Cullowhee, N.C. – For the second time in as many years, Western Carolina University and the Ramsey Center will play host to some of the inspirations and authors behind some of country music's most popular songs currently on the charts. The second-annual Nashville Songwriters Concert, presented by Ingles, is scheduled for Saturday, April 25, with all proceeds benefiting Catamount student-athletes.
 
This intimate evening performance features both individual and table seating options on the floor varying in proximity to the stage, with dinner and a couple of complimentary drinks included. Table sponsorships from Platinum, Gold, and Purple include eight seats, dinner, and two beverages, ranked in order of location to the stage. The Platinum option also includes an exclusive backstage meet-and-greet with the performers. Individual reserved table seating is also available.
 
 This year's Nashville Songwriters concert, presented by Ingles, includes writers and country music entertainers Neil Thrasher, Kelley Lovelace, Kaitlyn Baker, and Joe Lasher on-stage. Tickets are now on sale through the Catamount Ticket Office website (CatamountSports.com/BuyTickets) or by clicking HERE. All proceeds from the concert will benefit Catamount basketball.
 
Last year's event was met with rave reviews by all who attended, marking the return of this year's special event. Four songwriters and entertainers are scheduled to perform, including Kaitlyn Baker, Joe Lasher Jr., Kelley Lovelace, and Neil Thrasher.
 
Neil Thrasher received the CMA Triple Play Songwriter Award for having three #1 songs in 12 months, including "Tattoos On This Town", "Banjo," and "Fly Over States". He's penned numerous songs for some of the biggest names in country music, including Jason Aldean "Night Train", Kenny Chesney "There Goes My Life," and Rascal Flatts "Fast Cars and Freedom".
 
Kelley Lovelace received song of the year nominations for "He Didn't Have to Be," co-written and recorded by Brad Paisley. With 18, #1 songs written and over 100 songs recorded, he has also penned numerous other hits for Paisley, Joe Nichols, Jason Aldean, Terri Clark, and Carrie Underwood.
 
Known for her powerhouse vocals and captivating performances of raw country music, singer-songwriter Kaitlyn Baker has opened for Paisley, Tanya Tucker, Billy Currington, Travis Tritt, and more, and charted on Music Row's Breakout Chart with her debut single "Burn." Western North Carolina product Joe Lasher has shared the stage with Tim McGraw, Morgan Wallen, Ashley McBride, and others, and is the co-writer and co-producer of "All American Guy". He's currently on tour with Chris Janson.
   
Doors for the benefit concert open at 5 p.m., with dinner beginning at 6 p.m. The concert starts at 6:30 p.m.
 
What: Nashville Songwriters Concert, presented by Ingles
When: Saturday, April 25, 2026 – doors open at 5 p.m.; dinner at 6 p.m.; concert at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Ingles Court at the Ramsey Center, Western Carolina University
Performers: Neil Thrasher, Kelley Lovelace, Kaitlyn Baker, and Joe Lasher
Table Seating Information: (all table seating includes eight (8) seats, dinner, and two (2) drinks
- Platinum Table Sponsorship - $2,400 (first two rows from stage, includes exclusive meet & greet)
- Gold Table Sponsorship - $2,000 – (rows 3 and 4 from stage)
- Purple Table Sponsorship - $1,600 – (rows 5 through 7 from stage)
- Individual Reserved Table Seating Options –
              - $300 per seat (first two rows; includes dinner, two (2) drinks and exclusive meet & greet
              - $250 per seat (rows 3 and 4; includes dinner and two (2) drinks
              - $200 per seat (rows 5-7; includes dinner and two (2) drinks
 
* Tickets can be purchased online at https://catamountsports.com/ or by clicking HERE
* Food courtesy of Ingles - The Chef's Kitchen
* Drinks courtesy of Budweiser of Sylva