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Country Jam acts officially introduced

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Local performer Grayson Rogers speaks during a press conference for the Veterans Country Jam Oct. 25 at the Lee Civic Center. Musician Michael Wright, who helped put the show together, is in the background. CHUCK BALLARO
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Veterans Country Jam promoter George Tice speaks during a press conference for the Veterans Country Jam Oct. 25 at the Lee Civic Center. CHUCK BALLARO

With the exception of the headliner, who was out entertaining the troops at sea, all the acts for the upcoming Veteran Country Jam Concert on Saturday, Oct. 25, were on hand for a news conference to officially announce the acts for the show and to give free tickets to local veteran organizations.

Michael Wright, the Grayson Rogers Band and the LCEC Killa Watts Band will open the show for headliner Lee Greenwood at the Lee Civic Center, and all spoke at the news conference which was attended by local dignitaries.

Greenwood could not attend.

George Tice, president of Veterans Country Jam, said the organization honors veterans through music and camaraderie between them.

“Our veterans organizations do a great job in Southwest Florida. We honor them so they can honor their veterans,” Tice said before giving hundreds of tickets to American Legion Post 38, Fort Myers; Collier County Honor Flight; National Coalition for Patriots, Cape Coral; and VFW Post 4254, Bonita Springs, and the Veterans Museum in Cape Coral.

County Commissioner Brian Hamman said he expects a first class show and gave a shout out to the veterans.

“This is such an important event because you can’t say ‘thank you’ enough to them,” Hamman said. “I am blessed to be able to raise my family in the greatest country on earth, and like that because of the people who served for us.”

Cecil Pendergrass, State Rep. Matt Caldwell and a representative of U.S. Rep. Kurt Klawson were also in attendance.

But it was all about the musicians as they spoke of the honor to perform in front of those who served.

“This is a great opportunity to do something for veterans and make sure they know they’re not forgotten,” said performer Michael Wright, who also is vice president of Veteran Country Jam. “This is not a one-time thing. We’re going to do this year after year.”

The Grayson Rogers Band, a Cape Coral-based country-rock band that has put its latest single “Party Rocker” on the country charts, will also perform songs from its newly released album “All Fired Up.”

“My uncle is a veteran so we’re happy to help any way we can,” Rogers said.

A portion of the proceeds from the new album will go toward building homes for troops.

Tickets start at $20. Floor seats are $35 and VIPs seat are $100.

Gates open at 6 p.m. Parking is included in the price. Tickets are available at leeciviccenter.com.