Country music superstar Miranda Lambert rallied her fellow artists for a night of music and philanthropy at the “Music For Mutts” benefit concert on Saturday, October 5th. Held at Nashville’s Ascend Amphitheater, the event saw a constellation of stars gracing the stage, all in support of Lambert’s MuttNation Foundation and its mission to improve the lives of shelter animals.
A Night of Music and Advocacy
The concert, presented by Tractor Supply, served as a testament to Lambert’s enduring commitment to animal welfare. “I’m so happy to be here,” Lambert shared with the enthusiastic crowd. “We’re singing for the dogs — all the dogs!”
The event extended beyond the concert itself, with a pre-show adoption event at Ascend Park. Shelters such as Crossroads Campus, Nashville Humane, Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary, and Wags and Walks participated, offering furry friends a chance to find their forever homes.
A Texas-Sized Kickoff
The musical extravaganza commenced with a double dose of Texas country, featuring opening act Jake Worthington, followed by Lambert’s headlining set. Worthington, known for his traditional country sound, set the tone with heartfelt renditions of songs like “Next New Thing” and “The State You Left Me In.”
Lambert then took the stage, a glittering saddle suspended above her, launching into a powerful performance of “Fastest Girl in Town” and “Kerosene.” This marked the beginning of the “Miranda and Friends” segment, where Lambert shared the stage with a revolving door of guests.
Collaborations and Heartfelt Moments
Worthington returned to the stage, joining Lambert for the poignant ballad “Hello S—ty Day.” Throughout the evening, Lambert treated fans to a medley of her hits, including “If I Was a Cowboy,” “Mama’s Broken Heart,” “Gunpowder and Lead,” and a moving rendition of “The House That Built Me” accompanied by childhood photos.
Dressed in a custom-made black and neon pink ensemble adorned with images of her beloved dogs, Lambert exuded passion and energy. She introduced her new single “Alimony” and dedicated “Dammit Randy” to anyone who needed to “flip the bird” to someone in their life.
Honoring Legends and Showcasing New Talent
Lukas Nelson joined Lambert for a soulful rendition of Merle Haggard’s “Silver Wings” as a tribute to the late Kris Kristofferson. Nelson also captivated the audience with a powerful solo performance of his band’s song “Find Yourself.”
Rising star Riley Green, whose concert was recently canceled due to Hurricane Helene, stepped in to lend his support. Green delivered a moving performance of “I Wish Grandpas Never Died,” resonating deeply with the audience.
A Lineup Bursting with Talent
The collaborations continued with Lambert inviting longtime friend and Pistol Annies bandmate Ashley Monroe for a spirited performance of “Heart Like Mine.” Esteemed songwriter Natalie Hemby, a frequent collaborator of Lambert’s, joined her for their co-written song “Bluebird” and the Lambert/Ingram/Randall penned “Geraldene.”
Pop-country duo Dan + Shay, known for their soaring vocals and heartfelt lyrics, serenaded the crowd with their hits “Tequila” and “Speechless.” Dan Smyers took a moment to express their dedication to animal welfare, highlighting their involvement with the Nashville branch of Wags & Walks.
Unreleased Gems and Show-Stopping Finales
HARDY, a frequent collaborator of Lambert’s, delivered a poignant performance of his unreleased song “Dog Years.” Sung from the perspective of an aging dog reflecting on its life, the song’s emotional depth resonated deeply with the audience.
The energy reached a fever pitch as vocal powerhouse Little Big Town joined Lambert on stage. Together, they performed a medley of their hits, including Little Big Town’s “Boondocks” and “Little White Church,” and Lambert’s “White Liar” and “Little Red Wagon.” The evening culminated in a grand finale with the entire lineup returning to the stage for a rousing rendition of “(Drunk) And I Don’t Wanna Go Home.”
Music with a Mission
As the concert drew to a close, Lambert expressed her gratitude to the audience. “Thank you for spending your hard-earned money on some country music and helping doggies,” she said. The “Music For Mutts” concert served as a powerful reminder of the impact that artists can have when they use their platform to advocate for causes close to their hearts. The event was a resounding success, raising both awareness and funds for MuttNation Foundation’s ongoing mission to improve the lives of shelter animals.
