Washington, DC -- The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) and ThanksUSA announced today a country music benefit concert to kick off the NAB Show in Las Vegas, Sunday, April 15 at 7:30 p.m., in support of military families. The concert will take place at the Encore Theater in the Wynn Hotel and feature Rodney Atkins and a performance by Texas and Nashville singer-songwriter Lucas Hoge.
The event is part of ThanksUSA's mission to provide spouses and children of active duty men and women with need-based post-secondary educational scholarships. Since ThanksUSA's inception in 2006, the organization has awarded 2,500 scholarships to military families, for a total value of nearly $7.5 million.
"These dynamic performers are sure to be a hit with NAB Show attendees," said NAB President and CEO Gordon Smith. "The concert is also a wonderful opportunity for our attendees to give back by supporting America's military families who have given so much for our country."
As a token of appreciation to Las Vegas' active duty military, ThanksUSA will invite 400 families from nearby Nellis Air Force Base to attend the concert. In addition, tickets will be available for all NAB Show attendees at the door for a charitable donation of $20.
Native Tennessean Rodney Atkins, one of country music's top talents, recently returned from his first USO Tour overseas. During his trip, Atkins visited some of the most remote bases in the Middle East -- performing and spending time with over 3,400 troops. Hot off his sixth career No. 1 hit with "Take A Back Road," Atkins also helped launch the Applebee's "Thank You Movement," a worldwide initiative expressing gratitude to servicemen and women in October. "Take a Back Road" is the title track from Atkins' fourth studio album on Curb Records.
"I am so grateful for everything our soldiers do and the sacrifices they make on a daily basis. It's my honor to do anything I can to support them and their families, especially through a great cause like ThanksUSA," said Atkins. "The importance of education in this country is paramount, and ThanksUSA provides just that by offering scholarships for higher education to the husbands, wives and kids of service members."
Lucas Hoge is an award-winning country and Christian contemporary artist and former Animal Planet TV host. Hoge has been an avid supporter of American service members through his involvement with ThanksUSA and other military charities.
"I absolutely love ThanksUSA and all they do for our military and their families. ThanksUSA has helped so many families receive the gift of education," said Hoge. "I am honored whenever I can join them in their mission and blessed to be asked to join them again in April."
In support of ThanksUSA, American Airlines will provide complimentary flights for the performers and their bands to and from Las Vegas for the event. The Wynn Las Vegas and Encore Hotel's generous support of the event includes use of the hotel's Encore Theater.
About ThanksUSA
ThanksUSA began in 2005 when two Virginia schoolgirls set out to mobilize Americans to thank active-duty troops for defending our freedoms. The organization provides need-based scholarships to the children and spouses of active-duty status military. Scholarships have been awarded in all 50 states and the District of Columbia to families representing all branches of the Armed Forces, including the National Guard and Reserves, and the families of the wounded and fallen. For more information, visit www.ThanksUSA.org.
About NAB Show
NAB Show, held April 14-19 in Las Vegas, is the world's largest electronic media show covering filmed entertainment and the development, management and delivery of content across all mediums. With more than 90,000 attendees from 151 countries and 1,500+ exhibitors, NAB Show is the ultimate marketplace for digital media and entertainment. From creation to consumption, across multiple platforms and countless nationalities, the NAB Show is home to the solutions that transcend traditional broadcasting and embrace content delivery to new screens in new ways. Complete details are available at www.nabshow.com.
News media registration is now available for NAB Show.
About NAB
The National Association of Broadcasters is the premier advocacy association for America's broadcasters. NAB advances radio and television interests in legislative, regulatory and public affairs. Through advocacy, education and innovation, NAB enables broadcasters to best serve their communities, strengthen their businesses and seize new opportunities in the digital age. Learn more at www.nab.org.
