38 Special and LoneStar to Headline Free Concerts at GIE+EXPO

Get ready for a rockin’ good time as 38 Special, LoneStar, The Briggs Bluesbusters and Candy Coburn hit the stageat the 2008 GIE+EXPO (Green Industry & Equipment Expo). These free concerts will be held at 4th Street Live! in downtown Louisville.

The GIE+EXPO is set for Thursday, Oct. 23 – Saturday, Oct. 25 in Louisville, Ky.  It is sponsored by the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, (OPEI); Professional Landcare Network (PLANET) and the Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS).

Oct. 23

For the main event, 38 Special takes the stage at 8 p.m., presented by Briggs & Stratton.

Formed in 1975 by a group of neighborhood friends, 38 Special, which has earned the reputation of being one of the hardest working bands in the USA, is still playing more than 100 shows per year. And at every one of them, thousands of audience members are completely blindsided by the power and muscle of the band’s performance. Among 38 Special’s best-known songs are No. 1 Billboard hits “Caught Up In You,” “If I’d Been the One” and "Second Chance." Other hit singles include “Hold on Loosely” and “Back Where You Belong.”

The Briggs Bluesbusters will open the concert at 6:30 p.m. This Briggs & Stratton house band has 11 members (eight are company employees) including John Shiely, chairman, president and CEO, as rhythm guitarist.  The Bluesbusters have opened for top bands including The Beach Boys; Ray Charles; Blood, Sweat & Tears and James Brown.  They have also competed in Fortune Magazine’s Corporate Battle of the Bands at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.  The band plays covers by soul and blues-based rock artists as well as the company anthem, “Briggs & Stratton Man.”

Oct. 24

LoneStar will headline the Friday night concert starting at 8:30 p.m., presented by Ariens/Gravely/Stens.

Their unique ability to connect with American audiences has been the signature of LoneStar. “I’m Already There” has become a theme song for men and women in the military and their families. And, anyone who has ever been led by his or her heart can be mesmerized by “Amazed,” which marked the group’s transition from a “country” band to a group of musicians who appeal to music lovers of all genres. LoneStar still considers themselves a country band first and foremost, but they have become so much more. Their awards are countless: one triple platinum album (“Lonely Girl”), one platinum (“I’m Already There”), and two golds (“Crazy Nights” and “Lonestar”); eight No. 1 singles; four awards from the Academy of Country Music, two from BMI, two Billboard Music Awards and five Grammy nominations. And the list goes on.

Up-and-comer Candy Coburn will open the show at 7 p.m. with what has been called her “Southern Soul Rockin Country” sound. If you like southern rock, rock 'n' roll, R&B or Gospel you are sure to hear something you like in one of Candy Coburn's live shows! She’s been compared to a female Montgomery Gentry! Her live show has been compared to the live stage presence of Garth Brooks! Her latest album, “Rev It Up,” was released in September.

GIE+EXPO show director Warren Sellers is thrilled about the concerts. “High-caliber entertainment like this brings a lot of energy to the show. We’re pleased to have Briggs & Stratton and Ariens/Gravely/Stens as the concert sponsors. Exhibitor support for GIE+EXPO and the industry makes events of this magnitude possible.”