Ryman Hosts 30th Hiatt Tribute

Nashville musicians will gather at the Ryman Auditorium on Nov. 9 for the 30th annual Concert for Cumberland Heights. The event, titled Riding With the King: A Tribute to John Hiatt, honors the singer-songwriter for his decades-long support of the addiction treatment facility. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. at 116 Rep. John Lewis Way N.

John Hiatt founded the John Hiatt Fund for Adolescent and Young Adult Treatment in 1996. He established the partnership with Cumberland Heights three decades ago to address substance abuse among young people. Hiatt noted his personal connection to the cause, stating, "I am a recovering alcoholic addict, and I sought treatment myself back in 1984, so I’ve always had a place in my heart for the treatment center model as it pertains to substance abuse."

The concert series has generated nearly $4 million for the fund over the past 30 years. Hiatt credits the longevity of the event to several key figures, including former Cumberland Heights employees Walt Quinn and Eleanor Templeton. He also acknowledges his longtime manager, Ken Levitan, for the success of the annual benefit.

This year’s lineup features a roster of prominent country and folk artists performing songs written by Hiatt. Planned performers include Emmylou Harris, Rosanne Cash, Vince Gill, Keith Urban, Nick Lowe, John Doe, and Steve Earle. Other scheduled artists are Jason Isbell, Lilly Hiatt, and Shawn Colvin.

The event will conclude with a set by Hiatt himself. He is expected to perform two or three songs during the closing segment of the night. The tribute highlights the enduring relationship between the music community and the local treatment center.