By Jeff Potts
4 February 2004
Oshkosh Northwestern
It’s a good thing the Neenah Menasha Professional Firefighters are responsible for the annual charity concert at Fox Cities stadium, because the 2004 installment is going to be one hot show.
Southern rockers The Allman Brothers Band will headline the charity concert on Saturday, July 17.
“It’s going to be one heck of a night at the stadium,” said Capt. Steve Pack. “Maybe the biggest one yet.”
Past performers have included Chicago and the Moody Blues, but organizers said they expect The Allman Brothers Band to help bring in a slightly younger crowd this summer, which hopefully will translate into more profits for the firefighters charities.
All the proceeds from the event are donated to local charities. In past years they’ve raised tens-of-thousands of dollars for good causes in the Fox Valley.
Pack said one of the concerns of the firefighters is to balance a top quality national act with affordable ticket prices, stating The Allman Brothers Band gave them a charity rate.
The show will start at 6:45 p.m. with a performance by an aerobatic flight stunt team. The Allman Brothers are expected to perform two sets followed by a fireworks display to end the event.
While the band is already a member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame it’s not quite the same group as many fans will remember from their mid-seventies success with hits like “Ramblin’ Man,” “Jessica,” “Midnight Rider,” and “Melissa.”
They still are led by Gregg Allman, who is joined by drummers Butch Trucks and Jaimoe, percussionist Marc Quinones, bassist Oteil Burbridge, and guitarists Derek Trucks and Warren Haynes, who perfectly combine the history and legacy of the group’s music with a contemporary approach to exploring new music.
