Special THANK YOU to Estella Pan for her assistance with article!

Bobby and Lucy Pinson welcomed a packed house into the couple’s Lucy’s Country Café Wednesday night for the “Words For Warriors” benefit event. Artists and fans joined forces to raise awareness and funds for Kip West Outdoors, an organization dedicated to introducing severely wounded military men and women to the outdoors. The evening was jam-packed with acoustic performances, inspirational stories from individuals who have benefited from the organization’s efforts, silent and live auctions, and topped off good country cookin’, courtesy of the Café!
Bobby Pinson served as host and auctioneer throughout the night and kicked off the event with tunes he’s written, including “Made in America.” Next, he brought up PBR Justin McBride who entertained the crowd with the humorous “Beer Makes Me Lean.” Trent Willmon, who accompanied Justin on guitar, treated everyone to his own powerhouse ballad, “On Again Off Again.” Next, Aaron Tippin opened his set with “You've Got to Stand For Something (or You’ll Fall For Anything).” Though his next song wasn’t a commercial “hit,” it is a song that remains dear to Aaron’s heart. He introduced “He Believed” by paying tribute to his father, who passed away on his birthday to the day, seven years ago. He referenced his pastor, who summed it up best: “’Tip’ gets to meet Jesus on his birthday, how ‘bout that??” To lighten the mood back up, Aaron shared how he is notorious for being a “back seat cook.” The way he figures it, why even open a cookbook if you’re not going to follow the directions? He then recounted a particular incident that wound up inspiring the crowd pleasing “Kiss This”! Songwriter, David Cory Lee, shared inspirational songs “Letters From Home” (John Michael Montgomery) and “Lucky Man” (Montgomery Gentry).

Trent Tomlinson, with fellow singer/songwriter Colt Prather on guitar, sang “Just Might Have Her Radio On.” He followed with the debut of “No Man's Land,” a song dedicated to single mothers that he had finished just two day earlier. Keeping with the inspirational theme, Trent sang “One Wing In the Fire” next. He closed with “Preach On,” a song inspired by his friend who endured a home break-In then got slapped with assault charges when he roughed up the unarmed robber. Though the situation initially angered Trent, a punchy song ultimately resulted. Andy Griggs was next on the bill, sharing tunes including “You Won't Ever Be Lonely” and “Sticks and Stones.”

After a break to auction off items – including autographed ballcaps and yes, fire arms – Heidi Newfield tore up the stage with “Pour Me,” followed by a new song, “Texas.” Slowing things down, she launched into her signature single, “Johnny and June.” Rhett Akins bookended his set with “That Ain’t My Truck” and “Granddaddy's Gun.” In between, he sang songs he’d written that were recorded by other artists: “Honey Bee” [During which Pam Tillis commented: “Wow, I almost love Rhett’s version better. I love the way Blake (Shelton) sings it, but (Rhett)’s the writer and he sings it with such emotion.”], “This Ole Boy” (Craig Morgan), “I Don't Want This Night to End” (Luke Bryan) and “Take a Back Road” (Rodney Atkins).

Pam Tillis took listeners down memory lane with her hits “Mi Vida Loca,” “She Thinks All the Good Ones Are Gone” and “Shake the Sugar Tree,” before sharing her forthcoming single. Next up was Jake Owen who serenaded the audience on “Alone With You,” complete with an added chorus tagline: “I can’t be… and I won’t be… your booty call.” Followed with “Settin’ the World on Fire,” “Starting With Me” and his new song, “How Beautiful You Are.” He had the crowd on their feet during “Barefoot Blue Jean Night.” Darryl Worley set a somber mood with “I Just Came Back (From a War)” and “I Miss My Friend,” before picking things up with his infectious new single “You Still Got It.” Of course, the evening would not have been complete without “Have You Forgotten?” Bobby requested a donation for Darryl to play the patriot hit. In a sincerely moving gesture, Darryl whipped out his own wallet to make a donation, which prompted Bobby to quip: “You’re gonna throw $50 in the hat to play your own song?!” Darryl kindly replied, “We’re all here to support this great cause, myself included.” Well after midnight and just when everyone thought the evening was coming to an end, Chuck Wicks made a surprise appearance! As soon as he settled on stage, he shared a good-natured quip: “I want to thank everyone for sticking around. I would have got up here earlier, but Jake Owen took TWO HOURS to play his set!” He proceeded to launch into “All I Ever Wanted” and “Old School.” He then introduced and performed the anticipated summer single titled “The Whole Damn Thing.” Finally, Chuck honored fan requests for “Hold That Thought” and “Stealing Cinderella.” Before playing his closing song, “Don’t Do Lonely Well,” he informed fans that the song is a cut on Jason Aldean's forthcoming album, slated for a fall release.

Those who wish to donate to the cause may visit www.kipwestoutdoors.org/donate
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