Members of the audience danced to the music and sang along with the artists at the Volunteer Jam held May 24 to open the concert series at the newly refurbished Fiddler's Green.
The Volunteer Jam lineup included solo artist Craig Campbell and two country rock bands, Blackhawk and Outlaw. The bands were made up of primarily the same members, including lead singer Henry Paul. The featured artist of the night at the Greenwood Village venue was the Charlie Daniels Band.
However, the event had a special twist as promoter Chuck Morris deemed it a way to give back to the community and distributed an estimated 1,400 tickets to military personnel, the National Guard, the American Red Cross, first responders and city and state workers.
“I am here tonight for two reasons, because I like the music, particularly Charlie Daniels, and to say thank you for the ticket,” Missy Trent said as she took her seat. “I served four years on active duty and I am finishing up my third year with the reserves.”
The Douglas County resident said she appreciates the fact the promoter is saying thank you to people who serve the community by offering them the opportunity to see the bands and enjoy the evening.
“I like Blackhawk but I can't wait to hear Charlie Daniels rock the place,” she said with a smile.
The second act on the program was the band Blackhawk. The group got a huge response before they took the stage as, in keeping with their way of doing things, the sound of drums filled the air and a Native American in full tribal dress danced onto the stage doing a spirit dance, blessing the stage, instruments and equipment.
Blackhawk took the stage and leader Henry Paul led the group. At one point he became half of a duo blending the sounds of their guitars in a blues number.
The Outlaws, a group that began in Tampa in 1967, followed Blackhawk to the stage but the look and makeup of the band was basically unchanged.
Paul, again the lead singer, warned the sizable audience to be prepared because they had been notified that rain might be rolling in.
The weather held off until Charlie Daniels was taking the stage. There were those who left but a good-size portion of the crowd donned rain gear or raised umbrellas in order to hear the 77-year-old performer sing, play the fiddle and entertain them.
“We are getting a little wet but Charlie (Daniels) never missed a beat,” Phil Silverman said as he and his wife gathered their rain gear around them. “We love his music and we'll stay here as long as he is on stage. I work for the state and got our tickets. I want to say thanks to the organizers. Rain or no rain, this has been a great concert, we are enjoying it and the free tickets have made this a great date night.”