Riley Green headlines Country on the Green concert for ACM Lifting Lives 20th anniversary

Country on the Green brings Nashville's community to Las Vegas

The ACM Lifting Lives 20th anniversary benefit concert gave Riley Green one of his more meaningful headline slots of the year. On May 15, the country music community gathered at TopGolf in Las Vegas for Country on the Green, a show billed as both celebration and fundraiser for the Academy of Country Music's philanthropic arm. According to Billboard, Lifting Lives has donated over $12 million to more than 150 causes since its founding in 2006.

A stacked supporting lineup

Green, who is nominated for four ACM Awards, closed the night with a nine-song set. Before him, four support acts covered more than 30 years of country hits in sets of four songs each. Avery Anna, fresh off winning new female artist of the year, shared the bill with Lauren Alaina, Rodney Atkins and Randy Houser. The mix of newer and established voices made for a night that leaned more singalong than showcase.

What Lifting Lives actually does

The organization's work goes beyond galas. Lifting Lives provides emergency relief to people working across the country music industry, a function that proved especially relevant during the COVID-19 pandemic. ACM CEO Damon Whiteside told Billboard earlier this year that the program has helped people "stay in Nashville, helped them stay on their career path." Lifting Lives also runs a dedicated music camp for individuals with Williams Syndrome.

Last year's fundraiser, held in Frisco, Texas, honored Brooks and Dunn and featured performances from Lainey Wilson, Keith Urban and Cody Johnson, among others. The 61st ACM Awards streamed live on Amazon Prime Video from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on May 17.