Chris Carmack from ABC’s ‘Nashville’ joins Concert for Love and Acceptance lineup

NASHVILLE – Grammy-nominated and Dove Award-winning artist Ty Herndon and GLAAD today announced the addition of Chris Carmack, star of the hit ABC television series "Nashville," to the lineup of the inaugural Concert for Love and Acceptance. The event, presented by GLAAD and Herndon, will feature artists and celebrities in a coalition of support for LGBT acceptance and will take place at City Winery (609 Lafayette St.) in Nashville, Tenn. on June 12, 2015.

“I have been extremely encouraged and uplifted by support from the Nashville community for this event to encourage love and acceptance for all people,"said Herndon.  “We are excited to announce the addition of Chris to our lineup. He has won over millions of fans with his performance as 'Will' on ABC's 'Nashville.'"

On ABC’s Golden Globe, Primetime Emmy, People’s Choice and Critics’ Choice Television Award-nominated series "Nashville," Carmack plays the openly gay country music star Will Lexington. Carmack's character came out publicly in the season finale of "Nashville" earlier this month. The show has been renewed and will return to ABC for a fourth season in the fall. An accomplished singer and actor, Carmack has also appeared as a series regular on "The O.C." and on the New York stage alongside Alec Baldwin and Jan Maxwell in "Entertaining Mr. Sloane."

"Chris Carmack is a star who is breaking barriers and changing the conversation for acceptance," said Zeke Stokes, GLAAD's Vice President of Programs. "His portrayal of openly gay country music star 'Will Lexington' on ABC's 'Nashville' sends a message to kids – wherever they may be watching – that you don't have to choose between doing what you love and being who you are."

In addition to Carmack, Herndon and GLAAD announced the addition of Deborah Allen, a Nashville singer, songwriter and performer with a string of country hits to her credit as a solo artist. In addition to her own hits, her songs have been recorded by a diverse array of musical artists including LeAnn Rimes, Brooks & Dunn, Diana Ross, and Fleetwood Mac. Currently, she is the host of "Weekends with Deborah Allen," which airs each Saturday and Sunday on Sirius XM's Prime Country, Channel 58.

The first-of-its-kind country music event, which will take place during CMA Fest, will be co-hosted by Herndon and political commentator and author Meghan McCain. Performers and special guests previously announced include Antigone Rising, Desmond Child, Todd Chrisley, Nashville Mayor Karl Dean, Melinda Doolittle, Shelly Fairchild, Crystal Gayle, Billy Gilman, Jennifer Knapp, Jamie O'Neal, Stella Parton and Pastor Stan Mitchell of GracePointe Church. Additional performances and appearances will be announced.

The Concert for Love and Acceptance and GLAAD's Southern Stories Summer Tour are produced with support from Major Partner, Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, and Official Partner, Honey Maid. 

Tickets are available now at /nashville. Proceeds benefit GLAAD’s work to accelerate acceptance.

For general ticket information, please visit: www.glaad.org/nashville.

For VIP tickets that include artist meet and greet please visit http://www.citywinery.com/loveandacceptanceVIP

For sponsorship opportunities, please visit /nashville.