FORT SILL, Okla. (July 10, 2014) -- The Lawton-Fort Sill community was treated to country, pop and rock 'n' rock music July 5 during the post's Independence Day weekend concert at Polo Field. Several thousand people including many children were at the fort on the warm summer evening to celebrate 238 years of independence with three varied bands.
The duo, The O's, based in Dallas, who perform without a band or backing tracks began the festivities with their indie-Americana music.
"It was really a special day for us and I hope everybody felt it in our performance," said Taylor Young of The O's. "We're hoping to do a lot more shows like this, and I hope we can come back here."
John Pedigo, of The O's, said he was more nervous than usual performing for the servicemen and women.
"You don't want to mess up in front of people who serve the country and fight for you," he said.
Command Sgt. Maj. Brian Lindsey, Fires Center of Excellence and Fort Sill CSM, welcomed the audience.
"It's great weather, there's great food and there's great music out here," Lindsey said. "We're definitely enjoying ourselves."
Visitors flocked to food booths to purchase traditional July Fourth fare including hamburgers, hot dogs and bratwurst. There were also a variety of beverages available.
Next up, Tyler Bryant and the Shakedown got the crowd rocking.
During the performance Bryant introduced the band members: drummer Caleb Crosby, bass guitar player Noah Denney and guitarist Graham Whitford.
Crosby took center stage during a solo performance, and he banged the sides of a large drum. With his head whipping side to side and his hair flailing, he drove some concert-goers into a frenzy.
Col. Glenn Waters, Fort Sill Garrison commander, said the music venue reflected the partnership between the post and Lawton.
"This town and the post really gets the cooperation and family-type atmosphere in all the events we have," Waters said.
The headliner act Little Big Town took the stage about 8:45 p.m. just as darkness fell and the band's dazzling light show lit up Polo Field.
The group played their numerous hits and new material, and their rendition of "The Chain" drew cheers from the appreciative audience.
Brenda Spencer-Ragland, Fort Sill Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation director, said the concert was a chance for people to come together with the military.
"The concert was a great opportunity to bring people here that don't often get to see Fort Sill, don't often get to meet our great Soldiers and great Marines and our great families and this fantastic community," she said.
Hundreds of volunteer Soldiers and Marines, as well as civilians from virtual every directorate including Emergency Services, Public Works, FMWR, and the community made the concert possible, said Spencer-Ragland.
"It's been a great team effort, and on top of that we have our sponsors," she said.
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