Country, rock 'n' roll blend just what Earth Angel had in mind!
Lancaster Eagle-Gazette
By JACK L. BLANKENSHIP
Contributing Writer
A little bit of country, a whole lot of rock 'n roll.
That's exactly what the Earth Angel Foundation planned when they staged their first Friday night country concert at the Fairfield County Fairground's Grandstands this past weekend.
Country music was alive and well in Fairfield County on Friday, as hardcore country fans wore cowboy hats, boots and danced and sang along with the high-energy performers at the Fairgrounds. There was an estimated 1,200 to 1,400 fans who enjoyed more than five hours of music when Aaron Tippin, Mark Chestnut and Joe Diffie brought the "Rocking Road House Tour" to town for a one-night performance. The two opening acts included Brent Woodall & Nathcez Trace and Category IV Band.
Backstage before the concert began 30 children and their families were treated to a special honor when they met country performers Aaron Tippin, Mark Chestnut, Joe Diffie and Brent Woodall. Excitement gave way to a bad case of nerves when the families were able to meet the performers, get personal autographed photographs and take photos with them.
For a brief moment children in wheelchairs and other disabilities no longer felt their physical limitations. They felt like everyone else who were in for a good night of country music.
"We're big country music fans," said Connie Schwiefert, whose daughter Kaci has cerebral palsy and epilepsy. "We were excited to go backstage before the show. We were excited to see Joe Diffie and we're big fans of his. We know Joe Diffie has a son who has Down Syndrome, so we know how he feels."
Chance Pinan, who is no stranger when it comes to meeting celebrities, waited his turn in line and talked about taking his dream vacation last year. Last year Chance was able to see Bob Barker when he visited "The Price is Right" Studio.
As well as the children and their families being excited about seeing the country performers, the entertainers were also thrilled to take a few moments to be with their fans. Mark Chestnut said he was excited to be there and be with the kids.
Aaron Tippin said he was glad to meet the kids and be a part of the Earth Angel Foundation. As a father of two boys, he's glad to be able to sing about family and his love for the country. Since the next day was Father's Day, he was going to perform his new single about his father called "He Believed."
Category IV Band started the concert with their hard rock sound. The band performed a special song "Earth Angel" for the foundation.
Brent Woodall, who started his career with some help from Charlie Daniels, thrilled the crowds with songs like "It's All In Your Hands," "I Don't Love You Like I Used Too" and the emotional, touching song "My Name Is Justin."
The real rocking began when Joe Diffie took center stage and sang his songs "So Help Me Girl", "Prop Me Up To The Jukebox (If I Die)", "John Deere Tractor" and "My Give A Damn's Busted." Mark Chestnut kept the pace up with songs like "Old Flames With New Names," "Bubba Shot The Jukebox," "Brother Jukebox" and "The Big D."
Then the big moment came that all the fans were waiting all night for when Aaron Tippin came out to sing "Ready To Rock (In A Country Way)" from his new CD "Here And Now." After a couple of rocking songs, he promised his fans there wouldn't be no mushy songs that night.
He rocked the crowds with songs like "Honky Tonk Superman," "You've Got To Stand For Something," "He Believed" and even put a bicycle together as he sang "Working Man Ph.D." While assembling the bike he joked it only took him three minutes to do it, "not bad for an old man," He donated the bicycle to Toys For Tots. For an encore, Tippin finished with "Where The Stars and Stripes and the Eagle Flies" and "Kiss This".
Neil Redd, president of the Earth Angel Foundation, said "I thought tonight's concert was fantastic. Everyone's enjoying it and it's getting everyone's attention."
By JACK L. BLANKENSHIP - lancastereaglegazette.com (Jun 19, 2007)