ACM, USO return to Nellis for second concert April 2 Published March 23, 2011 By Charles Ramey Nellis Public Affairs NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- The Academy of Country Music and the USO are partnering once again to provide a free concert to military members and their families here April 2. The second annual concert, which begins at 2 p.m. at the Nellis Sports Pavilion, will feature ACM Awards Co-Host Blake Shelton and numerous other Nashville recording artists including Montgomery Gentry, Little Big Town, Craig Morgan, Luke Bryan, Brett Eldredge and Sunny Sweeney. Storme Warren, host of Great American Country's "Headline Country" will emcee the event. The military concert is part of "The Week Vegas Goes Country," a series of special events surrounding the 46th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards. According to event organizers, the Las Vegas location for the ACM awards and proximity to Nellis Air Force Base make Southern Nevada the perfect location to pay tribute to sacrifices service members and their families make in the nation's defense. "The Academy is thrilled to return to Nellis to show our appreciation for the troops and their families with this free concert," said Bob Romeo, chief executive officer of the Academy of Country Music. "The USO and country music go hand-in-hand, and the artists are really excited to get out there and make the day special for everyone who comes out to watch." For 70 years, the USO's mission has remained the same--to enhance the quality of life of troops and their families, and bring them a touch of home. "We can't do enough to convey our thanks to our troops and their families for all they do to protect the freedoms we, as Americans, enjoy daily," said John Pray, USO's senior vice president of entertainment and programs. "Lifting spirits is what the USO is all about and we are honored to be collaborating with the Academy of Country Music and the incredible team at Nellis Air Force Base for the second consecutive year to help host another morale-boosting concert featuring some of country music's most talented artists. This is a very special event." Public parking for the concert will be available near military personnel, accounting and finance, security forces, the legal office and behind of the Nellis Club. The 99th Force Support Squadron will offer food, snacks and beverages for purchase. Photos are allowed, however due to recording industry regulations, video and audio taping will not be permitted. For more information on the concert, visit the Nellis Air Force Base public website at http://www.nellis.af.mil/acm-usoconcert.asp.
