Marking the third installment of his highly celebrated charity concert, Country-Soul singer-songwriter Drake White will bring his “Benefit For The Brain” back to the legendary Ryman Auditorium in Nashville on November 16. Headlined, hosted, and curated by White, the star-studded event once again harnesses the power of music and community to raise funds and awareness for charity organizations devoted to mental and brain health.

Building on the momentum of two previous sold-out concerts at the Ryman, “Benefit For The Brain” remains focused on three key areas especially meaningful to White: mental wellness for military members and veterans (particularly those affected by PTSD), brain health in children and adolescents, and innovative approaches to stroke recovery and neurological treatment. All proceeds from the event will be distributed by White’s nonprofit The Benefit For The Brain to select organizations working across those areas.

Last year’s “Benefit For The Brain” raised a record-setting amount that surpassed the fundraising total of its inaugural concert, with proceeds supporting Make-A-Wish Middle Tennessee, CreatiVets, and the Miracle Hope Foundation. The sold-out evening featured powerhouse performances from White, Riley Green, Jon Pardi, Kassi Ashton, and surprise guests Jessi Alexander and Randy Owen of Alabama, while a dynamic slate of speakers shed light on essential topics like research, advocacy, recovery, and mental-health support. In addition, the event introduced its first silent auction (with highly coveted items including a Charlie Daniels–signed fiddle and an Old Dominion–signed guitar), which sold out completely.

The 2026 “Benefit For The Brain” lineup will be announced at a later date. For more information, visit benefitforthebrain.com.

White first launched “Benefit For The Brain” in 2023, four years after a life-altering medical crisis transformed his understanding of brain health and recovery. After suffering a stroke onstage in Roanoke, VA, he was diagnosed with arteriovenous malformation (AVM) and underwent seven brain surgeries conducted by neurosurgeon Dr. Mericle. With the loving support of his family, friends, and fans, White fought his way back to the stage and resumed his recording career while passionately committing himself to what he calls “the battle between your ears.” He then carried that commitment forward with the 2023 inaugural concert, which sold out the Ryman and raised over $250,000, bringing together an all-star lineup including Riley Green, Randy Houser, Jamey Johnson, and surprise guest Colbie Caillat.

As he gears up for “Benefit For The Brain,” White will also present the first-ever Loblolly Fest on October 17 in his hometown of Hokes Bluff, AL. Taking place at The Bluff Amphitheater, the festival will feature performances from White, The Marshall Tucker Band, Randy Houser, and Kassi Ashton, with proceeds supporting The Benefit For The Brain. The event marks a full-circle moment for White, who grew up just behind the amphitheater and first discovered the property while exploring the woods as a kid. Now a co-owner of the venue, he’s turning the space into a gathering ground for live music, community, and connection. Tickets are on sale now; visit loblollyfest.com for more information.

Loblolly Fest will follow a jam-packed summer for White, who’ll spend much of the next few months on the road. After performing at Concert in the Corn in Mason, WI, this Thursday (8/27), he’ll take the stage at Country In The Burg in Cedarburg, WI, on Saturday (8/29), joining a stacked bill including Scotty McCreery, Josh Turner, Rodney Atkins, and more. Upcoming highlights also include stops at Tulsa State Fair in Tulsa, OK (10/1) and Peacemaker Music Festival in Fort Smith, AR (10/3). For more information on all live dates, visit drakewhite.com.

Earlier this month, White teamed up with singer/songwriter Alex Jude for “Vagabond,” a gospel-tinged duet that premiered alongside its official music video. Prior to the release of “Vagabond,” he brought his commanding vocals and soul-searching songwriting to "Tradition," a rousing tribute to the values and ways of life passed down through generations.

ABOUT DRAKE WHITE:
Bringing undeniable Soul, upbeat energy, and unbreakable heart to Country, Drake White makes the kind of music that can turn your day around. He possesses a rare ability to strike an emotional chord with his unflinchingly honest storytelling, yet he’s got enough charisma and charm to lift even the most reserved crowd to its feet. Since 2013, the Hokes Bluff, AL Country-Soul troubadour has generated nearly half-a-billion streams across fan-favorite albums such as Spark [2016], The Optymistic [2022], and Low Country High Road [2024]. Moreover, he has collaborated with the likes of Maren Morris and Colbie Caillat and performed alongside everyone from Luke Bryan and Eric Church to Zac Brown Band. He has packed houses as a headliner, igniting THE OPTIMYSTIC TOUR and THE BRIDGE TOUR. Touted as one of Rolling Stone’s “10 Country Artists You Need To Know” and a GRAMMY® “Artist of Tomorrow,” he even notably took home International Song of the Year at the British CMA Awards. Not to mention, he has guested on The Kelly Clarkson Show and received praise from Entertainment Tonight, People, American Songwriter, and MusicRow among many others. Most importantly, White gives back whenever possible. Diagnosed with Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM), he survived a 2019 stroke on stage only to endure seven brain surgeries. Coming back stronger and raising awareness around brain health, he launched and headlined the charity concert “Benefit For The Brain” in 2023, selling out Ryman Auditorium, raising $253,000 for multiple 501(c)3 partners, and featuring Riley Green, Randy Houser, Jamey Johnson, and more. The event returns for round three in 2026. Over the past year, White turned the page on his next chapter with a hot streak of singles (“Nights on Fire,” “Nuthin’ But a Smile,” and “Tradition”), followed by “Vagabond” with Alex Jude in August 2026.

 

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