Nashville is set to host a powerful evening of music and philanthropy this Sunday as Trisha Yearwood brings her Band As One Nashville Concert for the Cure to the Grand Ole Opry House. The event, benefiting Susan G. Komen, aims to raise critical funds for breast cancer research and support services, building on the success of its inaugural concert last year. This year’s concert is particularly meaningful for Yearwood, who lost her mother to breast cancer in 2011, and has witnessed firsthand the advancements in treatment that offer hope to those facing the disease. The Band As One initiative represents a significant fundraising effort in the ongoing fight against breast cancer.
Yearwood’s personal connection to the cause fuels her dedication to the concert. She recounted to ABC Audio witnessing friends benefit from newer drugs that weren’t available when her mother was ill, highlighting the importance of continued research. “I’ve watched friends in treatment [for the same cancer as my mother] take a drug … that helped them survive longer, that I know could’ve helped her, you know, and so I feel like everything that we can do to kind of keep that progress going forward, it’s so important,” she said. The concert isn’t just about raising money; it’s about sustaining momentum in a field where progress can mean the difference between life and death.
A Stellar Lineup for a Vital Cause
The 2026 concert boasts an impressive lineup of country music stars, a testament to the widespread impact of breast cancer and the willingness of artists to lend their support. Reba McEntire, Ashley McBryde, Charles Kelley, Hailey Whitters, Luke Nelson, The War & Treaty, The Band Loula, and Rissi Palmer are all scheduled to perform. The move from the Ryman Auditorium to the larger Grand Ole Opry House reflects the growing popularity and anticipated success of the event. Susan G. Komen is currently funding more breast cancer research than any other nonprofit organization, and events like Band As One are crucial to expanding that work.
Yearwood described the concert’s format as reminiscent of a traditional Opry performance, emphasizing its accessibility for artists. “It kinda reminds you of the Opry,” she explained, “because you have a house band and, you know, it’s not a heavy lift for anybody. You get to reach out and do a couple songs and travel home.” This ease of participation, she believes, contributed to the overwhelming support from the music community. “It’s like a who’s who … of artists that – I mean anybody who had the time in their schedule said yes, you know, I believe because everybody’s affected by it.”
Susan G. Komen’s Ongoing Impact
Susan G. Komen has been at the forefront of the breast cancer fight for decades, funding research, providing patient support, and advocating for policies that improve access to care. The organization’s work extends beyond research grants, offering real-time assistance to individuals and families navigating the challenges of a breast cancer diagnosis. The Band As One concert is Komen’s largest benefit concert, relying on a network of volunteers, donors, and sponsors to maximize its impact. Those interested in supporting the organization’s mission can donate directly through the Komen website.
The success of last year’s concert has set high expectations for 2026. Yearwood expressed confidence in the Nashville community’s ability to surpass previous fundraising efforts. “I loved how this community came together and raised so much more money than we were expecting last year,” she said. “Now I have big expectations for this year.” Event organizers are also seeking volunteers and sponsors for future events. Interested parties can contact April Douglas, Executive Director for Tennessee, Mississippi, and Alabama, at [email protected].
The event is being hosted by Anastasia Brown, with a committee including Victoria Shaw, Amy Fish, Tara Joseph, Pam Goodwin, Donna Wells, Jill Kopecky, David Byerley, Fletcher Foster, Larry Abel, Raymond McCallister, Eryn Cooper, Derrek Kupish, Ana Soulios, Beverly Keel, Tammy Hyler, and Alicia Jones, Dawn Ann Ritter. Sponsors include Rockstar (Presenting Sponsor), and several VIP and Encore sponsors.
Tickets for the Band As One Nashville Concert for the Cure are currently on sale. Proceeds from the event will directly support Susan G. Komen’s research and patient care programs. The concert represents a powerful collaboration between the music industry and a leading cancer organization, united by a shared commitment to ending breast cancer forever.
Looking ahead, Susan G. Komen will continue to announce updates on research breakthroughs and fundraising initiatives on their website. The organization’s ongoing work remains vital in the pursuit of a future without breast cancer.
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