Country music superstar, Lee Greenwood and his band, performed many of his multiple hits on the summer concert stage at Tioga Downs in Nichols, N.Y. on Aug. 15. Greenwood’s signature song, “God Bless the U.S.A.” concluded the show and received a standing ovation.
Guests attending the Lee Greenwood concert at Tioga Downs in Nichols, N.Y. on Saturday evening, Aug. 15, were treated to an extraordinary show, which not only highlighted popular songs from the prestigious career of the country music superstar, but also left concertgoers with filled hearts of pride and patriotism.
Generations of families arrived at the show together, along with veterans who proudly wore attire designating their service, and also attending were men and women currently serving in the military. Proceeds from the concert benefit the Southern Tier Veterans Support Group (STVSG).
During introductions at the beginning of the concert, Jeff Gural, CEO of American Racing and Entertainment and owner of Tioga Downs, announced that he would match every ticket sold, and shared, “This is a way for me to express my personal gratitude.”
By partnering with other area organizations, the STVSG offers assistance and services to veterans, service members, and their families within nine counties of New York’s Southern Tier and Northern Tier of Pennsylvania.
Country music superstar, Lee Greenwood, and Southern Tier Veterans Support Group (STVSG) President, Al Eaton, second from left, pose with military personnel and their families prior to Greenwood’s concert at Tioga Downs in Nichols, N.Y. on Saturday, Aug. 15. Proceeds from the concert benefit STVSG. (Photos by JoAnn R. Walter)
STVSG President, Al Eaton, shared, “This is the fifth annual concert and fundraiser that recognizes veterans, but also spouses, children and parents of veterans. The Southern Tier Veterans Support Group is thankful for Tioga Downs’ generosity.” To date, STVSG has helped upwards of 800 veterans and their families.
An accomplished musician of multiple instruments, Greenwood opened the concert featuring his phenomenal saxophone skills. Along with his talented five piece band, Greenwood, the recipient of multiple country music awards, performed a string of his legendary hits including, “I.O.U.,” “Dixie Road,” “It Turns Me Inside Out,” “Ring on Her Finger, Time on Her Hands,” “Between a Rock & a Heartache,” among others.
Country music superstar and singer-songwriter, Lee Greenwood, also an accomplished musician, featured his phenomenal saxophone and piano skills during his concert on the summer stage at Tioga Downs in Nichols, N.Y. on Aug. 15.
Greenwood’s savvy piano and keyboard ability accompanied his performance of the cover song, “Please Come to Boston,” a romantic rendition which also highlighted his bluesy-smooth vocals.
During one break in the show, Greenwood joked with the audience, “I want to sing you a tune that was predicted to be a number one hit,” and he exclaimed, “And you know what that song is!”
Greenwood then smiled wryly and sang, “McDonald’s and You,” a song he wrote for the restaurant chain’s advertising campaign in the early 80’s; about the same time he was emerging as an up-and-coming star on the country charts.
Following the jingle, which brought a round of chuckles from the crowd, Greenwood broke into other songs outside of his country toppers, including the lively song, “Rocky Top,” which had fans clapping and tapping their feet.
Greenwood again grabbed his saxophone for an instrumental during a fun tune with Latin flare, “Tequila!,” which he asked fans to shout in return the song’s title, as signaled with a point of his finger. Mellowing the beat for the compassionate classic, “Wind Beneath My Wings,” made most popular by singer/actress Bette Midler, Greenwood announced to the audience that he was dedicating the song to all of the caregivers of veterans.
Country music superstar, Lee Greenwood and his band, performed on the summer concert stage at Tioga Downs in Nichols, N.Y. on Aug. 15. Greenwood’s signature song, “God Bless the U.S.A.” concluded the show with a standing ovation as military personnel joined him on stage.
Inspired by his father, a World War II veteran, Greenwood has shared his patriotic qualities throughout his career by participating with various organizations and fundraisers, including performing for as many as 30 USO tours abroad since the 1980’s.
Greenwood’s version of the Aaron Tippin song, “Where the Stars and Stripes and the Eagle Fly,” brought the crowd to their feet at the end of the show, followed by his penned patriotic hit, “God Bless the U.S.A.,” a modern-day national anthem so-to-speak, which won Greenwood an award from the Country Music Association, and topped the country singles charts three times in 1991, 2001 and 2003.
The powerful lyrics and emotion attached to “God Bless the U.S.A.” was evident as military personnel joined Greenwood on stage for a standing ovation. A spectacular fireworks show, accompanied by patriotic background music, concluded the concert at Tioga Downs.
Prior to the concert, various organizations greeted guests at the front entrance of Tioga Downs, including the STVSG, Tioga County Veterans Service Agency and Pets for Vets. For more information about these organizations, visit stvsg.org, tiogacountyny.com or pets-for-vets.com.
For more information about Tioga Downs, visit tiogadowns.com or find them on Facebook and Twitter.
