Meet the writers of some of county music’s biggest hits at ‘Nashville Unplugged’

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Knowing that many country songs are birthed by an unseen artist , singer/songwriters Brian McComas and Aaron Benward reveal them at “Nashville Unplugged.”

“So many people think it is the recording artist who is writing the song,” Benward said. “But often, there is a songwriter behind them. ‘Nashville Unplugged’ shows the story behind popular songs.”

Benward and McComas have been at both ends of the spectrum — on the main stage touring the country with their songs and in the background writing original pieces in the country music capital, Nashville, Tenn.

At 8 p.m. twice a month on Fridays at Ovation inside Green Valley Ranch Resort, 2300 Paseo Verde Parkway, “Nashville Unplugged” invites two songwriters to share their stories. The show costs $5 and is for people 21 or older.

The guests have written songs for musicians such as Rascal Flatts, Bonnie Raitt, Tim McGraw and Garth Brooks.

“And it is different each week,” Benward said. “So it is never the same show. That’s why people keep coming back.”

“Nashville Unplugged” celebrated its second anniversary June 24.

“It is hard to believe,” McComas said. “We started out with about 60 people in the audience. Then it was 120. Then it was 380. It is growing.”

Benward said the second anniversary show was standing room only.

“It was our biggest crowd yet,” McComas said.

It was a very special moment for McComas, who got to see his inspiration, songwriter Paul Overstreet, perform and talk about the songs he has written.

“He was my hero growing up,” McComas said. “I remember sending him a music demo when I was in high school.”

Benward said his favorite memory of many was when his father, Jeoffrey, also a singer and songwrit er, took the stage.

“That was a special treat for me,” Benward said.

Along with hearing the songs and their origins, there is some audience participation.

One of Benward and McComas’ favorite activities is the “Song from a Hat” game. Audience members throw their suggestions for song titles into a hat, and McComas pulls one. They then have 20 minutes to write a song based on the title.

“We have gotten crazy titles like, ‘I Should Have Married My Sister’ or ‘The Jerry Springer in Me,’ ” Benward said.

Benward said that on multiple occasions, the duo has run onto the stage finishing a song .

“We only have about 20 minutes,” McComas said, “at best, maybe 40 minutes, depending how long the artist goes or if they talk with the audience in between songs. Usually, an artist writes a song anywhere between a few days and a month. But it gives a good insight on the process.”

Benward said they have even written lines on the spot.

“It always works out,” Benward said.

The future looks bright as Benward and McComas continue flying to Las Vegas every other weekend from Nashville for shows and further their partnership with Station Casinos.

“I don’t think we would be anywhere with out (Station Casino s’) support,” McComas said.

McComas and Benward have ideas to enhance Nashville Unplugged.

“We have big ideas for the future,” Benward said. “We hope to have writing workshops in the future.”

For more information or to buy tickets, visit greenvalleyranch.com.

Contact Henderson and Anthem View reporter Michael Lyle at mlyle@viewnews.com or 387-5201.