Smith and Weinberg then reconnected during the Nashville Predators Foundation's Preds & Threads event last season, a fashion show put on by the team to help benefit Best Buddies Tennessee, an organization that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Needless to say, Weinberg left the event feeling inspired, wanting to find a way he could assist with the organization's mission.
The solution? Buddies on the Beat, hosted by Jay and King Thrust Entertainment, at The Basement East in East Nashville.
Weinberg brought together musicians from a number of different bands for a night of jamming, along with a silent auction, to benefit the organization. Among those in attendance was his father, along with Garry Tallent, of the E Street Band.
And joining them on stage to live out a fantasy and play his favorite Springsteen song, "I'm On Fire" - none other than Smith.
"That was one of the most unique situations I've ever been in and it was almost like it was like dream come true," Smith said. "I certainly can skate better than I can play guitar, but that was a lot of fun to get to step in their world for just a half a second… I was a little nervous on which cord to even plug in to when I got up there because I'm not savvy with the electric guitar, but it was awesome."
And as much as Smith enjoyed the experience, that appreciation was reciprocated tenfold by the host.
For Weinberg, the night represented everything he loves about Nashville - music, the Predators and people coming together for something greater than themselves.
"I was beside myself with gratitude," Weinberg said. "It was just a such a good time and a great vibe, we contributed immensely to this really amazing cause that I was introduced to through the Nashville Predators, so it really was like a moment of just everything coming together. It's a night I'll never forget, that's for sure."
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Jay Weinberg still has unique auction items available to benefit Best Buddies Tennessee, including a custom-painted Predators snare drum signed by their entire team. It will be available at the Party with a Purpose on Nov. 2 in Nashville. For more information,
click here
.