Musicians On Call (MOC) recently hosted the 20th Anniversary Kickoff Celebration Presented by Pepsi at the CMA Theater last Friday (5/31). The nonprofit, which brings live and recorded music to the bedsides of patients in healthcare facilities, raised a record-breaking $330m, the most funds raised at a MOC event in Nashville to date. The exclusive concert featured Warner Music Nashville’s Cale Dodds as the opener before headliner Blake Shelton took the stage.
The honoree taking home MOC’s inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award was Warner Music Nashville’s SVP of Artist Development Shane Tarleton, who was also awarded the first Platinum Guitar. In addition, MOC announced two programs in Tarleton’s honor, a Music Pharmacy near his hometown at the Hospice of Union Country and a Bedside Performance Program at Transitions LifeCare in Raleigh, where Tarleton’s sister, Tanya Rand, is a nurse.
"I am humbled beyond belief to have been a part of such a historical event for Musicians On Call. There was so much joy in that room as we celebrated 20 years," said Tarleton. “I'll certainly do my best to always be worthy of this beautiful Lifetime Achievement award."
Other awards and recognitions that night included UMG Nashville’s artist Lauren Alaina receiving the Music Heals Award and VP of Country Formats, Cumulus Media, Operations Manager/Cumulus Media-Nashville, and Program Director/WSM-FM’s Charlie Cook receiving the Leadership in Music Golden Ukulele. MOC volunteers Maria Berry and Matt Vrba were also among those honored. Shelton surprised the audience by bringing out Alaina onstage to sing “Lonely Tonight” with him before making a person donation of $10k to MOC.
"I can't imagine a better way to celebrate 20 years of sharing the healing qualities of music with patients in hospitals than with a night of unforgettable live performances,” said MOC President & CEO Pete Griffin. "It was an honor to recognize the unwavering support of Shane, Charlie and Lauren. The generosity of everyone involved in this unforgettable night will help us kick off the next 20 years by bringing music to thousands more people who need it most."
Pictured below, shortly before ordering frosty mugs of root beer, are (l-r) Charles Esten, Dodds, Shelton, Martina McBride, Tarleton, Alaina, Griffin, and Cook.
