On Saturday, September, 11th, 2010, Beatrice, Nebraska will hold a city-wide benefit for our troops. There will be activities at the Eagle's Club from 9am and bands and DJ's at all the bars at night. The event is held by the anonymous group called Citizens That Care. All proceeds will go to purchasing care packages for overseas soldiers.
Origin
The idea came from a friend of one the organizers who nearly lost his life overseas. The organizer wanted to hold a benefit for him, but the soldier told him if he wanted to do this , do it for the soldiers that are still over there. So under the moniker "Citizens That Care," with a few buddies, he embarked on this idea, that turned out to be surprisingly well-received. "Soon as you started mentioning it was for our troops, everyone just jumped right on board...they pretty much jump in with both feet."
They approached each bar in Beatrice, two radio stations, and several sponsors, however, almost every band approached them. Some bands were turned away because there was not enough room, even with the several changes to try to fit everyone in.
Promotion
Originally, 92.9 The Eagle, Lincoln's Classic Rock station, was to broadcast live from the event. According to Citizens That Care, the DJ's fought over who was gonna do the job. However, they already had a contract with the Cornhuskers to broadcast every home game, in which September 11th was one. In lieu, both The Eagle and their sister station, 104.1 The Blaze, agreed to promote the event on-air. The Eagle, along with Fairbury's 99.5 KUTT, is also giving away wristbands through their contests.
Local filmmaker, Keith Trimm, also jumped on board to make commercials for Citizens That Care. Each commercial was shared on Facebook. The first three were just "Citizens That Care" discussing the event. From there, is where I got involved. Keith and I wrote a theme song for the organization and shot a music video with footage from three of the bars hosting the event. An acoustic version of the song was also shot. Next, I interviewed Captain Shane York of the National Guard. A second video from the session was released with Captain York guiding a tour of The Spirit of '76 armory in Lincoln, Nebraska. The next commercial was several "Citizens That Care" thanking local soldiers. And the last was Rude Awakening, one of the bands performing the night of the event, covering the Citizens That Care theme.
Admission
Ten dollars is the cover charge at each of the venues. However, one could purchase a wristband. This will grant access at any venue, anytime, without paying the ten at each. They are thirty dollars and will be sold at The Eagles Club. There is a limited supply, however, so if you desire one, be sure to arrive early when they go on sale.
If you can't attend, but still would like to make a contribution, you can send donations to Citizens That Care at 23490 SW 75 Beatrice, Ne. 68310.
Future Plans
Next year, Citizens That Care plan to hold the event in one spot and span the whole weekend. They are looking to book the fairgrounds in the bandstand where many mainstream Country artists have performed for the Gage County Fair. "We'll keep doing this until the troops come home --until they stay home."
Schedule
The Eagles Club (111 S 8th St)
Poker Run- 9am to 4pm
Bike and Car Show and Shine 2pm to 7pm
"Tribute for our Troops"- includes Color Guard, K-Dub (Sturgis MC), and National Anthem sung by Tim Decker of Decker- 7pm
Activities provided by local armed services- 9am to 7pm
Pam's Catering- 12pm to 2pm
Coleen's Catering- 5pm to 7pm
Entertainment- 3pm to Close
One Headlight High
A Different Breed
RAM Karaoke
Decker
Mother Tung
Risky's II Sports Bar and Grill (2317 N 6th St)
Entertainment- 7pm to Close
Rude Awakening
Serotonin
C4
The Office Bar (513 Ella St)
Entertainment- 7pm to Close
Emceed by K-Dub
Glitch
Mushroom Bruize
Decker
The Brass Rail (212 Court St)
Entertainment- 7pm to Close
Underground Entertainment (DJ and Karaoke)
12 Years Coming
Gibb's Place (1101 S 6th St)
Entertainment- 7pm to Close
R.I.P.T.
K-9 Suite
V-Twin Band
End Zone Sports Bar(3500 N 6th St)
S&K Karaoke- 9pm to 11:30pm
Sights Set At Midnight- 11:30pm to Close
Sponsors
All branches of the military- Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, National Guard
Walmart
Dawg's Hut
Beatrice Super Market
Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy
K&B Tobacco Outlet
O'Reilly Auto Parts
Sapp Brothers
Once Upon A Page
Travelers Lodge
Catering by Pamela
Extreme Motorsports Decal Signs
Eagles Club, Beatrice NE
The Office Bar
Rock Creek Inn, Jansen, NE
The Salty Dog, Steele City, NE
Grand Avenue Bar & Grill, Barneston, NE
A&N Bar, Wymore, NE
Thomas Studios
Toxic Ink
Fast Cash Express Tax Place
Orange Bowl
Every hand given in this benefit is volunteer. Citizens That Care thanks each and every one of you.
Subscribe to Allen Dean Lyons, Lincoln Jam Band Examiner and "Like" Lyons Freelance on Facebook to read highlights on the event and other musical events in the Beatrice/Lincoln area. Also, "Like" Citizens That Care on Facebook to learn more about the event.
Comments
Correction- 9/10/10- Sights Set At Midnight will no longer play the event. Also, Citizens That Care were interviewed on both The Eagle's and The Blaze's morning shows, Friday morning; the morning before the event.
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