US 101’s Heart Strings for Hope concert graced the historic Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Auditorium with its presence on Monday, March 18th. Presented by the Miller Family Foundation & Acura of Chattanooga and hosted by the beloved voices of US 101, Mo and Styckman, this event was filled with Nashville’s finest country artists, all in support of the children at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
The night kicked off with the comedic charm of Mo and Styckman, setting the stage for an evening filled with laughter, heartfelt melodies, and the spirit of giving. The rotating mic of the writers round format allowed each artist to shine, sharing not only their chart-topping hits but also the stories behind them.
Kelley Lovelace, a veteran of Heart Strings and a renowned Nashville songwriter with roots in Hixson, TN, took the stage with an air of familiarity. His songs, gracing the charts of Brad Paisley, Jason Aldean, and Carrie Underwood, carried the weight of Nashville’s storytelling tradition. Lovelace’s performance, including hits like “Runnin’ Outta Moonlight,” “All American Girl,” and the controversial yet captivating “Try That In A Small Town,” showcased his deep connection to the heart of country music.
Chase Matthew, a Nashville native and self-proclaimed Kelley Lovelace fan, was up next in rotation. His energetic set, peppered with anecdotes about his love for Taco Bell and Veggie Tales, brought a youthful vigor to the stage. Chase’s gratitude for the opportunity to perform was seen as he sang “County Line” from his his first platinum record as an independent artist, “Darlin’,” and his current country radio song sitting in the top 30, “Love You Again.” Chase stole the show and fans over from start to finish.
Maddie and Tae, the dynamic duo born out of high school friendship, brought their powerhouse vocals to the stage, while Maddie’s recent journey into motherhood added an extra layer of emotion to their performance. From the rebellious anthem “Girl in a Country Song” to the raw emotion of “Die From A Broken Heart,” Maddie and Tae captured the essence of modern country storytelling. The duo even performed an unreleased track “Girl in Alabama,” a sassy anthem about a man with a “Girl in Alabama, Girl in Mississippi / One in every town, Two in every city.”
Following the duo, Brian Kelley, one half of the acclaimed duo Florida Georgia Line, donned a blue button-up shirt embellished with red, white, and blue sleeves. He captivated the audience with heartfelt renditions of his songs, including “Kiss My Boots,” a deeply personal track dedicated to those who have experienced betrayal. Continuing his set with “Bare Feet or Boots,” Kelley concluded with his debut solo single on radio from the previous summer, “See You Next Summer.”
Wrapping up the night was Parmalee, whose sincere show left a lasting impression on the crowd. Their rendition of “Gonna Love You,” inspired by lead singer Matt Thomas’ brother, stirred emotions, while “Carolina,” penned back in 2007 during their unsigned days of relentless touring, filled the room with infectious optimism. Remarkably, despite initial struggles to secure a record deal, the song surged to the top of the Billboard Charts, highlighting the band’s unwavering determination and eventual triumph.
In the end, Heart Strings for Hope proved once again to be more than just a concert; it was a celebration of community and the power of music to heal. As the echoes of applause faded into the night, one thing was clear: little old Chattanooga had once again made a big contribution to saving the lives of children at St. Jude.
Be sure to follow US 101:
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Follow Parmalee:
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Follow Brian Kelley:
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Follow Maddie and Tae:
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Follow Chase Matthew:
Website // Instagram // Facebook
Follow Kelley Lovelace:
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