The Band Perry fills the Ravenwood Performing Arts Center with music.

By JODI RALL
For Brentwood Home Page
A full house was on hand for Ravenwood High School’s annual Music 4 Music concert Monday night. And those who paid the extra for the private VIP meet and greet with the special guests – The Band Perry, Natalie Hemby and Sunny Sweeney – did not go home disappointed.

Singer/songwriter Natalie Hemby says the best songs are the ones that write themselves.

Grammy-nominated The Band Perry – comprised of siblings Kimberly, Reid and Neil Perry -- was down to earth and patiently went to each table, taking time to pose for photos and answer questions. The band’s later performance earned new fans when it finally came time to perform in the Ravenwood Performing Arts Center.

On stage, Sweeney shared her humor. “I would have loved to do some of my funny songs, but there are children,” the singer/songwriter quipped. “You all will have to come elsewhere; just saying.”

Hemby has penned several hits, including “White Liar,” recorded by Miranda Lambert.  “Actually it took a long time for this song to get recorded,” Hemby said of “Liar.” “The song is easy, fun to play and Miranda and I both love bluegrass. It only took me about 30 minutes to actually write the song.

“These are usually the best ones, the ones that come so easy.”

Though only three acts were announced, event sponsor Nissan brought along a fourth act that caused quite a stir. ‘A new electric Nissan Leaf took center stage during the pre-concert meet and greet.  Dr. Pam Vaden, RHS principal, commented how wonderful the event had turned out and “how great is it that we can have an electric car showcased. If this were a gasoline or diesel car, we could not do this,” she said of having it inside the school.

The evening included a silent auction. Total net proceeds, which will go to the Ravenwood band, will be released at a later date.

SCENE & HEARD
Brett, Riley, Amy and Brian O'Connell	Denise Vogel, second from left, and Stacey Effner with The Band Perry
Pete Fisher, Grand Ole Opry general manager, Sunny Sweeney and Dr. Pam Vaden, RHS Principal	Rebekah Elliott, Neil Perry and Lexy Vogel
Sisters Allie and Linsay Flinn with The Band Perry	Assistant Principal Leigh Webb and her daughters Ava and Abby
The hard-working band parents score another successful fundraiser.	The artists with RHS staff and Nissan representatives