Country music playing and an array of instruments across the stage set the tone for A Writer’s Night Monday in Shamblin Theater.
The concert was organized by Lipscomb’s chapter of CMA EDU, a nationwide program thats gives college students a foot in the door to the world of country music.
Lipscomb’s CMA EDU president Miranda Davidson created the concert to benefit cancer research through Lipscomb’s Relay for Life event.
“We got the idea of coming up with a songwriter’s night so we could raise money for Relay For Life,” Davidson said. “We have a really great lineup, so I’m excited.”
Audience members sat at round tables and sipped fresh coffee, creating an intimate atmosphere.
Ashley Scire and Hayden Hines kicked the night off with some original tunes and a few covers. Scire performed her original songs “The Memory is Still With Me,” “Cracks,” “Goodbye is Cheap” and “Tough Guy.” Hines covered Darius Rucker’s “Wagon Wheel” and Florida Georgia Line’s “Cruise.”
“I love doing these kinds of shows,” Scire said. “I just like to support such a good cause. I think music can speak to everybody, and I love using it for the good.”
Next up were Byron Hatcher, Abbi Scott and Phillip White. Hatcher began with his song called “Nashville.” Later he played “50 Years,” a song he wrote for his grandmother after his grandfather passed away.
Scott performed four original songs. Two of them, “Make Mine Count” and “Screwed Up Life,” will be on her upcoming album.
White, who accompanied Scott, is a professional songwriter who has written for acts like Rascal Flatts, Reba McEntire and George Strait. He gave a solo performance of “Nobody But Me,” a song he co-wrote for Blake Shelton.
“I’m celebrating my twentieth year writing songs as a professional in Nashville,” White said. “One of the first people I met was this guy from Oklahoma with a mullet. This is his song.”
The Arcadian Wild finished out the night with several lively songs. The group, which includes students Sarah Wood, Everett Davis, Lincoln Mick and Isaac Horn, performed songs that each of them had written.
The proceeds from the night went to Relay For Life, an organization benefiting the American Cancer Society. Lipscomb’s Relay for Life event will be 7 p.m. Friday in Allen Arena.