Country music comes to Cherry Point

News: Country music comes to Cherry Point

2nd Marine Aircraft Wing & Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point

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Story by Cpl. Samantha H. Arrington Follow This Journalist

Cpl. Samantha H. Arrington

Josh Thompson sings the final song during the third annual Guitar Pull audience at the Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point theater, Nov. 16. “I’m glad to be here,” said Thompson. “This is my first time on a military base and I love it, this is great.”

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. - Marines, sailors and members of the local community gathered at the Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point theater for a free country music concert, Nov. 16.

“This is so exciting. I saw Jack Ingram at the first concert we had here a few years ago,” said Lori A. Crawford, the protocol officer for MCAS Cherry Point. “I’m looking forward to seeing him play again.”

The third annual concert was hosted by Marine Corps Community Services in partnership with local country music radio station, 95.1 WRNS. The concert featured artists Kellie Pickler, Jack Ingram, Steve Holy, Josh Thompson, Lauren Alaina and Bill Gentry.

“This is great. I come from a military family, my grandpa was in the Marines,” said Bill Gentry. “We’ll come back anytime ya’ll will have us.”
Lauren Alaina opened the show to more than 1,800 fans by singing the national anthem.

“It’s great to be here,” said Lauren. “I’m a big supporter of our military.”

Similar to the last two concerts held at the theater, seating was first-come, first-served. Fans began lining up for a chance at the best seats more than 3 hours before showtime.

“We want to try and bring a little bit of home to our service members,” said Kellie Pickler, known for her song “Red high heels.” “This, as always, is the least that we can do to give back to the people who give so much to us.”

MCCS officials have stated that a fourth annual country music concert is being planned for next year.