A woman in a plaid skirt walked up to a man at the Heart 360 Concert on Friday evening, sliding a red bead necklace with a glowing heart charm over his head. They kissed and danced off together, holding hands.
This moment encapsulated the evening at the Armory — bringing the community together over a shared passion for country music and heart research. Over 6,000 beating hearts gathered to support the cause, according to emcee and K102 host Mike Dubs.
The Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation (MHIF) hosted its annual fundraising “Heart 360 Concert for Heart Research,” featuring headliner Cole Swindell and supporting performances by Priscilla Block, Payton Smith and Rocket Club.
According to the MHIF, the goal of the night was to celebrate the 360-degree approach that is essential to heart and vascular research, including renowned physicians, committed researchers and grateful patients. The concert aimed to unite the community by raising money to fuel the foundation’s heart research.
Red, orange and purple balloon arches decorated the Armory’s entrances and doorways. At least 41 guests wore plaid shirts and classic country attire. Screens scattered throughout the venue displayed survivor testimonies and facts about heart health. The atmosphere was energetic, with families and friends mingling during the opening performances.
The audience’s excitement skyrocketed when Priscilla Block, a rising country singer from North Carolina, strutted on the stage.
Block performed live surprisingly well for a singer in her early years. With chunky jewelry and a giant belt buckle, her voice was smooth like honey. Her genuine passion for performing glowed from her as she couldn’t seem to stop grinning.
K102 hosts Chris Carr and Dubs were the emcees for the night. K102 and Great Clips were the presenting sponsors for the concert.
Carr said heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women.
“On a positive note, progress is being made because thanks to the MHIF research, survival rates after a heart attack in Minnesota now surpass 95%,” Dubs said, as the crowd cheered. “Because of the work of passionate physicians and researchers, people who live in Minnesota have access to the most advanced heart care.”
“So tonight the Armory is filled with people who are a part of this story, dedicated to creating a world without heart disease,” Carr said.
The crowd went wild when night headliner Cole Swindell opened his performance with his hit song “Flatliner,” a song about a woman who made his heart stop and a nod to the theme of the night.
Swindell was amazed by the crowd’s enthusiasm as they sang along to “Middle of a Memory,” “Chillin’ It” and “She Had Me At Heads Carolina.”
“This is how you always are. This is why we love you,” Swindell said to the audience.
The country star brought the crowd together, achieving the concert’s mission to build community over a charitable cause. He encouraged guests to sing along with call-and-response performances and interacted with the crowd.
The most heartfelt moment of the night was when Swindell sang “You Should Be Here,” dedicated to his late father. Couples held each other, young women leaned on one another and it was hard to find a dry eye in the venue.
“That’s why I love music, ‘cause it connects us,” Swindell said.
His remark held true that night. The concert raised more than $1.9 million for MHIF, with the audience donating more than $900,000, and a couple matching the donation with a $1 million gift.
