Keith Gill Jr., from Level Green, is hosting the annual Country Sounds for Soldiers concert later this week, but this year, he’s doing things a little different.
Hoping to have enough volunteers before the April 19 event, Gill plans to honor between 20 and 25 military members at Irwin’s Lamp Theatre prior to the concert. Using a restored military vehicle, Gill wants to have the service members brought in by police escort wearing full uniform.
Started four years ago after Gill wrote the song “A Soldier’s Hand,” he decided to start an event that would benefit Operation Troop Appreciation, a non-profit organization based out of West Mifflin that works to sustain the morale and well-being of the military community.
Over the years about $4,000 has been raised for the organization, Gill said.
Doors for the event open at 7 p.m., and the concert featuring Antolena Damico, Katelyn Rose, Dawn Savage, Rachel Leigh, Marty Zundel, Stoney Richards, Frank Vieira and Gill will start at 8 p.m.
Gill described the show as simple and laid back, with each country singer playing an acoustic guitar and telling any military-related stories.
Tickets can be purchased at tickets.vendini.com for $12.
