The Power of a Song:
An Evening with Nashville Songwriters

This celebration in song, created and hosted by Celia Whitler, was held on the evening of Sunday, April 22, 2007. First United Methodist Church of Richardson hosted the event and many Suncreek UMC members and friends from around North Texas helped prepare for the event. The concert was created to celebrate and support Rev. Kathleen Baskin-Ball during her battle with cancer.

Some of Nashville's most gifted songwriters played in a popular listening format: In the Round. Those performing were Nicole Witt, Don Poythress, Celia Whitler, and Billy Montana. They were accompanied by David Flint on acoustic guitar and Joe Smyth of Saywer Brown on percussion. It was an amazing evening of country and inspirational music.

Celia Whitler	Billy Montana	Don Poythress

Nicole Witt	Joe Smyth	David Flint

Billy Montana has two #1 singles to his credit with "Bring On The Rain" (Jo Dee Messina) and "Suds In The Bucket" (Sara Evans). Montana's songs have been recorded by Martina McBride, Lee Ann Womack, Blake Shelton, Tim McGraw, BlackHawk, Sister Hazel and more. Don Poythress has songs recorded by Willie Nelson "You Remain", Bonnie Raitt, Sheryl Crow, Tim McGraw "Comfort Me," Darryl Worley "Shiloh," Brian Littrell, the Marie Sisters, the Wikinsons, Leslie Satcher, Andrea Zonn, Nashville Bluegrass Band, Niall Toner and Kieran Goss (both from Ireland), as well as the European artist Sir Cliff Richard. "The Promise" recorded by The Martins and "Lay It Down" recorded by Jaci Valesquez. Nicole Witt has songs recorded by Diamond Rio "The Box" and The Kinley's "Love Train". Country newcomer Rodney Atkins and pop artist Kimberly Locke have recorded signature cuts. "Power Of A Song" was recorded by Diamond Rio (with Amy Grant and Vince Gill). Terri Clark has Nicole's first radio single entitled "She Didn't Have Time."

All the musicians at the concert gave of their time and talents as a gift. The Suncreek United Methodist Men provided airline tickets for the musicians. In fact, every aspect of the event was donated. A free-will offering for the Glory Be! Fund to assist Kathleen was taken during the concert and it totaled approximately $19,000.

Click here to view more photos of the concert.

Click here to hear a few introductory remarks from the concert. (MP3 format)