CMA Music Fest: IFCO FunFest 2007

NASHVILLE, TN. (Top40 Charts/ IFCO) - Damn, those Johnson sisters sure do know how to throw a party! The 40th Annual International Fan Club Organization FunFest was held last night at the historic Ryman Auditorium and featured great performances by Joe Diffie, Trick Pony, Aaron Tippin, Chris Young, John Stone and others. During the festivities Porter Wagner was honored with the IFCO Tex Ritter Award, saluting his contributions to country music, and devotion to country music fans worldwide.

In a night of great performances, I have to say that Ty Herndon was the biggest surprise to me. While everyone was great, Ty came out ready to own the Ryman stage and belted out his biggest hits 'Living in a Moment' and 'What Mattered Most.' earning him a standing ovation and some of the night's loudest applause.

Also noteworthy, was trick Pony's appearance, featuring new lead-singer Aubrey Collins. I've never been a huge fan of their recorded works, but their performance was impressive, and I personally found Aubrey to be an even stronger singer/performer than original lead-vocalist Heidi Newfield.

This year's FunFest benefited Vanderbilt's Children's Hospital both through it's ticket proceeds, and through a silent-auction consisting of donated items from major country stars including Tim McGraw and Faith Hill who supplied an autographed guitar that was going for over $700 when I last saw it. I picked up a Phil Vassar Phan Club Party package that I hope to bring you coverage of tomorrow (pending approval from the Phan club)

Also donated: All the artists appearing at IFCO FunFest donated their time to support the Children's Hospital, IFCO and the fans.