It’s often said that music has the power to change lives. Typically, people are referring to how a favorite song or band got them through a rough patch — a bad breakup, the loss of a loved one. But as many music therapists and medical professionals can attest, music can have a much more profound power to heal, particularly for those suffering from life-threatening illnesses. That’s the belief of Blue Star Connection, founded in 2005 to help provide musical instruments for critically ill children and young adults. (Locally, the Colorado-based organization has provided instruments to music therapists working at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital.) The best part of this benefit show, though, is that the lineup is every bit as worthy as the cause: Performers include Tracy Nelson, Mike Farris, Reese Wynans, Jimmy Hall, Ashley Cleveland, Jack Pearson, the Bart Walker Band and a whole lot more.
— Jack Silverman