Country Concerts at 147th NRA Annual Meetings a Hit with NRA Members

by
posted on May 30, 2018
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
nraamconcerts_lead.jpg

The 147th NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits featured not one, but two concerts this year, both of which were entertaining for all in attendance.

The first of the two musical events, the NRA Country Jam, opened with the Scooter Brown Band, playing hits such as “Olivia,” “Guitars, Guns and Whiskey” and the title track of their newest album, “American Son,” which featured the second concert’s headliner, Charlie Daniels, of “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” fame. The Scooter Brown Band is a popular country/Southern Rock band that has toured with some of their biggest influences, including the Charlie Daniels Band, Marshall Tucker Band and Travis Tritt, who opened for the following night’s performance.

Not only was the energy given off patriotic from the themes of the songs, but a couple of the band members are former soldiers. Lead singer Scott Brown is a former marine, and the drummer, Matt Bledsoe, served in the army. Throughout the Scooter Brown Band’s performance, they made it clear that they are strong supporters of the Second Amendment.

Following the Scooter Brown Band, The Randy Rogers Band really kicked things up a notch. This Texas-based band has reached the Top 5 of Billboard’s Country Albums Chart with each of their last three studio releases, and is one of the most successful, longest-running acts in the thriving Texas music scene, performing over 200 days per year across the country.

The venue, Gilley’s Southside Music Hall in Dallas, Tx., was packed with both show attendees and exhibitors. Surveying the crowd, groups of all ages came out to show their support for both artists and the Second Amendment. While a few seats were available, no one was using them, as fans were on the floor dancing or crowding the stage.

The night produced a phenomenal show, and all those in attendance enjoyed the live music, all stating that the concert was one of the better ones they’ve seen.

The main NRA Country concert on the following evening opened with a few guest speakers, namely the concert’s MC, Dana Loesch. She proceeded to introduce the NRA’s new President, Oliver North, who opened the concert with an invocation.

Before the opening act, Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers played a few songs, followed by a great set list of Travis Tritt’s, featuring a cover of Hank Williams, Jr.’s song, “I’ve Got Rights,” which really resonated with the crowd. During the performance, Dana Loesch noted the vibe she got throughout the week leading up to the concert.

“Walking the floor, you don’t feel this energy anywhere else. Yet they [NRA members] are the nicest, kindest, most genuine people you’ll ever meet,” Loesch said. That held true throughout the concert, too, and NRA members’ generosity showed. Between the excitement of Travis Tritt’s time on stage and Charlie Daniels making his appearance, three wounded soldiers were surprised when, thanks to the charity of the NRA and its members, each received a key to a new house.

After the soldiers were dismissed, the crowd roared with excitement to see the one and only Charlie Daniels. Playing songs such as “Long Haired Country Boy,” and “Thank You,” everyone was waiting patiently for his classic, “The Devil Went Down to Georgia,” which Daniels closed the show with. Travis Tritt and Scott Brown of the Scooter Brown Band accompanied Daniels as a trio, and they performed the song flawlessly.

Upon Mr. Daniels’ completion of the song, NRA Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre presented Charlie Daniels with a unique Colt Single-Action revolver to commemorate his commitment to the importance of our Second Amendment rights.

With most concerts, there are typically high and low points. Not a single low point could be seen or heard at the two concerts performed at the NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits this year. Just ask the audience, who will tell you these concerts have been the best ones put on by the NRA to date.

Latest

44 Mag HST LEDE
44 Mag HST LEDE

New for 2025: Federal’s Personal Defense HST .44 Rem. Mag.

Federal Ammunition has recently added a new HST .44 Remington Magnum “Light Magnum” load featuring a specially designed hollow-point bullet, ideal for those seeking HST performance for self-defense with magnum revolvers.

Utah Wildlife Board Updates

The Utah Wildlife Board approved a few new and updated rules, some of which are necessary after recent legislative changes—including the wildlife management area license requirement for certain counties and the new process for regulating hunting guides and outfitters—along with a few other proposals during a public meeting Thursday.

Member's Hunt: A Tale of Two Moose

This month's Member's Hunt comes from John R. Bean of Tucson, Ariz.

Breeding Duck Numbers Decline Again in ND

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s 78th-annual spring breeding duck survey conducted in May showed an index of about 2.66-million birds, down from 2.9 million in 2024 and 3.4 million in 2023.

2025-26 Pennsylvania Migratory Game Bird Seasons Set

Pennsylvania’s 2025-26 migratory game bird seasons have been set. There are two significant changes to waterfowl seasons. The regular season daily bag limit for Canada geese in the Atlantic Population Zone has decreased from three to one, and for northern pintail, there will be a flat daily bag limit of three.

New for 2025: Christensen Arms Evoke in 450 Bushmaster

Christensen Arms has announced the release of the Evoke rifle chambered in powerful 450 Bushmaster.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.