Country Music News for the Country Music Enthusiast

More Artists to Perform at Loretta Johnson Memorial Concert "For the Love of IFCO" on June 9

NASHVILLE-More artists are lining up to perform at a memorial concert for Loretta Johnson, one of three co-founders of the International Fan Club Organization (IFCO), June 9 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Nashville Palace (2611 McGavock Pike, Nashville-near Opryland). After a lengthy illness, Loretta passed away from bone marrow cancer in Nashville on April 13th at Alive Hospice. 

Artists currently scheduled to appear or perform at Loretta's memorial concert include: Bryan White, Billy Yates, Charlie McCoy, Linda Davis, Buddy Jewell, Ty Herndon, Michael Peterson, Jimmie Van Zant, Lynn Anderson, Steve Hall & Shotgun Red, Ricky Lynn Gregg, David Ball, Baillie and the Boys, T. Bubba Bechtol, Annie Sims, Tommy Cash, David Church, Moore & Moore, Cerrito, Australian group The McClymonts, and French artist Pierre Lorry. The house band includes Brad and Kelly Orcutt and the Last Country Band with legendary steel guitarist, Weldon Myrick. Keith Bilbrey will emcee the event.

Proceeds from the event benefit the Loretta Johnson Medical Fund. Because Loretta's illness was lengthy, she left many medical bills. Direct contributions to her medical fund can be made to The Loretta Johnson Medical Fund, c/o IFCO, P.O. Box 40328, Nashville, TN 37204-0328.

A silent auction at the event will include items donated by area businesses and celebrities. Those wishing to donate an item to the auction may contact Carrie Moore-Reed, Third Coast Talent, carrie@thirdcoasttalent.com, or items can be mailed to her at Third Coast Talent, P.O. Box 334, Kingston Springs, TN 37082. A partial list of items already donated include items from The Grand Ole Opry, Keith Urban, Alan Jackson, Denise Jackson, The Oak Ridge Boys, Gene Watson, Gary Allan, Jett Williams, Jeannie Seely, Connie Smith, Mel Tillis, Bill Anderson, Johnny Lee, Lisa Wysocky, Judy Rodman, EZOrganizing, and Copley Guitars.

Over the past forty years, IFCO has promoted and helped numerous country artists build their careers, and has also been instrumental in developing shows and festivals throughout the US and the UK. The annual "IFCO Fun Fest" show is widely considered to be the precursor to "Fan Fair," known today as the "CMA Music Festival." This year, for the first time in over forty years, there will be no IFCO show. Instead, this non-IFCO sponsored memorial for Loretta Johnson will be held. Between running IFCO and taking care of Loretta, there was not enough time for Loretta's sisters, IFCO co-founders Loudilla and Kay Johnson, to put together a show for 2009.

Ticket prices are $30 reserved, $25 general admission. For tickets and other information, please contact benefit organizer, Terri Church, First Country Entertainment, tccountrymusic@aol.com, 740-974-9885. 

The event is sponsored in part by Dreamwest (www.dreamwest.net) and Muse Revolution (www.muserevolution.com).