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Multiple tribute bands to play at Troop Aid concert

Proceeds to benefit county's men and women serving overseas.

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By Eric Robinette, Staff Writer Updated 8:26 PM Friday, March 12, 2010

MIDDLETOWN — Multiple tribute bands are scheduled to appear at a three-day festival concert in Middletown in May.

Troop Aid 2010 and runs May 14-16 at Smith Park, said Adriane Scherrer, one of the organizers of the event and the director of the We Can Business Incubator.

Charlie Daniels, who was reported to appear at the event, is in negotiations, but is not yet confirmed, Scherrer said.

The concert will be a benefit for Operation Troop Aid, a nonprofit agency that provides care packages for deployed troops.

Scheduled to appear are tribute acts representing Larry the Cable Guy, Eric Clapton, Ozzy Osbourne, Aerosmith, Led Zeppelin and Guns n’ Roses. Other attractions, include the Gem City Chorus, the Southern Gateway Chorus, Team Fastrax skydivers, World War II re-enactments and the traveling Vietnam veteran’s memorial wall.

“We could get 30,000 to 50,000 people in Middletown for this,” Scherrer said.

The event first formed in the mind of Earl Hayes, a Trenton man and Navy veteran who served in Beirut from 1981-84. He was also injured there, so he knows all too well the stresses veterans face when they come home, trying to get help.

“It’s a game of hurry up and wait,” he said.

Hayes joined forces with Gregg Coulter, a Cincinnati-area talent agent with the company TransAmerican Entertainment, He also plays Slash, the guitarist of Guns n’ Roses, in that tribute band, so he had connections to several other tribute artists, inviting them to donate their services.

Appearing on May 14 will be Paul Johnson, who plays Larry the Cable Guy, and Ozzmosis, the Ozzy Osbourne tribute band, among others. Saturday’s roster includes Slowhand (Eric Clapton), Winds of Thor (Led Zeppelin) and Use Your Illusion (Guns n Roses). Sunday will bring the Swamp Kings, the Rumpke Mountain Boys and the 2003 Nashville Star Winner Buddy Jewel.

“That’s phenomenal for a first-year event,” Scherrer said.

Other attractions include a custom car show, a bike show and various kids activities.

The organizers are looking for numerous sponsors and volunteers, especially entertainers like jugglers and face painters, Scherrer said. For more information, call (513) 705-4100.

Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2836 or erobinette@coxohio.com.

Troop Aid 2010

When: May 14-16

Where: Smith Park at Tytus Avenue and Verity Parkway Middletown

Tickets: $10 for one day or $25 for all three days. Ages 12 and younger free with paying adult. Motorcycles $35 for three days. Tickets sold at the park on show days.

Information: (513) 705-4100

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