FORT KNOX, Kentucky -- Coming off the heels of the release of their third studio album MASTERPIECE, power couple Country music duo Thompson Square is heading to Fort Knox Nov. 16 for a headlining show.
As half of the married duo, Keifer said his and Shawna's desire to perform to military crowds stems from their own personal connections to the Army.
"My father and Shawna's were both in the Army," said Keifer.
Besides regular tour dates and locations, Thompson Square has also played at several installations over the previous six years, including roughly 20 or more this past year. This will be their second visit to Fort Knox, the first happening in 2016 when they headlined the 2016 Fort Knox Army Birthday Summer Concert at Godman Field.
Although both their fathers left the Army before the two of them were born, Keifer said the parental connection strengthens their desire to perform for the military.
"To know you're giving back to someone who's given so much and sacrificed is always special," said Keifer. "I know it sounds trite and over said but if we didn't believe that, we wouldn't be doing all these shows.
The two met during a signing competition in Nashville almost 20 years ago and married a few years later. Since then, they have produced two multiplatinum-selling albums with such #1 hits as "Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not" and GOLD-certified "If I Didn't Have You." They have also produced two Top 10 hits -- "I Got You" and "Everything I Shouldn't Be Thinking About You," and Top 20 hit "Glass."
Keifer admitted that one of the unique aspects of their act has also been their most challenging aspect -- their marriage, and more recently, the birth of their son Cooper in 2016.
"It's a heck of a lot harder to do," said Keifer. "We've had to overcome a million obstacles along the way, and each day is challenging. We had breakfast with an Opry legend the other day, and I asked him, 'What do you think of Thompson Square?' He said, 'You've done an amazing job with your brand considering it's got to be very difficult from a branding standpoint to be commercial. A lot of people have tried it before and no one's had the success.'"
Keifer said when their hit "Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not" reached number 1 in 2010, it had been 47 years since a married couple accomplished the feat.
"It's one of those things that you're continually frustrated by the business; it'll wear on your soul," said Keifer. "But it's given us an amazing life. It's facilitated this ability to sing for big crowds and have people want to come to our shows, so we can't complain. We've had a really great life."
Eighteen years of marriage reflect their determination to continue in the business as long as the crowds follow them, said Keifer -- especially when they get a chance to perform for the military.
A few years ago, he and Shawna turned their attention more toward performing for military crowds. Keifer spoke of a recent meeting with a veteran during one of those stops that solidified their conviction.
The veteran gave Keifer an elaborate military coin and shared the story behind it -- the story of a buddy who had been shot and killed in combat. It touched Keifer and Shawna deeply, motivating them to increase military venues.
"Shawna and I have asked if we can continue to play more shows for the military," said Keifer. "Every day that we get up and sing is a good day."
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Thompson Square Concert
Nov 16 2018, 6 p.m.
Saber & Quill - Saber & Quill 1118 Chaffee Ave Fort Knox, Kentucky 40121 United States Google Map
Spend the night with the 2-time Academy of Country Music Duo of the Year Thompson Square as part of their This Is Us acoustic tour. With special guest Honey County. Tickets are on sale now!
•One night only
•Doors open at 6 p.m.
•Show starts at 7 p.m.
•Limited Seating
•Grab and Go Dinner offered before the show
•Cash Bar available all night
Cost
•$20 advance
•$25 day of show
To register for tickets, go to https://knox.armymwr.com.
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