Dierks Bentley to headline Nashville concert for wrongfully convicted

Dierks Bentley will headline a charity concert in Nashville in October benefiting two organizations that advocate for people wrongfully convicted of crimes. Bentley, Pearl Jam guitarist Mike McCready and several others, including surprise guests, will perform at the first ever "Justice Jam" at Cannery Hall on Oct. 27. The event will be hosted by the Tennessee Innocence Project and Washington Innocence Project. Tennessee Innocence Project executive director Jason Gichner said the concert is about "channeling the power of Nashville's music community into real, tangible freedom for people who have run out of options." "We are honored to bring this stage together with our partners at the Washington Innocence Project and to show what's possible when artists lend their voice to justice," Gichner said. McCready, who helped organize the concert, said he was honored to support the organizations while sharing the stage with Bentley and "other great artists." "I can't wait," McCready said in a statement provided by Tennessee Innocence Project executive director Jason Gichner. 'Music has given me so much, and anytime I can use it to help somebody else or shine a light on something that matters, that's a pretty great day." Tickets will go on sale Sept. 10 at justicejam.com, with a limited presale on Sept. 9. The website is not yet online but will go live later this week, Gichner said. The other performers are gospel group The McCrary Sisters, Canadian country singer Terri Clark, rising country artist Angie K, singer-songwriter Jaid Joice and guitarist Bobby Messano. The Tennessee Innocence Project and Washington Innocence Project both provide legal representation for people who are innocent of the crimes they were convicted of and advance reforms to prevent future wrongful convictions. Have questions about the justice system? Evan Mealins is the justice reporter for The Tennessean. Contact him with questions, tips or story ideas at emealins@tennessean.com.