Songwriters to Perform for Charity Thursday

Victorians are in for a real treat Thursday night at the Welder Center in downtown Victoria. Three of the best songwriters anywhere, led by Allen Shamblin, will be performing at the Songwriters Charity Concert.

Allen Shamblin has written his way into stardom in the music circuit. The 53-year-old Franklin, Tenn. resident moved from the Lone Star State to the Music City with $1,500 in his pocket and 14 songs under his belt. Victoria fans will have the chance to hear the story behind the melody in the Charity Concert Series at the Leo J. Welder Center on Thursday. Shamblin will perform with fellow songwriters Mike Reid and Austin Cunningham.

The former real estate appraiser decided to pursue his creative passion. "All my life, I had a love for words and music," he told the Victoria Advocate. Shamblin gained national notoriety in the songwriting community with Randy Travis' version of "He Walked on Water." The father of three has written songs recorded by Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers. His most recent hit, "The House That Built Me," was sung by platinum music jewel Miranda Lambert.

Reid, a former NFL player with the Cincinnati Bengals turned songwriter will also perform at the concert. His credits include winning a Grammy award for Ronnie Milsap's hit "Stranger in My House" and "Fallin' For You for Years," by Conway Twitty.

Cunningham, a Texas native, has penned more than 900 songs that have been recorded by artists such as Hank Williams Jr., and Martina McBride.

Shamblin said the performance with fellow songwriters will be some down-home fun. "We're going to tell the stories behind the songs and have a great time in music," he said.

Proceeds from the show benefit The Lion's Club, Theatre Victoria and Bluebonnet Youth Ranch.

The concert is at  7:30 p.m. Thursday at the Leo J. Welder Center, 214 N. Main St. in Victoria. Tickets are only$25.

For more info call  361-570-8587 or find more info online at Theatre Victoria's website.