Country
music star Richie McDonald said his music hasn’t changed much since
leaving Lonestar two years ago to focus on his family and a solo career.
Being on his own just gives him the ability to schedule tour dates around his children’s school schedule.
The
country star known for such hits as “I’m Already There,” “Amazed” and
“Everything’s Changed” is using his gifts to give back to his new
hometown by performing a benefit concert to support Branches Recovery
Center in Murfreesboro.
For more than a year, McDonald and his family have called Murfreesboro home.
“We love it,” he said. “We are still out in the country and still have our land.”
McDonald
and his wife, Lorie, and children, Rhett, Mollie and Maisie formerly
lived in Smith County. He said Murfreesboro still gives his family the
country life but in close proximity to Nashville.
Even
though he isn’t Garth Brooks or Tim McGraw, McDonald said he does get
recognized in town. Fans often tell him how much they enjoy his music
when he is out shopping or eating at a local restaurant.
McDonald
admits that he likes the kind words and the attention he receives. He
is glad, however, that he doesn’t have the kind of fame that garners
the attention of paparazzi.
“This
is a good place to be for me,” he said. “I can’t imagine having the
paparazzi following me around. This is very comfortable.”
McDonald
and his good friend and comedian Chonda Pierce are teaming up for an
evening of entertainment to benefit Branches Recovery Center April 16
at 7 p.m. at New Vision Baptist Church, 1750 Thompson Lane.
Branches
Recovery Center is a Christian, faith-based counseling and recovery
center for those dealing with addiction, depression, divorce and other
issues.
Mike
Courtney, executive director of Branches Recovery Center, said the
center sees patients from all walks of life and doesn’t turn away
patients based on their inability to pay.
“We
hope that (the benefit) provides the funds that we need to offer
counseling at a reduced rate and to provide support groups for the
community,” he said.
Branches Recovery Center receives its funding through grants, churches and private donations.
The center has eight licensed therapists who see about 300 clients a month.
“It
is giving back to the community,” McDonald said of why he is donating
his time to perform at the benefit concert. “It is something I always
wanted to do.
“I
don’t get a lot of chances to play Murfreesboro,” he continued. “This
is going to be fun for me to play in my own backyard and help out with
a wonderful cause. I am looking forward to it.”
McDonald
said he will perform hits from Lonestar, from his Christian album “I
Turn To You” and his upcoming country album “Slow Down,” which is set
to be released in June.
“I Turn To You” was recently nominated for Best Country Album at the 40th annual Dove Awards.
McDonald
doesn’t think his new album is that much different from his work with
Lonestar. The songs are about his family and his faith.
“There are songs that will make you laugh and songs that will make you cry,” he said.
“Just
How Do I Stop” is McDonald’s first single release from the forthcoming
CD. His recently penned song “Six-Foot Teddy Bear” is now hitting
country radio stations.
His latest song is one that he can relate to, McDonald said.
“I
think I am a 6-foot teddy bear,” he said, adding that some men act
rough and tough on the outside but when they are with their children
they are a teddy bear.
Branches Recovery Center Benefit Concert
Featuring Richie McDonald and Chonda Pierce
April 16 at 7 p.m. at New Vision Baptist Church, 1750 Thompson Lane
For 20 years, the country music industry has supported St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
