Concert lineup announced for Legion World Series

Two native North Carolinians and national country artists are returning to Shelby, N.C., in August for their second American Legion World Series (ALWS) appearances.

Singer-songwriter-instrumentalist Charlie Daniels, a native of Wilmington, thrilled guests at the 2015 National Commander’s Reception. He and his band will be the headliners for the free evening concert at the fifth annual 7th Inning Stretch Festival in Uptown Shelby on Aug. 5.

And Kellie Pickler, a native of Albemarle, drew Uptown Shelby’s largest one-day crowd when she performed at the 2015 7th Inning Stretch Festival. Pickler will be the special guest artist for this year’s National Commander’s Reception on Aug. 8. The reception is for American Legion leadership and sponsors of the ALWS.

“Both of these artists are strongly supportive of the military and causes that involve the youth of our country,” says Eddie Holbrook, chairman of the local ALWS planning committee. “Both of them commented after they were here two years ago that they would like to come back, so we jumped at the first opportunity to make that a reality.”

The opening act for The Charlie Daniels Band will be The Southern Experience Band, a popular country group with members from Cleveland and Mecklenburg counties. The members – Scott Sanders, Nikao Wallace, Alton Eddins and Ron Humphries – are known for their tight four-part harmonies.

“We couldn’t be happier with our guest artists this year,” Holbrook says. “We know everyone who attends these two events will be glad they did. Our audience for the festival will also be pleased with the regional favorite opening for Charlie Daniels.”

For more information on the 7th Inning Stretch Festival, go to http://7thinningstretch.cc/.