For the Jarrard-Burch Foundation, the music never stopped – even after the loss of one of its most influential founders, Bruce Burch.
The songwriting foundation is hosting the first Songwriters Show on Sept. 10 without Burch, who passed away in March. Jarrard-Burch Foundation Executive Director Jody Jackson says this 21st annual show will honor Burch’s legacy with a stellar lineup.
“We're just tickled pink to honor Bruce the way we've honored John in the last 20 years,” Jackson said. “And so now we'll honor them both together. The show we have lined up [is] another really, really good show full of hit songs, and all four of these writers knew John or Bruce or both.”
The John Jarrard Foundation recently rebranded to the Jarrard-Burch Foundation to honor Burch’s contributions.
“More people who support our event [or] sponsor [it], really knew Bruce than John. So it's just so perfect for what happened and the tragedy of losing Bruce Burch, but keeping his name alive forever in music in Gainesville and north Georgia. I've had so many people tell me or email me and say, ‘I'm so glad y'all are changing the name to Jarrard-Burch.’”
The foundation was initially created in memory of Jarrard, who was a songwriter for artists like Alabama and Diamond Rio. He passed away in 2001 from diabetes complications, and not long after that the then-named Jarrard Foundation kicked off its first Songwriters Show in his memory.
“Bruce said, ‘Look, if y'all can put it together and sell the tables in the sponsorships, we will definitely bring the talent and the great songwriters,’’Jackson said. “The first year, they had 30 tables. They were so excited about that and it was a great show. Then it turned to 40, then it turned to 60. When I got here in 2009, we were already up to 70 or 80. And now the last few years, we've been right at 100 to 110 tables, which is about all we can fit on the lawn. It's just been very, very special. I've traveled around mostly in the southeast, and there's nothing going on like the Jarrard-[Burch] concert.”
The Songwriters Show shines a special spotlight on songwriters, whose music contributions may have been overlooked by the public.
“I think people are starting to see that's where it all came from,” Jackson said. “And they are getting more notoriety and credit for the great songs that we all grew up listening to.”
This year’s performers Stephony Smith, Jeff Stevens, Chuck Cannon and Clay Cook are better known for the hits they have written for other artists.
Smith’s song “It’s Your Love,” won an Academy of Country Music Award in 1998 after the Tim McGraw and Faith Hill recording became a top 10 hit on country radio.
“She's just a great writer,” Jackson said. “I've seen her at a few songwriter festivals. We've never had her here in Gainesville.”
Like Smith, Stevens also made a career in country music songwriting and penned the George Strait hits like “Carrying Your Love With Me” and “Carried Away.” Now, Stevens produces and co-writes songs for country singer Luke Bryan. He played at the Songwriters Show several years ago, and Jackson is excited for Stevens to take the stage again.
Cannon is a newcomer to the Songwriters Show, but he has had a long career of writing songs for Toby Keith, like the number one “How Do You Like Me Now?!” and “American Soldier.” He also won an ACMA award for “I Love The Way You Love Me,” which was recorded by John Michael Montgomery.
Cook was a new addition to the lineup, and Jackson said Cook signed up to play several days ago. Cook is known for being a member of the Zac Brown Band.
“Clay Cook is an incredible songwriter, singer and musician,” Jackson said. “He plays several instruments, but he's with the Zac Brown Band and has been for over 10 years. Prior to that, he wrote some great songs with John Mayer. And I think he played with Marshall Tucker.”
In addition to shining a spotlight on successful songwriters, the Songwriters Show was also created to give back to the Hall County community. Proceeds from the show are sent to nonprofit organizations like the Boys and Girls Club of Lanier, Sisu Integrated Early Learning, Good News Clinics, Good News At Noon and Georgia Mountain Food Bank.
Some funds will also go toward the Jarrard-Burch Foundation’s new learning fund, which was created in partnership with the University of Georgia’s music business program. Burch helped create UGA’s music business program in 2005, and now students will have financial assistance once they start their music internship.
Jackson said the Bruce Burch Experiential Learning Fund has already raised over $100,000.
“If they're in the music business program and they want to travel to do their internships, it pays for their room and board and travel and stuff like that,” Jackson said. “So it's really something that was very special to Bruce, because there wasn't a fund for that. These kids would get internships, but then they'd have to pay for their own traveling and living expenses.”
The doors will open at 5:30 p.m. on Sept. 10 at the old Georgia Chair factory on Grove Street. Some local acts will open the show, and an auction of signed music merchandise, including Luke Bryan’s autographed guitar.
Tickets are available to purchase on the newly rebranded Jarrard-Burch Foundation website. Attendees can buy a general admission ticket for $30. Patron sponsors can also buy an eight-person table for $800, which includes food and drinks. Higher sponsorship levels are also available for purchase.
