – in the early 1980s – the pages of an emerging newspaper called USA Today (as its first country-music reporter and critic). A dozen years with the daily Tennessean made him a Music City staple, as he evolved to become the community’s go-to journalistic source, critic, commentator and tastemaker. His entertaining singles reviews -- an anchor of Music Row magazine since its inception in 1981 -- have made him a music-industry must-read.

As the author of eight books, the host of the hit podcast Children of Song and a creative force in film and TV documentaries, he has chronicled America’s musical culture for decades, sometimes in collaboration with his wife, Mary A. Bufwack. Liner notes, artist bios and interviews created by Robert K. have breathed life into the careers of innumerable artists, musicians, songwriters and producers. He has served and continues to lend his expertise and perspective to numerous organizations – The Recording Academy, the CMA, the Nashville Public Library, Leadership Music and the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame among them. He is also an ombudsman for Music City as a convention speaker, a mentor to students and a frequently televised commentator. Simply put, Robert K. Oermann is a Music Row “Storyteller.”

Music Row Storytellers originated in 2016, drawing major label heads, Grammy-winning artists, noted producers and a cross-section of the music community to salute renowned music journalist Hazel Smith. 2017’s honoree was industry veteran Charlie Monk, who was celebrated by industry leaders, broadcast colleagues and Grand Ole Opry stars.

Music Row Storytellers benefits Nashville-based non-profit Music Health Alliance, which fights so those in our industry never have to feel alone in a health crisis. The seven-person team at Music Health Alliance removes obstacles so patients can receive lifesaving care. Thanks to the direct efforts of Music Health Alliance, more than 8,400 members of the music community across 38 states and all genres of music have gained access to lifesaving heart, lung, kidney and liver transplants, medications to treat Parkinson’s, end of life care and many other crucial services. Since 2013, Music Health Alliance has saved over $33-million dollars in healthcare costs including insurance premium savings, medical bill reductions and discounted medications. Its services are free to any person who has worked in the music industry for two or more years, or who has credited contributions to 4 commercially released recordings or videos. Spouses, partners, and children of qualifying individuals may also receive access to the non-profit’s services from birth to end of life.

The Music Row Storytellers organizing committee is a group of music industry professionals dedicated to celebrating the leaders, influencers and storytellers that “came before,” while providing awareness and financial contribution to a music industry related non-profit organization.

BROTHERS OSBORNE, KELLY ARCHER, MAC DAVIS AND NATALIE HEMBY HEADLINE SOLD-OUT "THE FIRST AND THE WORST" BENEFITTING MUSIC HEALTH ALLIANCE

One-of-a-kind musical event raises over $127,000 for non-profit

 Left to right: K.S. Rhoads, Natalie Hemby and Brothers Osborne's John and TJ

Reigning ACM and CMA Vocal Duo of the Year Brothers Osborne, prolific hit-maker Kelly Archer, all-around entertainer Mac Davis and ACM, NSAI Song of the Year winner Natalie Hemby took the stage to a sold-out crowd at City Winery Nashville last week to perform the very first and worst songs they have ever written as they divulged the stories and the songs that led to their biggest hits, all to benefit Music Health Alliance. The fourth annual “The First And The Worst” event raised more than $127,000 for the non-profit, which provides access to invaluable healthcare support and services, at no cost to members of the music industry. Since 2013, Music Health Alliance has saved over $30 million dollars in lifesaving healthcare and insurance premiums and served over 8,000 people in the music community. Learn more at musichealthalliance.com.

Songwriter Sandy Knox (“Does He Love You?,” “Why Haven’t I Heard From You?”) was the first to take the stage, sharing the inspiration behind “The First And the Worst” before humbly performing her not-so-memorable  song “Mr. Flirt.”

Highlights from the evening of first and worst songs from Nashville’s most esteemed talents included Kelly Archer’s “Da-dang,” Brothers Osborne’s “Tampon Song,” Mac Davis’s ode to Putin and gluten, and the Crappy award-winning song of the night, Natalie Hemby’s “In-Breeding.”  And the night wouldn’t be complete without a performance of the writer’s biggest hit songs.

Natalie Hemby, winner of the 4th annual "The First And The Worst" tongue-in-cheek Crappy Award

"Music Health Alliance can continue to provide life-saving services at no cost because so many people bought tickets, bid on auction items and made donations at our event last week,” shared Music Health Alliance Founder and CEO, Tatum Hauck Allsep. “There is nowhere else to see legendary songwriters fighting over who penned the absolute worst song. It's hysterical and a great reminder that we all have to start somewhere."

Pictured left to right: Peter Cooper, John Schneider, TJ Osborne (Brothers Osborne), Mac Davis, Tatum Hauck Allsep, John Osborne (Brothers Osborne), Shelia Shipley Biddy, Natalie Hemby, K.S. Rhoads and Kelly Archer

Brothers Osborne's John Osborne and TJ Osborne

Mac Davis

Kelly Archer

“The First And The Worst” – an evening of really bad songs by really good writers – showcased songwriters Archer, Brothers Osborne, Davis, Hemby, and Archer as they divulged the stories and the songs that led to their biggest hits. Hosted by music historian and musician Peter Cooper, this unique event allowed the audience to peek inside the brilliant minds of hit songwriters long before they had ever written a chart-topper or had songs recorded by superstar artists, all for a worthy cause. Proceeds from “The First And The Worst” benefit Music Health Alliance, the music industry’s non-profit healthcare advocate. Funds raised help Music Health Alliance Protect, Direct & Connect music industry professionals with medical and financial solutions.

NASHVILLE TO CELEBRATE “HEAL THE MUSIC DAY” ON OCTOBER 20

Following Nashville Mayor Megan Barry’s official proclamation declaring October 20th as “Heal The Music Day,” a number of events are on tap to support the initiative. “Heal The Music Day” is an effort to raise awareness and support for the more than 56,000 people who make a living in the music industry, 76% of whom are self-employed or part of small business without access to group health benefits - including songwriters, producers, audio engineers, musicians, recording artists, publishers and more.

October 20th Heal The Music Day Events in Nashville

Musicians Corner - 5:00pm - FREE SHOW
http://bit.ly/2z75mQ0

McCrary Sisters, Gretchen Peters, Erin Rae, Bobby Bare and Brian Wright along with Café Rooster artists including: Elizabeth Cook and more! 

The Bluebird Cafe - 6:30pm

Pat Alger, Tony Arata, Bob Regan, Angela Kaset SOLD OUT!

The Family Wash - 8:00pm - Price: $10.00
http://bit.ly/2wUYowZ

Bill Lloyd, Andrea Zonn, Peter Cooper, Thomm Jutz

Douglas Corner - 9:00pm - Price: $10.00
http://bit.ly/2ygqqH

Faux Ferocious

The Bluebird Cafe - 9:30pm - SOLD OUT!

Matraca Berg, Amy Grant, Barry Dean, Marcus Hummon

And if you can’t make it to one of the shows, drive-thru donations are being accepted at Music Health Alliance offices, located at 2021 Richard Jones Road, Suite 160, Nashville, TN 37215, from 8:30am to 5pm Friday or at http://www.musichealthalliance.com/heal-the-music-day 

The following day, Nashville-based craft beer producer Yazoo Brewing and noted Americana musician Elizabeth Cook will launch a special beer – El Lagarto –  to benefit Music Health Alliance. The launch party will be at Dee’s Country Cocktail Lounge in Madison for “Elizabeth Cook’s Yazoo Outlaw Chili Cook Off”, starting at 4 PM on Saturday, Oct 21st. Fifty percent of the revenues from the sale of the beer will be donated to Music Health Alliance to help local musicians with their health care needs.

Funds raised during “Heal The Music Day” support the non-profit’s FREE services, advocacy, education and preventative care initiatives including upcoming events open to the music community:

Breast Fest 2017 
http://bit.ly/2zeFr96
Date: Tuesday, October 24
Time: 10am - 3pm
Location: Music Health Alliance 2021 Richard Jones Rd, Suite 160, Nashville, TN 37215

Description: Music Health Alliance and Saint Thomas Health’s Mobile Mammogram Unit will offer free mammograms to any female in the music industry with or without insurance. Over age 40 and at least one year since last mammogram. 36-40 if you have a family history of mother or sister with breast cancer in their 30s. Call (615) 200-6861 to schedule your appointment now.

“What The Health” Workshop
 http://bit.ly/2yOlKIW
Date: Thursday, October 26
Time: 1pm - 3pm
Location: MusiCares 1904 Wedgewood Ave., Nashville, Tennessee 37212

Description: Worried about your insurance options for 2018? Well, “What The Health?” Join the Music Health Alliance staff as they explain your health insurance options for next year. Open Enrollment is only 45 DAYS this year (November 1-December 15). This will be your one chance to ask questions, get the steps to enroll yourself, or schedule an appointment with an MHA Advocate to walk you through the process. RSVP to Music Health Alliance at (615) 200-6896. For those who cannot attend, the session will be live streamed at Music Health Alliance’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MusicHealthAlliance/

“Heal The Music Day” is the one day a year where everyone involved in the creative community can give back to a non-profit organization that gives to them each and every day throughout the year. Many in our creative community have already committed to support their fellow musicians and peers in the industry in times of medical crisis. Commitments include David W. Adams, Pat Alger, Gary Allan, Tony Arata, Band Twango, Bobby Bare, The Basement, The Basement East, The Bluebird Cafe, Brad Bissell, Better Than Ezra, Ernie Ball/Music Man Guitars, Richard Bennett, Dierks Bentley, Matraca Berg, T Bone Burnett, Lee Brice, Sam Bush, Camel Express Car Wash, Shawn Camp, Carter Vintage, Corner Music, Rodney Crowell, Rosanne Cash, Eric Conn, Rob Dennis, Jerry Douglas, Douglas Corner, Mike Coupe, Dualtone Records, Ronnie Dunn, Steve Earle, Family Wash, Earls of Leicester, Farm Bureau Insurance, Rory Feek, Peter Frampton, Joe Galante, Mary Gauthier, Harper Grae, Vince Gill, Grimey’s Record Shop, Emmylou Harris, Rachel Hester, Don Hockhalter, Joshua Knight, Miranda Lambert, Nikki Lane, Tim Lauer, Bill Lloyd, Brice Long, Mitch Malloy, Robin Majors, Kathy Mattea, John McTigue, Nashville Musicians Union, New Frontier Touring, NSAI, Tim O’Brien, Gretchen Peters, Charlie Peacock, Margo Price, John Prine, Radio Disney, Erin Rae, Mickey Raphael, Rattlesnake Annie, RGK Entertainment, Chris Stapleton, Morgane Stapleton, Marty Stuart, Glen Templeton , Trace Horse Recording Studio, Keith Urban, Jon Vezner, Warner Chappell Music, Gene Watson, Wiatr & Associates, Dwight Wiles, and XAct Tone.

As advocates, Music Health Alliance fights so those in our industry never have to feel alone in a health crisis. The six-person team at Music Health Alliance remove obstacles so patients can receive lifesaving care. Thanks to the direct efforts of Music Health Alliance, members of the music community across the country have gained access to lifesaving heart and liver transplants, medications to treat Parkinson’s, end of life care and many other necessary services. Since 2013, Music Health Alliance has saved over $22 million dollars in medical bills and reduced premiums and served over 7,200 people in the music community. Its services are free to any person who has worked in the music industry for two or more years, or who has credited contributions to 4 commercially released recordings or videos. Spouses, partners, and children of qualifying individuals may also receive access to the non-profit’s services from birth to end of life.

Contact Music Health Alliance at 615-200-6896 or info@musichealthalliance.com to learn more about their free services and how you can take part in “Heal The Music Day.”

MUSIC HEALTH ALLIANCE AND HEALTH:FURTHER PARTNER FOR ANNUAL FESTIVAL AT NASHVILLE’S MUSIC CITY CENTER

Music Health Alliance (MHA), the music industry’s non-profit healthcare advocate, will partner with Health:Further for its annual Health:Further Festival at the Music City Center in Nashville, TN to be held August 22 – 25, 2017.

The Health:Further Festival is an annual gathering which brings together over 2,000 of the brightest minds in healthcare innovation focused on improving the industry and building a healthier, more sustainable future.

The partnership is designed to showcase the relationship between two of Nashville’s primary industries — music and healthcare — while also expanding opportunities for the creative community to attend the Festival. MHA and Health:Further will collaborate on a scholarship to provide complimentary Festival passes to students and healthcare practitioners. Additionally, MHA will help program components of the Festival, including Brenda Lee for a keynote address and musical entertainment, headlined by three-time Grammy Award winner Delbert McClinton, that will be staged throughout the event. A portion of the proceeds from the Festival will be donated exclusively to Music Health Alliance to continue its life-changing services for Nashville’s more than 56,000 people who make a living in the music industry, 76% of whom are self-employed or part of small business.

“Music Health Alliance is a remarkable organization providing critical healthcare services to the music industry, one of Nashville’s largest professional communities,” said Marcus Whitney, CEO & Co-Founder of Health:Further. “The work they do towards making health accessible to musicians aligns closely with our vision at Health:Further, and we could not be more proud to support them in this effort.”

"Music Health Alliance is thrilled to partner with Health:Further in this one-of-a-kind event,” said Music Health Alliance Founder Tatum Allsep. “The forward-thinkers in the Health:Further community are committed to developing the most accessible, affordable and quality healthcare landscape of tomorrow and at MHA we believe this kind of innovative and creative thinking is vital to ensure that the ‘Music’ in Music City stays alive and well."

The Health:Further Festival is co-produced by the Center for Health Care Market Innovation at Vanderbilt University, in addition to collaboration with TN HIMSS to produce the Summit of the Southeast. It is presented by HealthTrust. Strategic partners include PYA, Waller, Bailey Southwell and Mercer.

For more information on this partnership and the event, visit http://www.healthfurther.com/music-health-alliance.

NASHVILLE’S "MUSIC ROW COMES TO THE BALLPARK” CHARITY EVENT TO BENEFIT MUSIC HEALTH ALLIANCE

Fundraiser to benefit Music Health Alliance

For the second consecutive year, the Orioles will host “Nashville’s Music Row Comes to the Ballpark” – an exclusive, on-field performance at Ed Smith Stadium – on Friday, March 17. Every dollar raised at the charity event will benefit the Library Foundation for Sarasota County’s early childhood literacy programs and Music Health Alliance. This year’s event is presented by the Orioles in partnership with the Greater Sarasota Area Chamber of Commerce and the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County.

The performances will begin at 8:15 p.m. showcasing a cross-section of Nashville’s vast songwriting community. Performers will include LIZ ROSE, GRAMMY Award and American Country Music Award-winning songwriter; LAURA VELTZ, GRAMMY nominated co-writer, and one of the top songwriters in Nashville; JIMMY ROBBINS, award-winning country radio hit songwriter, RYAN BEAVER, one of the “10 New Country Artists You Need to Know” according to Rolling Stone; and emerging Nashville writer MARGARET VALENTINE. Country singer and songwriter, JENAE CHERRY, whose husband is Orioles pitcher BRAD BRACH, will perform as a special guest.

Veteran MASN broadcaster JIM HUNTER will serve as emcee for the charity event, which will feature a meet and greet with Nashville songwriters and Orioles players and a pre-show VIP cocktail reception at 7:00 p.m. Following the pre-show activities, Rose, Veltz, Robbins, Beaver, and Valentine will perform in a country-style songwriter round, a concept made famous in Nashville and seen on the hit television show Nashville. This intimate setting will give fans a behind-the-scenes look at how the songs were written, while getting up close and personal with stars of the stage and the diamond in support of two terrific causes.

“At the intersection of Sarasota’s community values and the Orioles’ organizational mission is a shared passion for supporting music and the arts, youth education, and affordable health care to those most in need,” said JOHN ANGELOS, Orioles Executive Vice President and Mid-Atlantic Sports Network President. “Through the special relationship shared by the Orioles Baseball and Nashville Music Row communities, we are proud to annually bring together world-class artists and athletes playing for their community through our ‘Nashville’s Music Row Comes to the Ballpark’ charity cocktail and concert event. This intimate evening on the diamond, hosted by Orioles players and hit Nashville songwriters performing and telling stories about their radio hits and newly-created hits of tomorrow, capitalizes on America’s love affair with country music and the game of baseball and unites our many friends in the Sarasota, Baltimore, and Nashville civic, arts and culture, and charitable communities in raising awareness and financial support for local charities and those they serve.”

The performance benefits the Library Foundation for Sarasota County’s Children’s Literacy Endowment and Music Health Alliance. Established in 2015, the endowment supports programs that enhance opportunities for young children and their families to read together, including the Imagination Library program, which provides a new book each month to eligible children during the first five years of their life.

Music Health Alliance is a nonprofit organization that provides access to healthcare for the music industry. Over 76 percent of music professionals across the nation have limited access to healthcare because they are self-employed or part of small businesses. Music Health Alliance’s services protect, direct, and connect music professionals with medical and financial solutions for all genres of music. Since its launch in 2013, the organization has secured over $15.5 million in life-changing healthcare resources and enabled access to doctors, medicine, health insurance, and financial assistance for more than 5,300 individuals.

To purchase a sponsorship package for the event or for additional information, please contact AMY TUTEN at 941-893-6347 or atuten@orioles.com.

Each year, the Orioles also host an “Arts in the Ballpark” series at Ed Smith Stadium. This initiative offers free and low-cost, family-friendly arts and entertainment experiences in a ballpark setting. Upcoming “Arts in the Ballpark” events include “Big Band Jazz through the Decades,” on April 22, when the Jazz Club of Sarasota will perform at Ed Smith Stadium and “Hits and Home Runs,” the fourth annual outdoor Pops performed by the Sarasota Orchestra on May 12 and 13. Tickets are still available for both events at www.orioles.com/arts.    

In the seven years since the Orioles moved Major League Spring Training to Sarasota, more than 765,000 fans have enjoyed Orioles games at Ed Smith Stadium. A recent independent analysis commissioned by Sarasota County Government concluded that the Orioles generate approximately $89 million in annual economic impact back to taxpayers and residents. By marketing Sarasota to fans in the Mid-Atlantic region, operating a year-round athletic training facility, producing entertainment and sporting events, partnering with charitable causes, and hosting and often subsidizing youth sports tournaments and activities, the Orioles demonstrate an abiding commitment to their Florida home that goes far beyond baseball. For details, visit www.orioles.com/Sarasota.

HIT-MAKERS ROSANNE CASH, SONNY CURTIS, FRANK ROGERS AND STEVE WARINER HEADLINE “THE FIRST AND THE WORST” TO BENEFIT MUSIC HEALTH ALLIANCE

Musical event at City Winery Nashville raises $95,000 for non-profit

Iconic singer/songwriters Rosanne Cash, Sonny Curtis, Frank Rogers and Steve Wariner took the stage at City Winery Nashville Wednesday night, March 1, to perform the very first and worst songs they have ever written as they divulged the stories and the songs that led to their biggest hits, all to benefit Music Health Alliance. The third annual “The First And The Worst” event raised $95,000 for the non-profit, which provides access to invaluable healthcare support and services, at no cost to members of the music industry. In only four years, Music Health Alliance has secured over $15.5 million dollars in life-changing healthcare resources and enabled access to doctors, medicine, health insurance and financial assistance for 5,200 music industry entrepreneurs and professionals.  Learn more at musichealthalliance.com.

Songwriter Sandy Knox (“Does He Love You?,” “Why Haven’t I Heard From You?”) was the first to take the stage, sharing the inspiration behind “The First And the Worst” before humbly performing her not-so-memorable  song “You Can’t Put Your Love In Layaway,” written at the age of fifteen.

Highlights from the evening included legendary Rock And Roll Hall of Famer and celebrated songwriter Sonny Curtis performing “I’m No Stranger To The Rain,” “I Fought The Law” and “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” theme song, along with his never-before-heard “Clone,” which competed for the worst song of the night.

Four-time Grammy® winner Rosanne Cash wowed the audience, performing her breakout hit, “Seven Year Ache.” In keeping with the night’s theme Cash shared “This Has Happened Before,” the first song she ever recorded and one she jokingly derided for its overuse of nature metaphors and minor chords. Americana Association Lifetime Achievement in Songwriting recipient Rodney Crowell, who also serves on the Board of Directors for Music Health Alliance, surprised the audience, joining Cash onstage to sing “I Don’t Know Why You Don’t Want Me” together for the very first time.

The multi-talented Steve Wariner elicited a collective gasp from the audience and fellow performers after confiding he wrote his iconic “I’m Already Taken” at the ripe old age of 17. He shared his first song, the teenage-angst filled “The Whole World Is Smiling But Me,” and later sang his CMA award-winning song, “Holes In The Floor Of Heaven.”

In a close contest, Frank Rogers, who has produced 18 Gold and Platinum albums to date, received the highly-coveted “Crappy” Award for his off-color “Playing Possum,” as voted by the audience as "The First And The Worst’s" most memorable song of the night. 2015’s “Crappy” Award recipient Wynn Varble was on hand to present the award. Rogers later went on to perform hits “I’m Gonna Miss Her (The Fishin’ Song)” and “Alright.”

“The night’s memorable events allow our creative community to help heal the music and come together to support the long-term health of our own industry and its members,” said Music Health Alliance Founder and 2016 Nashville Healthcare Hero, Tatum Hauck Allsep. "The funds Rosanne, Sonny, Frank and Steve helped raise last night will allow Music Health Alliance to provide free support and services to help heal the music – from access to life-saving medicines, surgeries, treatments and health insurance that is not readily available to the majority of the music industry who are self-employed and part of small businesses.”

INAUGURAL FIRST AND THE WORST EVENT, BENEFITTING MUSIC HEALTH ALLIANCE, RAISES OVER $30,000

Wynn Varble Awarded With The 2015 CRAPPY Award

(Nashville, Tenn. – April 6, 2015) Last week, some of Nashville’s most recognized songwriters came together for the inaugural First And The Worst charity event, benefitting the Music Health Alliance. The First and The Worst, which took place at 3rd and Lindsley, raised over $30,000 for the organization. The show featured hit songwriters performing the first and the worst songs they ever wrote, as well as their songs that have become top-selling records recorded by superstar artists, all for a worthy cause. The annual event, which will continue take place on April Fool’s Day of every year, brought attendees from as far as Virginia and New Jersey.

Hosted by Grammy-nominated producer, songwriter and music critic Peter Cooper, the evening of unforgettable fun and laughter featured Rivers Rutherford, Richard Leigh, Liz Rose, Phil Barton, Roxie Dean, and Wynn Varble.

During the event, Wynn Varble was awarded with the 2015 CRAPPY Award for his song, “Jackass.” The award is presented to a songwriter credited for writing one of the worst hit songs ever written. The award will be given annually at forthcoming First And The Worst events.

All event proceeds from sponsorship tables, ticket sales and the silent auction benefited Music Health Alliance. The non-profit’s work assists songwriters, artists and music industry professionals in finding affordable health solutions and financial resources at every stage of their career. The mission of Music Health Alliance is to Heal the Music by providing access to healthcare through services that PROTECT, DIRECT & CONNECT music professionals with medical and financial solutions. In two short years, they have saved over $5.5 million dollars in insurance premiums, reduction of medical bills, and prescription savings.

Events sponsors for the 2015 First And The Worst are: Aristo PR, ASCAP, City National Bank, Dr. Jesus Berdaja, Todd Cayce & Catherine Ralston, Firestone, Goozy, Premiere W.E.D., Tracy Hackney, Betty Knox, Latocki Team, Martin, Allbee & Associates, Larry & Dare O’Donnel, Merrill Lynch, Regions Bank, SunTrust Bank, SESAC, Southwest Airlines, Wrinkled Records

For more information on Music Health Alliance, visit their website, www.musichealthalliance.com, or view this video that serves as an introduction to the non-profit organization, and follow them on Facebook and Twitter. Follow The First and The Worst’s official Facebook and Twitter for more updates on the upcoming charity event.