Trick Pony founder Burns to headline animal shelter fundraiser Saturday in Ohatchee

Greg Bailey, The Gadsden Times
·2 min read
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Coosahatchee RV Park and Music Pavillion on Neely Henry Lake in Ohatchee is the place to be on Saturday for those who love animals and country music.

Keith Burns, founding member of the group Trick Pony, is the headline act for Cause for Paws, which organizer Dennis Twigg says is a fundraiser for regional animal rescuers and shelters.

Also set to perform is Lee Bogan, longtime lead guitarist for Joe Diffie, Dr. Hook, Aaron Tippin and others, plus assorted local acts to be announced.

Singer-songwriter Keith Burns, with songwriting partner/Southside resident Dennis Twigg, and John Schneider, posed for a photo last year when Burns and Schneider recorded "What Family Might Say," a funny Christmas song written by Burns and Twigg. Twigg on Saturday is hosting Cause for Paws, a fundraiser for local animal rescuers and shelters, at his Coosahatchee RV Park and Music Pavilion in Ohatchee. Burns is the headline act.

The event starts at 1 p.m. and runs “until,” according to Twigg. There’s no admission charge, but those attending are asked to donate to the cause.

Burns is a former member of Diffie’s backup band and co-wrote his 1996 single “Whole Lotta Gone,” which reached No. 23 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart.

He founded Trick Pony that same year, along with bass player Ira Dean and singer Heidi Newfeld. The group recorded three albums: 2001’s “Trick Pony,” which reached No. 12 on Billboard’s Hot Country Albums chart; 2002’s “On a Mission,” which reached No. 13;”; and “R.I.D.E.,” which reached No. 4.

Burns co-wrote two of their four Top 20 singles: “Pour Me” and “Just What I Do,” the latter earning a Grammy nomination for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.

Trick Pony also was nominated for numerous Academy of Country Music, Billboard, Country Music Association and American Music Awards before disbanding.

Burns also has had songs recorded by Hootie and the Blowfish, Sammy Kershaw, Burns & Poe and Moe Bandy. His latest single, from last year, is “Came Here to Drink.”

Twigg, who added the pavilion at Coosahatchee in 2010 as a place for musicians to get together and play, connected with Burns a few years ago and they co-wrote a Christmas song, “What Family Might Say,” which he recorded as a duet with actor/singer John Schneider.

He said there will be drawings for prizes at Saturday’s event and a silent auction. Sandwiches from The Shack BBQ also will be on sale.

Those attending are asked to bring chairs and coolers.

Coosahatchee is at 17 Greensport Ferry Road, just off Alabama Highway 77.

Visit https://keithburnsmusic.com for more information on Burns.

This article originally appeared on The Gadsden Times: Keith Burns headlines Cause for Paws