The sign behind the stage may have said House of Blues, but it was the unmistakable sound of country music heard as Sizzlin’ Country seared its way into the city that never sleeps. The annual event brought together country artists, industry executives and fans alike to raise money and awareness for cystic fibrosis, a disorder claiming the lives of more American children than any other. And this party's full house was the one to bet on as everyone anted up to make a difference while having a little fun along the way.

Serving as a precursor to the annual Academy of Country Music Awards, the fundraiser celebrated its 9th anniversary along with its first appearance in Las Vegas. But the fit seemed perfect - the hot desert temperatures of Sin City seemed to only enhance the sizzle of the night and Nashville's brightest stars added even more sparkle to the lights of the Vegas strip.

Still recovering from a blister on her vocal cords, country siren Sara Evans didn't let her inability to perform keep her away from the festivities. Delightful as the evening's host, Evans quipped that her condition resulted from "too much screaming in labor" when she recently gave birth to her second child. Adding that her husband was "in hog heaven" with her silent therapy, her flair and sense of humor equipped her well for the task of emceeing the rolling party.

Lonestar kicked off the all-star concert with a stripped down set that showcased its tight vocals. Featuring selections from the soon to be released greatest hits package, the band opened with the fantastic Mark Cohn song "Walking in Memphis," which seemed tailor-made for Richie McDonald's soaring voice. The beautiful "I Pray" was followed by a hit that has struck a nerve with people everywhere and tonight was no different. Known as ‘the sippy cup song,’ "My Front Porch Looking In" had toes tapping and hands clapping as Lonestar set the bar high for the remainder of the night's performances. And there would be no disappointments.