Here's how much Nashville guitarist Grace Bowers raised with her second benefit

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In response to the Covenant School shooting in Nashville in 2023, 17-year-old Nashville guitarist Grace Bowers organized and headlined a benefit concert later that year. She recruited musicians Butch Walker, Hannah Wicklund, Devon Gilfillian and Daniel Donato to join her and the collective effort raised more than $20,000 for Covenant Heals and MusiCares.

But after one successful fundraiser concert, Bowers realized she might be on to something. On June 10, Bowers hosted her second annual “Grace Bowers & Friends: An Evening Supporting Love, Life & Music” benefit at Brooklyn Bowl.

Nashville guitar player Grace Bowers performs at second-annual "Grace Bowers & Friends: An Evening Supporting Love, Life & Music" benefit concert held in June 2024 at Brooklyn Bowl.
Nashville guitar player Grace Bowers performs at second-annual "Grace Bowers & Friends: An Evening Supporting Love, Life & Music" benefit concert held in June 2024 at Brooklyn Bowl.

This year's lineup included Bowers with her band, The Hodge Podge, along with performances by Lukas Nelson, John Oates, John Osborne, The Cadillac Three, Butch Walker, Charlie Worsham, Lucie Silvas, SistaStrings, Devon Gilfillian, Terence F. Clark, Melanie Faye, Abby Hamilton, Shane Hawkins, Sierra Hull, Caroline Jones, Meg McRee, Jared James Nichols, Tommy Prine, Maggie Rose, Jeremy Short and Zach Williams.

The 2024 event raised $30,000 for MusiCares® and Voices for a Safer Tennessee.

"I worked so hard to put this show together and seeing the payoff was amazing," Bowers said via email. "I want to thank all the artists who participated and donated their time. I loved seeing everyone come together to play good music for a good cause."

Bowers is nominated for Instrumentalist of the Year at the 2024 Americana Music Association Honors and Awards and has released debut music this spring with more to follow this year. On July 30, her 18th birthday, Bowers will make her Opry debut. She also has shows this year with rocker Slash, the Red Clay Strays and the Brothers Osborne.

Melonee Hurt covers music and music business at The Tennessean, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK — Tennessee. Reach Melonee at mhurt@tennessean.com, on X @HurtMelonee or Instagram at @MelHurtWrites.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville's Grace Bowers raises 30K with Brooklyn Bowl benefit