Show Recap: Girls On The Rise in support of Girls On The Run

Smiling faces, a row of prizes donated by the community, and amazing songs written by up-and-coming female singer/songwriters were just a few things you could expect to find at the Girls On The Rise Concert in support of Girls on The Run at the City Winery on March 14, 2024.

It was clear how much love and time was put into this event and how many passionate people were there in support of this cause. One of those people was Heidi Phillips and she talked with me about the importance of community leaders.

*Photo: Alyssa Trahan, Allie Colleen, Angie K, Sasha McVeigh, and Julia Cannon (Katie Power)*

“‘Community Leaders’ are people in the community that walk or run alongside the girls in the 5k,” Phillips explained. The 5K is the icing on the cake for the girls because it is the final event after ten weeks of meeting and learning about physical fitness, positive self-talk, community, and so much more.

If you are able to sponsor a girl or donate in any way visit here!

If you are based in Nashville and able to participate in the 5K on May 4th, 2024, or want to volunteer register here!

The round of writers included: Alyssa Trahan, Allie Colleen, Angie K, Sasha McVeigh, and Julia Cannon.

Born and raised in Alaska and now in Nashville, Julia Cannon has rich vocals with vibrant imagery. She played two of her songs “The Shore” and “Break.” Cannon recalled how the parenting style had shifted for the better, leaning into more gentle parenting then the parenting she received. It touches on how Girls On The Run is also shifting the narrative when it comes to working out and the strength and leadership that can come with it.

Nicknamed “The British Redneck,” Sasha McVeigh has toured over 43 states performing her music. She shared the stereotypes she has faced as someone from the UK that is a country singer.

“I’m not southern but my small town has country elements,” she laughs. As women, and as people we face so many stereotypes, so it is amazing that Girls on The Rise highlights so many different women in the round.

McVeigh performed her songs “Black Label” and “The Road I’m On.” “The Road I’m On” showcased stories from McVeigh’s tales from the caravan but also talking about general life goals – which relates to a larger audience.

Blending Spanish influence with her country upbringing, Angie K has a romantic style and amazing storytelling. She also spoke on being originally from El Salvador but being a country musician.

“Country is not for everybody, but we are everywhere,” she said before introducing her first song “The Red.”

When introducing her next song “Death Of Me,” Songwriter McVeigh mentioned recognizing Angie K from Disney World. Angie K told the story of how her old boss who hired her to work on a cruise ship, which she had minimal experience – almost getting on the wrong boat, years later he threw her name in as a possible duet to Broadway star Jordan Fisher. It worked out and she became part of the song that plays during the fireworks at Disney.

Her advice to people with more privilege was to throw in an extra name, maybe a small act you would not initially think of.

Oklahoma artist Allie Colleen has been in Nashville for just about ten years and has continually pushed to follow her dreams of being a country singer. She has a modern country sound, on the same plain as singers like Kelsea Ballerini and Kacey Musgraves. The songs she performed were “Grass On The Grave” and “Break.” Her song “Break” shared the same title as Julia Cannon’s song.

*Photo: Allie Colleen* *(Victoria Roth)*

Colleen made this observation saying, “We all tell the same stories in different ways.”

The event had a last-minute call out, so host Alyssa Trahan stepped up to join this round as the final writer. She shared that she originally never planned on releasing this song but shared it with friend Craig Wilson who encouraged her to release it. He helped Trahan put together the “Girls on the Rise” event and has hosted it with Trahan for the past four years. Wilson unexpectedly passed last year so this was Trahan’s first year hosting the event solo. She had only wonderful things to say about her co-host, Trahan played the song for Craig Wilson, saying Wilson was not only her biggest cheerleader, but a cheerleader for women in the industry.

Alyssa Trahan: founder of girls on the rise — *Photo: Alyssa Trahan*

“Because I Am A Girl” is the name of the track and it is anthemic with powerful storytelling. Trahan shared, “these lyrics have gotten me in trouble,” before singing the song’s second verse.

“I know country radio ain’t gonna play this song / But I can say that cause by now, I know they’ve turned it off / They’ll say that it’s not what their listener’s want / But it’s just because I am a girl.”

After the round concluded, the artists all came out and shared their role models and both positive and negative experiences in the music industry. They had additional performances by talent acts Jesslee, Hasting, Charley Reynolds, and Riley Roth. This event shined a much-needed spotlight on the wonderful cause as well as female singer/songwriters in Nashville. I was incredibly moved by the kindness and generosity of the Nashville community, and I encourage everyone to support Girls On The Run and be sure to keep an eye out for the next Girls On The Rise showcase!

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