Jason Isbell and Allison Russell Join Forces for “Love Rising,” A Star-Studded Benefit for Tennessee LGBTQ Causes
In response to recent anti-LGBTQ laws passed in Tennessee, award-winning singer/songwriters Jason Isbell and Allison Russell have organized Love Rising, a star-studded concert set for March 20 in Nashville to benefit organizations that serve LGBTQ communities. To be held at the Bridgestone Arena in partnership with the Looking Out Foundation, the one-day event will include Maren Morris, Sheryl Crow, Hozier, Brittany Howard, and Paramore’s Hayley Williams among its all-star lineup.
Joining them will be Brothers Osborne, Amanda Shires, Julien Baker, Joy Oladokun, Yola, Jake Wesley Rogers, Mya Byrne, and the Rainbow Coalition Band with additional performers to be announced. Proceeds will benefit Tennessee Equality Project, Inclusion Tennessee, OutMemphis, and the Tennessee Pride Chamber. The Looking Out Foundation, founded by nine-time Grammy-winner Brandi Carlile, will accept donations and double contributions up to a maximum of $100,000.
“As a queer intersectional artist and mother, raising my child in Nashville, it’s important to me to support these wonderful Tennessee LGBTQIA+ advocacy organizations, working so hard to build bridges, reduce harm and promote equality for all Tennesseans,” said Allison Russell in a press release. “LGBTQIA+ contributions and creativity are foundational to every genre of modern song and arts performance. I think it speaks volumes that so many in our community are feeling the same call to support, celebrate and uplift.”
Billed as “A celebration of Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness,” Love Rising comes in the wake of several anti-LGBTQ bills recently passed in the state and signed by Governor Bill Lee. Tennessee Senate Bill 3 and House Bill 9 bans some drag performances while another law prohibits gender-affirming healthcare for minors.
“SB3/HB9 and SB1/HB1 are clearly targeted attacks on Tennesseans who haven’t done anything wrong,” said Grammy-winner Jason Isbell in a statement “These bills add up to an attempt to eradicate a valuable part of our community and force good people to live in fear. We can’t in good conscience just stand by and let that happen.”
On Instagram, country singer/songwriter Maren Morris added, “Let’s show these politicians that they do not speak for all of Tennessee. Love will prevail.”
Tickets for the Love Rising, which is presented by Live Nation, will go on sale Friday, March 8 at 10 a.m. CT via Ticketmaster.com.