Tennessee you soon!

A cartload of Cork and Irish country musicians have joined up with rising star KC Johns all the way from Nashville Tennessee to money for Down Syndrome Cork.

The fundraising comes in the form of a lively rendition of Garth Brooks’ classic tune ‘Callin’ Baton Rouge’ complete with an eye-catching video capturing each artist’s home recording set up.

This month is Down Syndrome Month and the video aims to raise much needed funds for Down Syndrome Cork’s 400 member families across the city and the county.

In January of this year, two life-long music lovers and part-time musicians from Youghal, Richie Foley and Karl Prendergast, took the trip of a lifetime to Nashville, Tennessee with some friends.

While there they encountered and befriended many talented musicians and singers, some of whom they managed to stay in touch with on their return to Ireland.

Cue Covid-19 and the lockdown. People couldn’t gather and suddenly charities such as Down Syndrome Cork found themselves completely unable to raise funds in traditional ways.

On top of all that, the charity had no choice but to stop all essential one-to-one supports for its members and their families.

Live music was one of the first industries affected by the lockdown, and many musicians found themselves at home with no work.

It was during this time that Karl and Richie decided to put together a track with a small number of the great musicians along with some of their new friends in Nashville.

“We are so thankful to everyone who gave their amazing talents to this track to help raise some money for this wonderful cause,” said the musical duo.

“We are appealing to everyone to donate as little or as much as they can. It will all help greatly,” they added.

The song features lead vocals from Irish country stars Johnny Brady and Mike Denver, along with East Cork native Caroline Fraher and Nashville’s own up-and-coming star KC Johns. Backing them up is a whole host of musicians from up and down the country who were eager to play some part in the worthy cause.

The resulting song and video can be seen on the Down Syndrome Cork Facebook page or by searching Down Syndrome Cork on YouTube.