John Michael Montgomery to perform during 12th annual National Memorial Day Parade

The American Veterans Center announces the 12th Annual National Memorial Day parade, in partnership with Helping A Hero, is slated to take place on Monday, May 30 at 2 p.m. ET along Constitution Avenue in our nation’s capital. The parade marks the largest Memorial Day event in the nation, drawing several hundred thousand spectators to line the streets and millions of at-home viewers. Scheduled to perform as part of the musical line-up, is multi-platinum selling country music star John Michael Montgomery, known for numerous No. 1 hits and his poignant salute to soldiers, “Letters From Home.”

Montgomery will give a moving performance of the song, hailed as one of the most moving tributes to the connection between soldiers and their families ever recorded, live before a crowd of veterans and their families, as the parade represents a moving timeline of American military history saluting our nation’s fallen heroes from the Revolutionary War to present-day. The entire event – which marks the largest Memorial Day celebration in the nation – will be broadcasted nationally on REELZ Channel, American Forces Network and online at Military.com.

Representing our nation’s most recent war – the War on Terror, a stand-out house-shaped float will be featured in the parade’s grand finale honoring veterans of Helping A Hero, 501(c)(3) non-profit and Better Business Bureau accredited organization, which builds specially-adapted homes for wounded veterans. Having awarded over 100 homes in 22 states for severely injured soldiers and their families, Helping A Hero is the third largest organization in that nation for this cause. Veterans to be recognized aboard the float include SSG Shilo Harris, CPL Rob Engelbrecht, SGT Daniel Cowart, EM1 (NUC) Jeff Campbell, USN, SGT Dennis Leonard, HM3 Jennifer Penn, CPL Matt Deatherage, SGT Jackie Rodriguez, SPC Russ Rodriguez, Jonathon Mullen and PFD Kenny Adams – all home recipients of Helping A Hero.

The 12th Annual National Memorial Day Parade will recognize the 75th anniversary of America’s entry into World War II, and commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. In honor of the 25th anniversary of Operation Desert Storm, a special tribute will be made to veterans of the Gulf War as hundreds reunite in what will be the largest reunion of those who served in the war since its end in 1991. Additionally, the parade will recognize the 15th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. More than 1,000 active duty military personnel will participate.

The National Memorial Day Parade will commence at the corner of Constitution Avenue and 7th Street, NW. It will proceed west down Constitution, ending just past the White House and the National World War II Memorial at 17th street. Participants will pass by the nation’s monuments, memorials, museums, and be greeted by hundreds of thousands of spectators waving their flags and cheering for our country’s heroes – all in honor of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Embodying their motto, “Empowering Wounded Heroes, One Home at a Time,” Helping A Hero helps military personnel who have been severely injured in duty by providing veterans with homes. Since their founding in 2006, Helping A Hero’s Wounded Warrior Home Program has awarded 100 homes in 22 states to deserving heroes, making them the second largest national organization that builds homes for wounded veterans and their families. Utilizing donations from homebuilders, developers and the community Helping A Hero is able to supply unique, specially-adapted homes to veterans missing limbs, paraplegics, quadriplegics, severe burn or TBI victims, and those with other mental and physical challenges due to their service in Operation Enduring Freedom/Iraqi Freedom at a deeply discounted price. Helping A Hero offers much more than just a home giveaway. Committed to helping those who have been wounded on their road to recovery, the organization helps veterans transition successfully into their local communities and provides the tools they need to succeed in life and become as independent as possible. Helping A Hero also provides additional support programs such as marriage retreats, caregiver retreats, recreational activities, emotional support and financial support. For more information or to donate, please visit www.helpingahero.org.

For more information on John Michael Montgomery, please visit www.johnmichael.com.

Country Music at the Kentucky State Fair

Here are the country music concerts to be featured at the Kentucky State Fair:

Barrels and Boots Music Festival featuring Montgomery Gentry and John Michael Montgomery with RaeLynn, Eric Paslay, Kelsie May and Craig Campbell

DATE: Friday, August 21 at 5 p.m.

TICKETS: $37 – reserved (Ticket price includes Kentucky State Fair gate admission.)

The Turf Concert Series at Cardinal Stadium features award-winning musicians and groups in a fun backyard setting each night of the Fair. Concerts begin at 8 p.m. unless noted otherwise. All concerts are free with paid gate admission. Concertgoers are seated on the turf field in chairs and bleachers, which are on a first come, first serve basis. The stage is along the first base line facing the open turf, seats and concessions from local food trucks. Fans will also get an up-close view of the artists as they perform.

Sunday, August 23

Oak Ridge Boys with special guest Belles & Whistles

Tuesday, August 25

Country Gold Tour featuring Leroy Van Dyke, Steve and Rudy Gatlin, Moe Bandy, Eddy Raven, Jimmy Fortune and Gene Watson

Wednesday, August 26

Easton Corbin with special guest Nathan Osmond

Friday, August 28

Charlie Daniels with special guest Colt Ford

Kentucky Music Hall of Fame Inducts 7 into 2011 Class

Melvin Goins of the Goins Brothers, Lorrie Morgan and Jesse Keith Whitley in memory of Keith Whitley, Larnell Harris, John Michael Montgomery, Steve Wariner, and Patty Loveless are the 2011 Class of the KY Music Hall of Fame. By Jessica Blankenship

Kentucky's finest musicians gathered at the Lexington Center in Lexington, Kentucky on Thursday night for the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. Honorees included Patty Loveless, Steve Wariner, Larnell Harris, Molly O'Day, John Michael Montgomery, The Goins Brothers, and Keith Whitley. Chad Warrix started the event by singing a heartfelt rendition of "My Old Kentucky Home."

The evening contained a blend of performances and stories by those honoring the inductees. In Keith Whitley's honor, his son, Jesse Keith Whitley accepted on his behalf. He would also showcase his talent by singing Whitley's hit tune, "My Amy." In representing his dad, Jesse said, "there are no words to describe it. To be here amongst these guys and ladies I've looked up to being representing my daddy is a complete honor. I know he would be honored to be getting it to."

Jesse Keith Whitley is currently making a name for himself in country music. "My biggest obstacle is showing that I'm not trying to ride the coat tails of mom and dad. I am my own person, but I'm not steering away from my heritage of where I come from. I want people to understand that I have my own style. Like my dad, I like my Harleys and ride my bikes with friends. I love having a good time."

Patty Loveless would provide a haunting rendition of "You'll Never Leave Harlan Alive." Audience members gave Loveless a standing ovation for the legendary performer who got her start by playing clubs in Louisville with her brother. 

In being recognized for his talents, John Michael Montgomery has felt honored. "Over the years I've been blessed for hit songs that made it in both country and other genres. They were songs that were timeless. It is the best feeling of accomplishment to be recognized by my own state to be inducted into the KY Music Hall of Fame. To be honored, I don't know if I never won another award, I know I've ended it all on a good note."

Eddie Montgomery gave a very touching tribute in honor of his brother, John Michael Montgomery. Prior to the show, an emotional side of Eddie Montgomery said that John is, "the greatest singer, greatest guitar player, greatest brother, and greatest dad. This is the best thing to happen to him. He is definitely Mr. Kentucky and a country music legend. One thing people would be surprise to know about John Michael is that you couldn't ask about a better friend. There are two things I believe in - the Bible and my brother. You can't take either away from me."

Legendary guitarist and songwriter Steve Wariner has been living a dream since he was younger. Being raised in Kentucky, he learned about making an honest living. When it comes to Kentucky, Steve said the best thing is "the roots, knowing the heritage that my mom and dad are from the same town just outside of Jamestown. I love visiting because dad would drive me around telling me stories, some over and over again."

In leaving a legacy with his music, Wariner says, "I try to pick songs that will touch someone or will touch me. I try to pick the best songs I can make. To think that it will leave a legacy, it is an honor to think of it that it might. That is something you hope you achieve. It always touches me whenever someone says they enjoy a song, or it was played at a funeral. It's an honor. I learned when I was little you can never dream too big. You keep working at it. If I can do it, anyone can do it. We didn't have a lot growing up. Music was my savior and it got me out of trouble. I'm glad that God lead me down the road to music. I love it. I never got away from my roots even today. My mom is here tonight. That's why this is so special to me tonight. This is my backyard, in fact I'm getting emotional talking about it, but it means a lot."

Deep in the hills of eastern Kentucky, Molly O'Day, came from a coal mining family. She would go on to record 36 songs for Columbia Records from 1946 to 1951. She would be known for her hit songs "The Tramp on the Street," "Don't Sell Daddy Any More Whiskey," and Hank Williams' "The Singing Waterfall." At the age of 29, she would devote her life to the Church of God. O'Day passed away in 1987, leaving a legacy behind for future generations, including Dolly Parton.

Without Bill Monroe, bluegrass music would not have existed. Thanks to folks like Melvin Goins of the Goins Brothers, that tradition is still alive. When he grew up, Goins wasn't for sure what direction he was going to go. He wanted to go to school to be an attorney. Eventually he would trade four hens and a rooster for a guitar. In being inducted, Goins said, "it is the greatest thing that has happened to me in my life in all my years in bluegrass. That is the greatest music in the world. We've had some great entertainers that have come from this wonderful state of Kentucky - Bill Monroe, Grandpa Jones, Merle Travis, Keith Whitley, Ricky Skaggs, so many legends. I'm so glad that they picked the music up and expanded on it. I don't think this good music will ever die. I thank the good Lord for blessing me to allow me to travel and play for people. I love it."

Over time, there have been contemporary gospel singers that have made their start in Kentucky. Western Kentucky University graduate, Larnell Harris is very proud to where he is from. "I'm from Kentucky. This is like family. These are the kinds of things that my teachers told me about. If you took this award and cut it up into pieces, you wouldn't have enough to give away to those that helped make me who I am." The award winning icon has traveled all around the world spreading the good word about God through his soulful music. These days, he resides in Louisville with his family and continues to preach.

What exactly defines Kentucky music? John Michael Montgomery said that it was "the down heartedness of country artists I've worked with. We came from the grass roots and it shows in our music. Everybody that I've met from Kentucky, they're really good class of people. That's why I'm still living here."

Eddie Montgomery living a dream with steakhouse

Eddie Montgomery with John Michael Montgomery - by Jessica Blankenship

Less than a year ago, Eddie Montgomery had a vision and a dream. That vision was to open up his own restaurant within his community. That vision became a reality as Eddie Montgomery's Steakhouse would soon open, complete with a gift shop complete with items from his wife, Tracy.

On Tuesday night, the Montgomery family celebrated their success with a Grand Opening that would benefit Camp Horsin' Around. Camp Horsin' Around is based in Central Kentucky and is a charity that Eddie Montgomery started recently. It benefits children that are terminally ill. "Our kids are our future and I'm hoping that Camp Horsin' Around will help stomp out cancer. Bottom line, this puts them somewhere on a farm with horses, a bunch of my old donkeys, and other farm animals, and they get to be kids. That's what it's all about - to let them be kids."

As fans gathered to the sold out special event, they were greeted as they walked the red carpet, ever fitting with Montgomery's red boots. The menu would consist a choice of steak or grilled salmon, along with a salad, and dessert choice of bread pudding or Jim Beam Pie. The delicious food and atmosphere really was an enjoyable experience.

Eddie was not alone on opening the doors of the special event. He was joined up on stage by fellow friends in the music industry. Craig Morgan, Colt Ford, The Roys, Lucas Hoge, Ira Dean, and Billy Dean all attended to entertain the crowd. John Michael Montgomery, brother, would also perform a few of his hits. Eddie would even perform on his own stage for the first time.

Songwriter Ira Dean is quite involved with the charity and helping Eddie out. "I've been involved with the charity since Eddie called me the first time. When he calls me, I don't mind to help him out. I know it's a good cause."

"It's a great experience. As friends, we do not get to do these kind of things that often. We're all so busy. It's nice to have that opportunity to help out our friends," according to Craig Morgan.

Colt Ford has collaborated with John Michael Montgomery on various projects. The Georgia native said that he soon became friends with Eddie after knowing John for a while. "When your buddy calls where I come from, you just load up and go do it. I was just glad to be here."

Eddie Montgomery definitely has provided a boost to the economy of Harrodsburg by employing about 200 employees. Visitors from all across the country come to the town just to eat at the restaurant. "I think it is great that someone wants to take a piece from here and they want to come and visit from out of state. It's been very humbling how many people have came. When you walk out in the parking lot and you see license plates from the different states, it's really nice," according to Tracy Montgomery, Eddie's wife.

In opening the restaurant, it was quite simple to live that vision and keeping tradition. "Kentucky has always been known for it's music, horses, and I just want to make sure to keep that tradition going. There's so much talent here in Kentucky; it's unbelievable. I see it in here every night. I have a jam night and karaoke night. When you wake up in Kentucky, it's in your blood. If you look down in history, some of your greatest entertainers, whether it's acting or music, it's been homegrown here in Kentucky. I want to make sure that we keep that going."

The biggest challenge according to Eddie is that not being a business guy. "When I see something, I grab it and worry about everything else later." He said that he learned that you have to keep top of things no matter if you are out on the road or not. One person he owes thanks to helping out live this dream is his wife.

"I'm excited for him as this has been his dream to have a restaurant, although his dreams are killing me, that's exciting for him. He's been really busy ever since we opened the restaurant. For him to have a little bit of a break and his brother (John Michael) at the same time is great. They have a lot of stuff coming up that they are working on together. I think it's pretty exciting and to see them both on stage tonight together will be cool too."

When Eddie Montgomery took to the stage Tuesday night to perform for the first time at his restaurant, he sang it best when he played "Lucky Man." Kentucky is honored to have the Montgomery family as a whole to help support the local community through their restaurant and Camp Horsin' Around.

More information on Eddie Montgomery Steakhouse can be found here.

More information on Camp Horsin' Around can be found here.

Kentucky Music Hall of Fame Announces 2011 Inductees

Kentucky Music Hall of Fame announced their class of 2011 today during a press conference conducted by Robert Lawson, Executive Director and Connie Hunt, Event Ceremony Executive Producer. Keith Whitley, Patty Loveless, Steve Wariner, John Michael Montgomery, The Goins Brothers, Molly O’Day and, Larnelle Harris will be the newest inductees into the prestigious Kentucky Music Hall of Fame.

“This year’s inductees include some of the most recognizable music artists in the world,” says Lawson of the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame. “The ceremony taking place in April 2011 will feature performances by this year’s class as well as some of this state’s greatest music achievers.”

The 2011 Induction Ceremony will be held in the Lexington Center Bluegrass Ballroom in Lexington, Kentucky on April 7, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are on sale now at the Hall of Fame. For more information about the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame & Museum call 1-877-356-3263 or visit www.KYMusicHallofFame.com. The induction ceremony is sponsored by Rockcastle Regional Hospital and UK Health Care.

About Patty Loveless:
To date, Patty Loveless has issued eight Gold Record albums, four of which have gone on to Platinum status. The singer is also noted for such chart-topping hits as “Timber I’m Falling in Love,” “Chains,” “Blame it on Your Heart,” “You Can Feel Bad” and “Lonely Too Long,” as well as such enduring fan favorites as “I Try to Think About Elvis,” “How Can I Help You Say Goodbye,” “I’m That Kind of Girl” and “You Don’t Even Know Who I Am.” Her 2008 album, Sleepless Nights, was nominated for a Grammy award and she most recently released Mountain Soul II, both on Saguaro Road Records.

About John Michael Montgomery:
With a musical career that spans twelve albums and a greatest hits package, John Michael Montgomery’s overwhelming contribution to the country music format includes hits such as “I Swear,” “Be My Baby Tonight,” “I Can Love You Like That,” “Sold (the Grundy County Auction Incident)” and “Life’s A Dance,” among many others. He’s earned 15 number one singles, sold over 15 million albums and received numerous industry and fan-voted awards, three CMA Awards, five ACM Awards and an American Music Award.

About Steve Wariner:
Award-winning recording artist, songwriter and guitarist Steve Wariner has charted over 30 top-10 singles, including 14 #1 hits, since beginning his recording career in 1977. In January he won the Grammy® Award for Best Country Instrumental Performance with “Producer’s Medley” from Steve Wariner, c.g.p., My Tribute to Chet Atkins. This is the fourth Grammy Award Wariner has received, and his first as a solo performer and producer. He won in 1992 for Best Country Collaboration with Vocals, and in 2000 and 2009 for Best Country Instrumental Performance. In 1998 Wariner won the Country Music Association’s Single and Song of the Year awards for his #1 hit, “Holes in the Floor of Heaven,” which was also the Academy of Country Music’s Song of the Year in 1999. He joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1996. As a songwriter he has earned 16 BMI Country Awards and 15 BMI Million-Air Awards (for songs receiving over one million on-air plays). He was inducted into the Music City Walk of Fame in 2008 and the National Thumbpickers Hall of Fame in 2009. He started his own label, SelecTone Records, in 2003.

Produced by Wariner and released on SelecTone Records label, Steve Wariner, c.g.p., My Tribute to Chet Atkins honors the legendary guitarist and producer who was also his friend, mentor, producer and former employer. The abbreviation “c.g.p.” stands for “Certified Guitar Player,” a title that Atkins himself bestowed on only four guitar pickers: Tommy Emmanuel, John Knowles, the late Jerry Reed, and Wariner.

About Keith Whitley:
Whitley's brief career in mainstream country music lasted from 1984 till his death in 1989, but he continues to influence an entire generation of singers and songwriters. He charted nineteen singles on the Billboard country charts, including five consecutive Number Ones: "Don't Close Your Eyes", "When You Say Nothing at All", "I'm No Stranger to the Rain", "I Wonder Do You Think of Me" and "It Ain't Nothin'" (the last two posthumously).

About The Goins Brothers:
After the Lonesome Pine Fiddlers disbanded in 1963, Ray and Melvin performed together as The Goins Brothers until Ray’s heart attack in 1994 slowed him down. Ray retired in 1997, while Melvin continued as Melvin Goins & Windy Mountain. Ray would share the stage with his brother on occasion, mostly close to home in eastern Kentucky Melvin Goins and Ray Goins, The Goins Brothers, have been playing mountain string music for 50 years. The music became known as "bluegrass" about the time they started playing professionally. Ray passed away in 2007.

About Molly O’Day:
O’Day was an American country music vocalist who had some degree of fame and commercial success in the late 1940s. Despite her short recording career, 5 years, she became a legend in her own lifetime.

About Larnelle Harris:
Larnelle Harris was born in 1947 and hailed from Danville, Kentucky, where his 30-plus years of ministry, garnered 18 albums, won five Grammy Awards and 18 Dove Awards. His career as a Gospel singer, songwriter, and recording artist has landed several number one songs on the Inspirational Music charts.