Kelsea Ballerini Raises $5K For Music Makes Us With Star-Studded Bluebird Performance

Pictured (L-R): Trent Dabbs, Ingrid Michaelson, Amelia Eisenhauer, Kelsea Ballerini, Dave Barnes, Tristan McIntosh, and Luke Laird. Photo: Robert Chavers

Black River Entertainment’s Kelsea Ballerini hosted an intimate “pop up” concert for fans, dubbed “In The Round with Kelsea Ballerini & Friends,” on Wednesday (Aug. 17) at Nashville’s Bluebird Cafe. The Bluebird show lived up to its name, as Ballerini welcomed Dave Barnes, hit songwriter and producer Luke Laird, and Ingrid Michaelson for the performance. She also brought along Trent Dabbs and newcomer Tegan Marie for a turn at the mic, as well as two Nashville School of the Arts students (and American Idol season 15 alums) Tristan McIntosh and Amelia Eisenhauer.

Ballerini even performed a rendition of “Dibs” for fans waiting in line outside the Bluebird Cafe. All proceeds from the event will be donated to Music Makes Us, a program led by Metro Nashville Public Schools, the Mayor’s office, as well as the music industry and community leaders, to aid music education programs around the country. The Bluebird Cafe also auctioned a guitar signed by the evening’s performers, which brought in $2,100, bringing the total donation from the concert to $5,000 for Music Makes Us.

“I discovered my love for performing through my music program in high school and know the impact of discovering your passion through initiatives like Music Makes Us,” Ballerini said. “I was so excited to help raise awareness for music in schools alongside my friends Ingrid Michaelson, Dave Barnes, Luke Laird, and Trent Dabbs. They all have a passion for music education so it made perfect sense for us to join forces!”