Had the pleasure of attending Charles Esten’s 12^th annual Light the Late Night, a benefit concert for blood cancer. This year the show was at 3^rd and Lindsley, and the place was packed with supporters.

Kicking off the night’s music was singer-songwriter Ava Paige, who was celebrating 4 years cancer free. I’ve known Ava since she was 13, so I was excited to see her name on the lineup. It’s been a minute since I’ve had the chance to see her perform live, and she killed it. It was great seeing her back in her element, better than ever. She performed a few originals, including one written about her cancer journey “Have to Be”. Later, she returned to perform with Charles a song they had written together “Kinder Kind”.

Songwriter and Opry member Don Schlitz came on and played his biggest cuts, “The Gambler”, “Forever and Ever, Amen” and “When You Say Nothing at All “. He’s currently undergoing his own battle with blood cancer, so the night had a special connection for him as well.

Opry member Pam Tillis performed two songs, including a duet with Charles. The two old pals hammed it up onstage, dancing together. The second song, she invited Ava and her fiddle player up to sing backup vocals.

In between artists Charles would come out and play a few songs. He performed originals, including “Light the Night” written about the walk. He also performed a few Deacon songs from Nashville. The crowd went nuts for those especially. He closed the show with the Goodbye anthem from the hit show, “Life That’s Good” which was very fitting.

Charles had his wife Patti shared with us a little about their daughter’s cancer journey and what the night meant to them. There was an auction featuring items from Nashville and Outer Banks, as well as tickets to his Opry and Bluebird shows. And a raffle to win a guitar.  Those items brought in a lot of money for the cause, and he graciously invited all the winners to come backstage and get them signed and photos. After that he came back out to take photos and sign for everyone else that wanted one. Watching him, I noticed once again how wonderful he is with his fans. Greeting each one like a long-lost friend and taking the time to talk to every person.

It was a wonderful night celebrating and raising money for blood cancer. Shoutout to Charles and his wife Patti for allowing me to be a part of it.