One hundred percent of the money donated goes toward funding resident programs at the proposed Southeast Tennessee Veterans Home. Gates open at noon with Cleveland-based Hard Boiled starting the festivities at 1 p.m.
Cleveland’s Dexter Thomas Band steps onto the stage at 3 p.m. with its high-energy music that has become an unmistakable sound of the South. The 10-piece band features a dynamic combination of male and female lead vocals, allowing for maximum stylistic diversity. Four members of the band have music degrees. Individual members have performed outside of the band both nationally and internationally.
From 4 to 6 p.m., the lively event will transition from revelry to reverence on Armed Forces Day by paying tribute to the nation’s veterans. The patriotic program will be announced in the future.
The rocking resumes at 7 p.m. with another pair of Cleveland’s own musicians, Joe and Cory Collins, who are known for never leaving their audience lacking for quality entertainment. Their energetic blend of sibling harmony, showmanship and professionalism are growing their popularity throughout the Southeast.
Confederate Railroad takes its crowds on a train ride of diversity with its musical selections. According to the band’s website, from rowdy country to raw emotion, a Confederate Railroad concert covers a wide range of feelings. Young people will rock to “Trashy Women,” while parents and grandparents will likely sing along to “Jesus and Mama.”
The band plays about 100 or so dates each year.
Danny Shirley, lead singer and vocalist, along with Mark Dufresne on drums, Wayne Secrest on bass, Rusty Hendrix on lead guitar and Cody McCarver on keyboards and vocals add a personal display of fan appreciation by staying after performances until everyone gets an autograph, a picture with the band, or gets to just say hello.
Boogie at the Barn producer Grant Pirkle said a veterans’ home in Cleveland was the dream of his father, the late John Simmons, who died in June 2010 before his work was done.
Pappy’s Place was specially built to host the annual fundraiser on Simmons’ farm.
Pirkle said his father had a personal desire and saw the need for a home where veterans could retire with the honor and dignity “they so well deserve after bravely serving their country.”
Simmons’ untimely passing was the catalyst for creating the stage, appropriately named “Pappy’s Place.”
For information on tickets, sponsorships and vending opportunities, please contact Danielle Pirkle at 423-400-6746 or visit www.boogieatthebarn.com on the Internet.
