September 13th, 2011 was a very special evening at Club Nokia in Los Angeles. The 3rd annual L.A. “All For The Hall” concert benefiting the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum took over the stage. On hand to participate in this event were, Vince Gill, Emmylou Harris, Sheryl Crow, Zac Brown and Kevin Cronin. The event was a “guitar pull” format, which is an old Nashville tradition. Artists all sit up on stage and take turns swapping stories, singing and picking on the guitar. There is no set list, the night just goes where the music takes it.

Vince Gill opened the show with a tribute to “The Possum”, George Jones, who just celebrated his 80th birthday. Vince sang “Bartender Blues” and by the first note the crowd knew they were in for a treat. From there each artist took turns playing songs. Kevin Cronin from REO Speedwagon seemed beyond humbled to be invited. He gave a great rendition of the groups classic “Keep On Loving You” with Vince Gill helping out with some great guitar licks. “If It Makes You Happy” by Sheryl Crow and “The Road” by Emmylou Harris both showcased great songwriting abilities by both artists. Particularly poignant was the artists discussing their relationship with their guitars and with music. As they all sat up on stage, all with a different sound, it became clear the deep impact music has had in their lives. This brings a commonality that truly bonds them all.

Zac Brown shared a song called “Martin” inspired by the relationship he has had with his Martin guitar. Vince Gill followed with his heart-felt song, “This Old Guitar and Me”. Vince shared when he was young he spent all his college money on a guitar that he still has today. Also, Kevin Cronin sang his song “Music Man” which he said was descriptive of who he has always known he was destined to be. Emmylou and Sheryl also had stories of their favorite guitars that have been with them through the years. Vince Gill also performed a song called, “If I Die”. He wrote the tune with Ashley Monroe from the Pistol Annies. It is one of those songs that just grabs you and draws you in. The song will be on Vince’s new album “Guitar Slinger” set for a late October release.

Throughout the performances the artists would back each other on vocals and pick along on the guitar. All of the artists made mention of what true fans they were of one another. As an audience member you could feel the mutual respect and true artistry radiating off the stage. The evening ended on a perfect note, literally. With Emmylou Harris leading the way, they sang the Carter Family classic “Wildwood Flower”. What a perfect way to conclude an evening dedicated to raising money for the Hall of Fame that preserves and shares country music’s history.

Kyle Young, the museum director, was on hand as well. He spoke about “Working on a building”, a new museum expansion in the works. The “All For The Hall” concert benefited the Hall of Fame as well as proceeds from an auction that took place before the show. It was a fantastic evening, for a great cause, with amazing performers.

—-Krissie Humphrey