Two Nashville songwriters will give a benefit concert in Decorah April 1st

Nashville songwriters Tony Arata and Casey Beathard are coming to Decorah.

The Winneshiek County Celebration of Life has announced the two country music artists will give a benefit concert at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 1st, at the Decorah Elks Lodge.  Tickets are $20 and are on sale at KVIK Radio and Farmers Mill.

Arata moved to Nashville in 1986 and attracted the attention of Garth Brooks, who recorded seven of his songs.  Since then he has written songs that have been recorded by Patty Loveless, Emmylou Harris, Randy Travis, Bonnie Raitt, Trisha Yearwood, Don Williams and Reba McEntire.

Arata has performed in concert in Decorah twice before--in March of 2012 and February of 2016--as part of "Julie Meirick and Friends."

Beathard has a blossoming career as a country music performer.  He is the son of former NFL general manager Bobby Beathard and the father of former University of Iowa quarterback CJ Beathard.  He has co-written songs for a number of country music singers, including Billy Ray Cyrus, Trace Adkins, Kenny Chesney and Eric Church.

Money from the concert will go towards WCCOL's programs to provide free mammograms to area women and to provide gas cards to those traveling for chemotherapy treatments.