Eric Church and Lynyrd Skynyrd sent the sold-out crowd at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville into a frenzy on Wednesday (August 12th) night when they made an unnannounced appearance at the 40th Anniversary celebration of the legendary Charlie Daniels Volunteer Jam. The event honors U.S. military members and veterans.
Eric joined Charlie for a rendition of “In America,” marking the first time the two North Carolina natives have ever shared the stage. Lynyrd Skynyrd made their entrance toward the end of the show and closed it out with their iconic hits like “Simple Man,” “Sweet Home Alabama,” “Free Bird,” “Gimme Three Steps,”and more.
Previously announced acts on the bill included The Charlie Daniels Band, Ted Nugent, Trace Adkins, Alabama, Terri Clark, Billy Ray Cyrus, Colt Ford, The Grascals, Lee Greenwood, The Kentucky Headhunters, Tracy Lawrence, The Oak Ridge Boys, Ryan Weaver, Wynonna, Craig Morgan, Lee Roy Parnell, Billy Dean, Michael W. Smith, Travis Tritt, Phil Vassar, Montgomery Gentry and Blackberry Smoke.
Former Blackhawk pilot, U.S. veteran and rising country star, Ryan Weaver, gave a moving performance and video tribute to his brother and brother-in-law, both lost in combat in the War on Iraq.
FAST FACTS
- The 40th Anniversary Charlie Daniels Volunteer Jam raised hundreds of thousands in proceeds for the 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, The Journey Home Project. It was co-founded by Charlie and his manager, David Corlew, and seeks to connect donors with veterans’ organizations that do the most good in meeting the health care, education and career needs of military servicemen and women and their families. Additional concert proceeds will benefit the Nashville Predators Foundation.
- Since 1974, Charlie has commissioned his musical friends and peers to come together on a “volunteer” basis to hang out, “jam” together, and entertain crowds in an unconventional, laid-back fashion unknown to any other concert event — all while dedicating concert proceeds to worthy causes.
(The Pulse of Radio)
