Country's Joe Nichols set to perform for the Dalai Lama on Sept. 23 in Memphis

Country artist Joe Nichols gets an audience with the Dalai
Lama, His Holiness, come Sept. 23. (Photo: Universal South)

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Country music's Joe Nichols has been invited to perform his "Believers" single Sept. 23 at a ceremony honoring the Dalai Lama.

During the afternoon event, which will take place at the historic Lorraine Hotel, His Holiness will be presented with the International Freedom Award, which is the highest honor given by the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis.

Joining Arkansas native Nichols for a benefit concert later that evening will be superstar Natalie Cole. Hosted by the Dalai Lama, proceeds from the concert will at the city's Cannon Center will go to the Missing Peace Music and Art Program, the Dalai Lama's foundation.

Also, word has it that a documentary film crew will be on hand to record the event for a possible television broadcast, including an open-to-the-public talk by His Holiness on that same day.

"Performing for the Dalai Lama--those are words I never imagined coming out of my mouth," Nichols said. "This is an honor beyond my expectations. The Dalai Lama's entire being is about peace and harmony, forgiveness and self-discipline and those are qualities to be admired. I am really looking forward to meeting His Holiness."

After his Memphis stopover, the Broadway-bound Nichols will continue his tour with dates in Chicago, Atlanta, Jacksonville and more, his publicist reports. But really, how does one top a gig with the Dalai Lama?

 For more info: For more information about the Sept. 23, 2009, talk by the Dalai Lama or The Missing Peace benefit concert in Memphis, Tenn., including ticket information for either event, please visit The Cannon Center's Web site.

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