Last Monday night I had the thrill of a lifetime performing and also being the Master of Ceremony for one of the greatest events for one of the greatest guys I have ever met.

Kirk Morris, father of the late Geoff Morris, USMC, (KIA in Iraq in 2004,) organized a "country music concert" to raise money so a Fisher House could be built at Hines Veterans Hospital near Maywood, Illinois. What is a Fisher House, you may ask?

Fisher House is one of the greatest idea's of our time. When a troops is wounded in battle and needs weeks, months or even years to recuperate, a "Fisher House," usually built on the grounds of a VA Hospital, allows the wounded warrior's family to stay close to their loved one during their stay at the VA. Now; wives and children, Mom's and Dad's can stay on the VA Hospital grounds, FOR FREE, and be with their loved one while he or she heals. For more information on how you can get involved with Fisher House, visit www.fisherhouse.org.

OK, back to the story. ... Yes, I know I am a rocker, ... and yes, I did a country gig. I was a bit nervous at first, but I must say country music artists and country music fans accepted me with open arms. At 6:00 PM I introduced the first act, Lone Wolf; at the Sundance Saloon in Waukegan, Illinois (www.sundancesaloon.com) . The Sundance Saloon is the biggest bar I have ever seen. It was a former Walmart, so if you have ever been in one of those stores, you can imagine how big this bar would be inside.

Lone Wolf is comprised of country music buddies of mine who go back, 20-plus years, so it was kind of a reunion. When Lone Wold finished rockin' the crowd, I came on stage while the crew setup for the next act. I did about 4 tunes (that were actually very well received.) While I was singing and playing, the other acts would sit in front of me, cheering me on. I told the audience, "As I perform, I look out and see these talented musicians sitting here, ... I feel like I'm on the Country Music Awards Show!"

The second act was Michael Scott (www.michaelscottinfo.com) who really tore up the joint. Michael actually jumped onto the "ginormous" dance floor and did the "electric slide" with the audience while he sang. I have a hard time walking and chewing gum at the same time, but it was no problem for Michael.

After Michael, I did a few more tune, made some announcements and introduced Tin Horse; 3-beautiful and talented gals and 3 very talented guys. (www.tinhorseband.com ... guys, make sure your ladies are not anywhere near the computer when you click on their website!)

After Tin Horse, I did a few more announcements and introduced Kirk to a standing ovation. Kirk introduced a film on Fisher House and then brought up all his celebrity buddies to the stage. 1985 Super Bowl Champ quarterback Jim McMahon (who recently visited Iraq) 2007 NFC Champ kicker Robbie Gould, some of the prettiest gals from the TV game show, "Deal or No Deal." (hubah-la-boomski, ... that's all I'm saying) Chicagoan and actor Joel Murray (Bill's little brother) comedian Tom Dreesen and many more. All of them were very nice to me and actually knew who I was ... and the one's who didn't know me at least pretended to know me ... LOL. (That shocked me.)

While Kirk and the celeb's were on stage, they raised over 50 thousand dollars for Fisher House during the auction. The funny part was the fact that some of the auctioned prizes were so good, the celebrities ON STAGE were bidding on them!

After the auction, I did a few more tunes and introduced the headliner, Steve Azar (www.steveazarlive.com. Steve is a great guy, and a great performer/song writer. His drummer, Jason performed with him and kind of stoled the show, if you ask me. Two dynamic personalities and a perfect way to end the night.

I want to thank Kirk Morris, Fisher House, all the Marines and Navy troops from Great Lakes, Army Public Affairs Brandi Schiff and all the people who attended and made the night a smashing success.

God bless America

 

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