Concert lineup set for Legion World Series
Legion Baseball fans and players attending the 2014 American Legion World Series (ALWS) in Shelby, N.C., will receive some entertainment even before the tournament games begin. Shelby's ALWS executive committee recently announced a pre-tournament concert lineup that includes performances by country music artist Rodney Atkins, singer-songwriter Corey Smith and The Charlie Daniels Band.
Atkins will perform during the Celebration of Champions event held for Legion Baseball players, their families and the community on Aug. 13 at 8 p.m. at Keeter Stadium. Atkins' debut release, "If You're Going Through Hell," awarded him Top New Male Vocalist in 2006 from the Academy of Country Music. The album spawned four top singles. His most recent albums, "It's America" and "Take a Back Road," earned him his fifth and sixth No. 1 hits.
Tickets for the concert are $25 apiece and go on sale April 30. Click here to purchase tickets.
Smith will be the main headliner for Shelby's second annual 7th Inning Stretch Festival, held Aug. 9 in Uptown Shelby court square from 3 - 10:30 p.m. Smith is a guitarist who combines rock and blues with his country, and his most popular songs include “Twenty One,” “If I Could Do It Again” and “I Love Everyone.” Besides a performance by Smith and other local musicians, the festival’s activities include a 5k run/walk, a children’s play area, street entertainers, food vendors, a corn hole tournament, arts and crafts and live music. The 5k registration fees will be donated toward The American Legion's National Emergency Fund.
Click here to visit the 7th Inning Stretch Festival website for more information.
As previously announced, The Charlie Daniels Band will perform during the National Commander's Reception on Aug. 12 at the LeGrand Center. The band is known for its song "The Devil Went Down to Georgia." The reception is for American Legion leadership and sponsors of the ALWS.
"One of our earliest goals for the ALWS was to make it more than just a baseball event," said Eddie Holbrook, co-chairman of Shelby's ALWS executive committee. "The concerts have provided additional enthusiasm for the community and the Series itself. And the 7th Inning Stretch Festival, with its free performances, is our 'thank you' to the community for its backing from the very beginning of our efforts to acquire the ALWS for Shelby-Cleveland County. The strong community involvement has been a major factor in our success and the ultimate decision of a live airing of the championship game on ESPNU."