Entertainment
ACM LIFTING LIVES MUSIC CAMP CELEBRATES THE HEALING POWER OF MUSIC
NASHVILLE, TN (June 27, 2024) – Earlier this month, ACM Lifting Lives, the philanthropic partner of the Academy of Country Music, hosted the 15th Annual ACM Lifting Lives Music Camp with Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, a week-long residential program for musically talented individuals with Williams syndrome (see MORE section for additional information), which serves a dual purpose of studying the rare genetic condition, while also providing music enrichment through performance and education. Throughout the week, campers went behind-the-scenes in the Country Music community, stepping into the daily life of a Country Music artist and taking part in exclusive opportunities with some of Nashville’s most acclaimed musicians and up-and-coming talent.
“Hosting this camp is truly the highlight of the year for everyone involved, including the campers and those volunteering and doing the research,” said Lyndsay Cruz, ACM Lifting Lives Executive Director, and Taylor Wolf, ACM Lifting Lives Sr. Manager and Music Camp lead. “This camp allows our partners at Vanderbilt Kennedy Center to conduct important research on Williams syndrome, all while providing campers with an experience they’ll never forget. The artists, songwriters and venues in Nashville who donate their time to this amazing summer camp are the ones who make this research and fulfilling experience for campers possible, and we thank them for their positive energy and excitement.”
ACM Lifting Lives funds the costs of the camp, in addition to providing scholarships to several campers, enabling the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center to advance its mission of improving the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families through research, training, and service. Thirty campers with Williams syndrome from across the U.S. participated in a full slate of personalized activities, starting with the writing of an original song with some of Nashville’s top songwriters and culminating with a live performance of the song on the Grand Ole Opry stage in front of a packed Opry House audience. Artists who joined the campers throughout the week include Ross Copperman, Dasha, Jordan Davis, Russell Dickerson, ERNEST, Alex Hall, Caylee Hammack, Tiera Kennedy, Post Malone, Conner Smith and more.
Alex Hall and campers receive standing ovation after performance on the Grand Ole Opry stage
This year, campers began the week by co-writing a song called “Find the Sunshine” with Ross Copperman (marking his 11th year participating in the camp), Russell Dickerson, and J.T. Harding. With a brand-new song at the ready, campers recorded “Find the Sunshine” with the help of Tiera Kennedy, Copperman, and Harding at Ocean Way Nashville before wrapping their week with a live performance of the song on the Grand Ole Opry stage alongside Country newcomer Alex Hall – and earning a standing ovation from the packed-out crowd in the process!
Throughout the week, campers were also given a behind-the-scenes look at life in the Nashville music industry through multiple exclusive events. ACM award winner Jordan Davis joined the campers at Seacrest Studios at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, where campers stepped into the role of radio DJ, asking Davis curated questions that were broadcast throughout the hospital. Conner Smith played songs and held a casual Q&A with campers at the Bluebird Cafe, and Caylee Hammack joined campers for a night of karaoke at Loser’s Bar and Grill, where they were also joined by a few more surprise guests – Post Malone and ERNEST.
Other highlights included learning the line dance to Dasha’s smash hit “Austin” at the Nashville Palace alongside the country newcomer, a trip to Hatch Show Print, where campers designed their own Hatch Print to commemorate the week, and a behind-the-scenes tour of Municipal Auditorium, which not only allowed campers to dive into the ins-and-outs of setting up for a show with PTP Live, but also left them with some surprise merch gifted by Morgan Wallen.
ABOUT WILLIAMS SYNDROME
Williams syndrome is a genetic condition that is present at birth and can affect anyone. It is characterized by strong verbal communication skills, highly social personalities, and a deep affinity for music. Many campers may also experience cardiovascular disease, developmental delays, and learning disabilities. For more information, please visit www.ACMLiftingLives.org.
ABOUT ACM LIFTING LIVES
ACM Lifting Lives is the philanthropic partner of the Academy of Country Music dedicated to improving lives through the power of music. We harness the strength of the Country Music community to provide aid in times of need, with a focus on health-related initiatives. With generous donations and the support of artists and fans, ACM Lifting Lives has funded national music therapy programs serving various mental and physical health organizations. Recipients include patients at children’s hospitals and other healthcare facilities, recovering veterans, people with Williams syndrome, and individuals with mental illness. For more information, please visit www.ACMLiftingLives.org.
