Hank Williams III Hosts Benefit for Nashville Animal Shelter

Hank Williams III, known for his edgy music and rowdy shows, will show a gentler side on September 18 when he participates in a benefit for Happy Tales Humane Shelter in Franklin, Tenn. The event will include an afternoon motorcycle ride and an evening performance.

"I'm doing this for Happy Tales because it is a no-kill animal shelter," Hank tells The Boot. Hank says his cat and his three dogs, Trooper, Moma Hance and Roadie (pictured above) are all are rescue animals.

Hank III, the son of Hank Williams Jr. and grandson of Hank Williams, wrote ten of the eleven songs on his latest album, 'Rebel Within,' which he recorded and produced at his home studio. As might be expected, Hank III is an independent thinker. "I don't like being told what to do, and I don't need to be told what my record should sound like," he says.

An avid hunter, Hank III is participating in a four-part series, 'Wild Life,' for the Field & Stream website. It features the singer, along with former NFL star Kyle Turley, on a turkey hunt at his dad's private ranch in Paris, Tennessee.

The singer/songwriter has released six discs since his 1999 debut. He's currently on tour throughout the Southeast and often does three-hour shows, with an hour each of country, hillbilly and hard rock. "I give everybody some of what they came for," Hank says of his musically eclectic shows.

The motorcycle ride begins at the Cool Springs Harley Davidson dealership at 2:00 PM CT. Registration gets underway at noon. Riders will travel from the Franklin-based retail store to the Loveless Barn west of Nashville on Highway 70, where the concert will take place. Riders pay $40 per person, or $50 for two riders per bike, which entitles them to the concert and other activities at Loveless Barn.

Admission for those who wish to attend the concert and activities at Loveless Barn is $20. The general admittance area will be standing-room-only (no seats). VIP tickets are available for $75 per rider or $50 for concert only, which gives the purchaser access to a special viewing area at The Barn, a souvenir poster and a private meet-and-greet with Hank III. Music at the Loveless Barn begins at 3:00 PM with local artists. Other activities include an airbrush tattoo artist, silent auction and various food and drink concessions. The evening concert with Hank III begins at 6:00 PM.