Sweet music: Schools receive guitars from Dean Dillon, Concerts 4 A Cause

HUNTSVILLE — While stars of country music prepare to honor Hall of Fame member Dean Dillon in Huntsville tonight, the legendary singer-songwriter presented some gifts himself.

Dillon; Justin Ward, the executive producer of tonight’s “Songs and Stories of Dean Dillon”; and Concerts 4 A Cause presented 100 guitars to three local school districts in a ceremony at the Von Braun Center’s Mars Hall.

“As a simple songwriter who’s been at this for over five decades, music has become more than just a career for me — it’s a universal language that heals and brings people together,” said Dillon. “That’s why it was important for 100 guitars to be donated to the local schools, giving students the chance to start playing and discovering their own passion for music. It only takes three chords and the truth to create a song, and who knows, the next Dean Dillon might be right here in Huntsville.”

Omaha Steaks announced its partnership with Concerts 4 A Cause to continue the efforts to raise awareness and money for music education and Astera presented a $10,000 contribution to further support this initiative.

“Music plays such a vital role in shaping young minds, and we are thrilled to support an organization that gives students the tools they need to explore their creativity and build their future through music,” said Astera CEO Bob Sweitzer. “By providing instruments to schools across communities, you’re not just offering an opportunity to play; you’re sparking a passion that will resonate in these communities for generations. We’re proud to support you in empowering the next generation of musicians.”

The guitars are being given to the Madison, Huntsville and Madison County school systems. Madison will receive 50 to be distributed to Rainbow Elementary, Madison Elementary, Journey Middle and Liberty Middle schools.

“On behalf of our three school districts, Huntsville City, Madison County, and Madison City, and all of our teachers, thank you,” said Dr. Ed Nichols, superintendent of Madison City Schools. “It’s incredible that our kids will have this opportunity. It’s amazing that somewhere out in our community, there’s a young girl or a young boy that for the first time they will be getting that ‘three chords and the truth’ thanks to Dean Dillon.”

The “Songs and Stories of Dean Dillon” concert tonight is a virtual who’s who of country music.

Scheduled to perform are Cole Swindell, Craig Morgan, LeeAnn Womack, Neal McCoy, Randy Houser, Sammy Kershaw, George Strait, Vince Gill, Ronnie Dunn, Riley Green, Justin Moore, Jamey Johnson, ERNEST, Billy Currington, Pam Tillis, Mark Chesnutt, Zach Top, Gramps Morgan, Due West, Tim Watson, and Larry Fleet.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m.; the concert is at 7. Tickets can be purchased here.

Through its nearly two-decade history, Concerts 4 A Cause has raised more than $2 million to assist children’s hospitals, veterans organizations, music education and flood and tornado relief.

Additionally C4AC is a large supporter of first responders and started the Guitars4cops.com initiative, in which in the last 18 months have raised over $250,000 for wounded and disabled officers.