Rodney Atkins packed the streets of downtown Nashville Tuesday night (June 5) to host his annual Music City Gives Back benefit concert, meant to raise funding for the American Red Cross. Fans who came in a few days early for the 2012 CMA Music Festival were treated to a full night of great music and good times, all for an important cause.

Highlights of the night included Lee Brice‘s set with his recent chart-topping smash, ‘A Woman Like You,’ and the FARM‘s soon-to-be hit, ‘Home Sweet Home.’ Josh Thompson treated fans to some of their favorites from his ‘Way Out Here’ album, including the disc’s title-track, ‘Blame It on Waylon,’ as well as ‘Beer on the Table’ and ‘Comin’ Around,’ his current single from his upcoming sophomore album, slated for release later this year.

Thompson Square, who took the stage toward the night’s end, played many of the fan favorites, including ‘Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not,’ ‘I Got You’ and their current single, ‘Glass.’ The duo’s Keifer and Shawna Thompson also did their take on the Tom Petty classic ‘I Won’t Back Down,’ which they dedicated to the U.S. troops.

Atkins brought the night’s entertainment to an end with his performance, packed with hit after hit. His set included his recent No. 1 single ‘Take a Back Road,’ ‘Farmer’s Daughter’ and his current single, ‘Just Wanna Rock N’ Roll.’ Additionally, he threw in the song that put his name on the map, ‘If You’re Going Through Hell’ — No. 94 on our Top 100 Country Songs list.

“The 2nd Annual Music City Gives Back supporting the American Red was an incredible success,” Atkins told Taste of Country following the event. “Thanks to everyone involved, all of the sponsors, all the artists and especially all of the donations that folks continue to make by texting REDCROSS to 90999. We’re already planning the 3rd annual Music City Gives Back for 2013!”

Others on the lineup Tuesday night included newcomer Mallary Hope, Jana Kramer and Clint Black.

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