The complex challenges faced by children who grow up in public housing projects like Nashville’s Preston Taylor Homes often extend well beyond meeting basic physical needs. That’s why the work of nonprofit organizations and faith-based groups like Preston Taylor Ministries is so important. Over the past 20 years, PTM has established an array of mentorship and enrichment programs for children and young adults that help make sure the kids have the tools they need to do well in school and prepare for college or work — crucially, that includes bolstering students’ belief in their value as individuals, something easily shoved to the side when people tend to define you by where you’re from. In the spirit of supporting that work, a slew of top-shelf songwriters and singers, all members of Nashville’s Creative Nation music group, will assemble Tuesday at City Winery for its seventh annual Preston Taylor Ministries benefit show. There’s a good chance you know the work of Lori McKenna or Steve Moakler from their own recordings, but even if you don’t, you’ve almost surely heard Little Big Town’s hit “Girl Crush,” which McKenna co-wrote, or Dierks Bentley’s “Riser,” which Moakler wrote and has recorded on his own. The rest of the performers — Barry Dean, Casey Brown, Tyler Johnson, Kassi Ashton, Alec Bailey and Creative Nation co-founder Luke Laird — have had songs cut by Miranda Lambert, Eric Church, Luke Bryan and Kacey Musgraves, among other stars. Tickets run $45-$85, and all proceeds go to PTM. If you’re interested in volunteering your time, visit prestontaylorministries.org to learn more. STEPHEN TRAGESER
Preston Taylor Ministries Benefit feat. Lori McKenna, Steve Moakler & More
