Calling all music lovers and champions of education!

Mark your calendars for an unforgettable evening on 08.23.2025

Join us for the 19th Annual Blue Ridge School Education Foundation Songwriters' Round featuring the legendary Rivers Rutherford & Friends. Set against the scenic backdrop of Cashiers, NC, this special night brings together some of Nashville’s finest songwriters, united by a passion for storytelling and a dedication to enhancing educational opportunities for students at Blue Ridge School & Early College.

This year, RIVERS RUTHERFORD brings with him two fresh faces to our Nashville Songwriters’ Round stage - acclaimed Nashville hitmakers TIM NICHOLS and JIM BEAVERS.

TIM NICHOLS has a long track record of writing songs that hit home and climb the charts! In addition to "Live Like You Were Dying" (Tim Mcgraw) and "Heads Carolina, Tails California," (Jo Dee Messina), he's penned a string of country favorites, including "This Ain't No Thinkin' Thing" (Trace Adkins), "The Man I Want to Be" (Chris Young), along with "Girls Lie Too" (Terri Clark). He's also the writer behind Lee Ann Womack's "I'll Think of a Reason Later," Alan Jackson's "That'd Be Alright," and he co-wrote "I Got the Boy" by Jana Kramer. From emotional ballads to clever wordplay, Tim's songs have helped shape the sound of country music for decades. We're so excited to welcome him to the Songwriters' Round stage!

JIM BEAVERS, with his sharp lyrics and hit-after-hit resume, has been a go-to songwriter for country music's biggest stars, providing a soundtrack of modern country music with a long list of chart-toppers. You've probably sung along to "Red Solo Cup" (Toby Keith) or "Drink a Beer" (Luke Bryan), but Beavers also co-wrote "Parachute" with Chris Stapleton and "Watching Airplanes" (Gary Allan). He teamed up with Tim McGraw for the hit "Felt Good on My Lips." Other notables include "Love You Like That" (Canaan Smith), "Sideways" and "5-1-5-0" (Dierks Bentley), plus "Why Don't We Just Dance" (Josh Turner). Known for his genre-spanning versatility, Beavers' lyrics stick with you. We're lucky to have him bringing his magic to this year's Songwriters' Round.

RIVERS RUTHERFORD isn't just behind the hits - he's at the heart of them! With over a dozen No. 1 hits to his name, multiple ASCAP awards, and induction into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, Rivers' legacy continues to define country music. His songwriting magic is also behind "Living in Fast Forward" (Kenny Chesney) and "Real Good Man" (Tim McGraw), both songs that became signature hits. He wrote the runaway hit "Ain't Nothing' Bout You" (Brooks & Dunn), which held the No. 1 spot for six weeks and was named ASCAP's Country Song of the Year. Rivers co-wrote Montgomery Gentry's first chart-topper, "If You Ever Stop Loving Me," and co-wrote Trace Adkins' fan-favorite "Ladies Love Country Boys." Perhaps most moving of all is "When I Get Where I'm Going," the poignant duet recorded by Brad Paisley and Dolly Parton. A touching reflection on life after loss, the song topped the country charts, earned multiple award nominations, and crossed over to the Billboard Hot 100, resonating deeply with fans far beyond the country scene. Rivers Rutherford brings a wealth of heart, humor, and hit-making brilliance to the Songwriters' Round and he's a true cheerleader for Blue Ridge School Education Foundation's mission and purpose!

Thank you to our SPONSORS!

JOIN US SATURDAY, AUGUST 23, 2025 at 6:00PM

TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE NOW - ONLY AVAILABLE ONLINE!

Location:

Keller Pavilion @ Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau

Details:

Cash Bar - Beer & Wine

6:00PM - Doors Open

6:00-7:30PM - Dinner & Silent Auction

7:30 - Songwriters' Round Begins!

This isn't just another concert - it's a vibrant celebration of community spirit and the transformative power of education. Your participation directly supports classroom innovations, essential supplies, technology upgrades, college scholarships, and programs designed to enrich the educational journeys of all our students from Pre-K through High School and Early College.

RIVERS RUTHERFORD: A True Country Music Storyteller

Rivers Rutherford has crafted chart-topping hits performed by legends like Tim McGraw, Montgomery Gentry, and Dolly Parton. His Grammy-nominated duet with Dolly Parton, "When I Get Where I'm Going," showcases his extraordinary ability to write meaningful, timeless music that touches hearts across generations. Rooted deeply in his Memphis heritage, Rivers brings a genuine Southern warmth to every song, capturing themes of family, faith, and authentic storytelling.

Since starting his remarkable journey with Universal Music Publishing in 1996, Rivers has continually charmed audiences with his heartfelt performances and unforgettable lyrics. His engaging stage presence and genuine connection with listeners have earned him widespread admiration and a devoted fan base.

BRS Education Foundation

Come out and be part of this incredible evening - your attendance supports a fantastic cause and promises a night filled with great music, friendship, and meaningful impact. Let’s make this our most memorable Songwriters' Round yet!

Visit www.brsfoundation.com to learn more about our projects and purpose.

About Our Payment Options

Want to pay by Credit Card? Credit Card purchases include a 2.9% + 30¢ convenience fee per transaction. Rather pay by Check? Check payments must be received by the Foundation within 10 calendar days of the online purchase. All purchases must be initiated online.

*Note About Givebutter and Optional Tipping: Givebutter is the fundraising platform we use designed exclusively for nonprofits like the Blue Ridge School Education Foundation for free, all thanks to optional tips they can receive from users. You’ll be prompted to leave an Optional Tip at checkout. These tips go directly to Givebutter and do not benefit the BRS Foundation. If you'd rather not leave a tip for Givebutter, simply select “Other Amount” and enter $0.00 before completing your purchase.

19th Annual Nashville Songwriters' Round

Brought to you by the Blue Ridge School Education Foundation