DARIUS RUCKER, VINCE GILL & HANNAH MCFARLAND TO PERFORM AT DRAKE WHITE’S “BENEFIT FOR THE BRAIN”

THIRD EDITION OF CHARITY CONCERT RETURNS TO RYMAN AUDITORIUM ON NOVEMBER 16 – TICKETS ON SALE NOW

NASHVILLE, TENN. (November 13, 2026) – Country-Soul singer-songwriter Drake White has announced that Diamond-certified, three-time GRAMMY winner Darius Rucker, Country legend Vince Gill, and up-and-coming artist Hannah McFarland will join him for the third installment of his highly anticipated “Benefit For The Brain” concert. Taking over Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium on November 16 — and featuring a performance from White himself — “Benefit For The Brain” taps into the unifying power of music to raise funds and awareness for charity organizations devoted to mental and brain health. Tickets are on sale now and available here.Following the resounding success of two previous SOLD-OUT concerts, “Benefit For The Brain” returns to the Ryman with a standout lineup bridging generations of talent. Rucker has cemented his place as one of Country music’s most celebrated artists, earning multiple No. 1 hits and widespread acclaim throughout his decades-spanning career. From his chart-topping success as the frontman of Hootie & the Blowfish to his trailblazing solo career in Country music, Rucker continues to leave an indelible mark on the genre. As one of the most influential and decorated artists in Country music history, Gill brings a storied legacy spanning five decades, including winning 22 GRAMMY Awards and receiving the CMA’s Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award in 2025. The Country Music Hall of Famer will join rising star McFarland — an Alabama-bred singer/songwriter whose highlights to date include appearing at major festivals like Stagecoach, earning widespread acclaim for her 2025 debut EP Broken Hearts, and touring with Country hitmakers like Kip Moore and Ashley Cooke.

With more details on the event to come, this year’s “Benefit For The Brain” will support three organizations dedicated to improving lives through compassionate care and advocacy: Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s Cerebrovascular Disease Program (a specialized program offering comprehensive care for vascular conditions of the brain and spinal cord), Musicians On Call (a nonprofit bringing music to the bedsides of patients, families, and caregivers in healthcare environments), and the J. Ryan Foundation Strides of Hope (a charitable initiative providing support and resources to those affected by neurological disorders).Since launching “Benefit For The Brain” in 2023, White has turned the event into a one-of-a-kind gathering of major musical talent and passionate advocates for mental and brain health. With past lineups including heavy-hitters like Riley Green, Jon Pardi, Colbie Caillat, and more, the concert carries a profound personal significance for White, who suffered a life-altering stroke onstage in 2019. Diagnosed with an Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM), he underwent seven brain surgeries and ultimately fought his way back to the stage, inspiring a steadfast commitment to what he refers to as “the battle between your ears.”This year’s “Benefit For The Brain” follows another milestone for White, who recently hosted the inaugural Loblolly Fest in his hometown of Hokes Bluff, AL. Held at The Bluff Amphitheater and featuring performances from White, The Marshall Tucker Band, Randy Houser, Kassi Ashton, and more (including a surprise appearance from Riley Green), the October 17 festival brought together live music and small-town community while directing a portion of the proceeds to “Benefit For The Brain.”For more information on “Benefit For The Brain,” visit benefitforthebrain.com.  
ABOUT DRAKE WHITE:
Bringing undeniable Soul, upbeat energy, and unbreakable heart to Country, Drake White makes the kind of music that can turn your day around. He possesses a rare ability to strike an emotional chord with his unflinchingly honest storytelling, yet he’s got enough charisma and charm to lift even the most reserved crowd to its feet. Since 2013, the Hokes Bluff, AL Country-Soul troubadour has generated nearly half-a-billion streams across fan-favorite albums such as Spark [2016], The Optimystic [2022], and Low Country High Road [2024]. Moreover, he has collaborated with the likes of Maren Morris and Colbie Caillat and performed alongside everyone from Luke Bryan and Eric Church to Zac Brown Band. He has packed houses as a headliner, igniting THE OPTIMYSTIC TOUR and THE BRIDGE TOUR. Touted as one of Rolling Stone’s “10 Country Artists You Need To Know” and a GRAMMY® “Artist of Tomorrow,” he even notably took home International Song of the Year at the British CMA Awards. Not to mention, he has guested on The Kelly Clarkson Show and received praise from Entertainment Tonight, People, American Songwriter, and MusicRow among many others. Most importantly, White gives back whenever possible. Diagnosed with Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM), he survived a 2019 stroke on stage only to endure seven brain surgeries. Coming back stronger and raising awareness around brain health, he launched and headlined the charity concert “Benefit For The Brain” in 2023, selling out Ryman Auditorium, raising $253,000 for multiple 501(c)3 partners, and featuring Riley Green, Randy Houser, Jamey Johnson, and more. The event returns for round three in 2026. Over the past year, White turned the page on his next chapter with a hot streak of singles (“Nights on Fire,” “Nuthin’ But a Smile,” and “Tradition”), followed by “Vagabond” with Alex Jude in August 2026.

Leave a Reply