This year ACM weekend just got bigger. The ACM Experience is the first ever free and open to the public country music event created with fans in mind. As part of this expo, on Saturday March 31st, NRA Country presented an ACM concert called Salute to the Military.

This special event celebrated the military and their families. Country stars including Lee Brice, Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers, J.T. Hodges, Kip Moore, John Rich, Bradley Gaskin, Thompson Square and Craig Morgan showed up to show their support for the military and show country fans a good time.

Bill Cody from GAC opened the show and introduced the hostess for the evening, Robin Meade. J.T. Hodges kicked off the performances with his hit “Hunt You Down.” After the song he stopped to say, “We all know who the true heroes are…our soldiers.” That same sentiment seemed to carry through the entire evening. Not only was there one great performance after another, but the night was filled with many memorable and touching moments as well.

There were special presentations by NRA country in which 3 deserving charities received monetary gifts. You could feel the sense of American pride in the air as these organizations were applauded by fellow past and present military in the audience. All of the artists performing were truly proud to be a part of an event that saluted the ones who sacrifice the most. Jon Rich said, “I am honored to be on this stage.” Later Bill Cody reminded everyone, “The families that are back home also serve.”

After Thompson Square performed there was a huge surprise for the audience….and Thompson Square!! The Academy of Country Music decided to hand out the first award of the year a little early. Robin Meade came out and had an ACM envelope in her hand. Shawna and Keifer held hands and started tearing up at the thought of what was to come. When Robin read their name as winners of the Vocal Duo of the Year award tears of joy streamed down their faces. Shawna spoke saying, “This is a bitter sweet moment, more sweet than bitter. My dad passed away about a month ago, so this is for my dad.” The audience screamed and cheered visibly happy for the duo.

Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers also provided an unexpected part to the show. With a windy Vegas night came a few audio technical problems. When Larry’s microphone wouldn’t work he led the crowd in singing the Star Spangled Banner. It turned out to be a great moment to hear the whole crowd singing that patriotic song together. Larry also wrote a special song for the veterans. He said he just wrote it and taught it to the band before the show. He said because he was 63 he may forget the words. This gave the audience a good laugh. He didn’t forget the words and the song was a real crowd pleaser.

Craig Morgan, who has served in the military himself, closed out the night. He sang a special song he wrote dedicated to the men and women who serve called, “What Matters Most.” He also shared some songs off his new CD that got the audience clapping their hands and stomping their boots. He ended with extending a special thank you to all the men and women who serve in the Armed Forces and said, “God bless you.”

Check out all of our pictures from the event on our Flickr page here.

Set List

J.T. Hodges–”Hunt You Down,” “Goodbyes Made You Mine”
Kip Moore–”Somethin’ ‘Bout a Truck,” “Reckless”
John Rich–”Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy,”
Bradley Gaskin–”Diamonds Make Babies,” “Don’t Close Your Eyes” (Keith Whitley cover)
Lee Brice–”A Woman Like You,” “Love Like Crazy”
Thompson Square–”I Got You,” “Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not”
Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers–”Houston,” “All the Gold in California,” “Thank a Soldier”
Craig Morgan–”Redneck Yacht Club,” “Corn Star,” “That’s What I Love About Sunday,” “What Matters Most,” “This Ole Boy”

Krissie Humphrey
CMTT Music Contributor
@khmusic12
krissie@countrymusictattletale.com