SARASOTA, Fla. -- The Orioles are set to host "Nashville's Music Row Comes to the Ballpark," an exclusive, invitation-only charity event at Ed Smith Stadium on Saturday.
All funds raised will benefit the Sarasota Family YMCA's youth programs and the Music Health Alliance. The event, which will feature a VIP cocktail reception with Orioles players and guests, will offer general audience admission for the concert portion at 8:30 p.m. ET. That will feature Songwriter Hall of Famer, Nashville legend and Latin Grammy Award-winner Desmond Child, renowned multiplatinum writer Bob DiPiero, country radio hit songwriter Justin Wilson and emerging Nashville newcomer Margaret Valentine.
"The Orioles are serving as a catalyst to bring together a vibrant group of songwriters and athletes from different corners of the entertainment world and at different stages of their pursuit of excellence -- all united in a single charitable endeavor," Orioles executive vice president John Angelos said in a release. "The City of Sarasota, much like its sister city of Baltimore, is home to a vibrant arts and entertainment culture. Bringing world-renowned writers from Nashville's historical Music Row -- the cradle of the music entertainment industry -- to Sarasota is a perfect match for this inaugural charitable event."
The youth programs that will receive the funds encourage sportsmanship, self-improvement and team building, and strive to create a better future for underserved children. Each year, the Sarasota Family YMCA serves more than 50,000 people. Music Health Alliance is a nonprofit organization that provides access to healthcare for members of the music industry.
"Through this special partnership with the Orioles, we have a unique opportunity to raise awareness and funds to provide critical support to programs for children in need," YMCA Foundation of Sarasota president Jennifer Grondahl said. "These programs make a real difference in the lives of Sarasota youth by providing a safe place for children to learn, grow, thrive and to develop into healthy, confident individuals."