GIE+EXPO and HNA 2017 announce free concert lineup
Green Industry & Equipment Expo (GIE+EXPO) and Hardscape North America (HNA) 2017 attendees will be treated to three nights of free, top-notch entertainment featuring country rock-star Uncle Kracker; Party Rock band The Crashers; up-and-coming country singers Alaska and Madi; and V-Groove, a diverse and energetic cover band, thanks to sponsor Mercedes-Benz. GIE+EXPO and HNA will be co-located in Louisville, Ky., at the Kentucky Exposition Center on Wednesday, Oct. 18 (Dealer Day), as well as Thursday and Friday, Oct. 19-20 (for all industry participants).
“Mercedes-Benz Vans is extremely excited about the partnership with GIE+EXPO to sponsor the concert stage starting in 2017!” said Chris Martin, assistant communications director for Mercedes-Benz Vans. “This venue provides great exposure for Mercedes-Benz Vans, introducing customers to our brand.”
Each year, the concert series draws thousands of show participants for after-show-hours entertainment.
“We’re excited to have Mercedes-Benz on board this year as the concert stage sponsor,” said Warren Sellers, show director. “With their support, we’ve planned a dynamic lineup of entertainers that will allow attendees and exhibitors alike to continue the networking and camaraderie beyond the tradeshow floor.”
CONCERT LINEUP
On the Mercedes-Benz Stage at 4th Street Live! in downtown Louisville
Wednesday, Oct. 18, 8 p.m.
Opening Act: Runaway June
Headliner: Uncle Kracker
Thursday, October 19, 8 p.m.
Opening Act: Alaska and Madi
Headliner: The Crashers
Friday, October 20, 8 p.m.
Headliner: V-Groove
Headlining Wednesday, Uncle Kracker adheres to a simple, yet rather timeless philosophy of just having fun. After vaulting to stardom as a charismatic presence and chief collaborator in Kid Rock’s Twisted Brown Trucker Band, the Michigan singer, songwriter and performer kicked off a stunning solo career of his own. Uncle Kracker’s chart-topping hits include “Follow Me,” “In A Little While,” and “Smile.” Country superstar Kenny Chesney tapped him for “When the Sun Goes Down,” which impressively spent five weeks at #1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs Chart.
Opening the show on Wednesday, Runaway June is a vocal trio that’s bringing back the organic harmony that The Dixie Chicks made popular. Their debut single “Lipstick” catapulted into the Top 25 at Country radio, and the group was recognized on nearly every “One to Watch” list for 2017. The group is made up of lead singer and guitarist Naomi Cook; singer and mandolin picker Hannah Mulholland; and singer/guitarist Jennifer Wayne, the granddaughter of Hollywood legend John Wayne.
Thursday night kicks off with the country western duo of Alaska and Madi, who have been singing together for over a decade — since they were preteens. After being members of Team Blake on season six of NBC’s “The Voice,” they moved their music to the next level. Their self-titled debut album, which features five original songs and five covers, was released in late 2014.
Back at GIE+EXPO for a third year by popular demand, The Crashers, have established themselves, both regionally and nationally, as THE band to see. They’ve performed all over the country, from the Super Bowl (as the official pre-game band for NBC at Super Bowl XLVI) to rockin’ it out as the backing band for national artists like Luke Bryan and Kid Rock.
Since 1998, V-Groove has established itself as one of the premiere bands in the Southeast/Midwest. Their energy-packed performances range from blues, soul and R&B to funk and rock. V-Groove has shared the stage with nationally renowned artists, including Buddy Guy, Slash (of Guns ‘n Roses), Tinsley Ellis, Delbert McClinton, Ian Moore, Kid Rock and Travis Tritt.
GIE+EXPO is sponsored by the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, Inc. (OPEI), Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS) and National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP). For more information and to register, visit www.gie-expo.com. Other contact points include Facebook, info@GIE-EXPO.com, Twitter @GIE_EXPO and (800) 558-8767/(812) 949-9200.
HNA is produced by the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI). For additional information, visit www.hardscapena.com. Other contact points include Facebook, info@hardscapena.com, Twitter @HardscapeNA, and (888) 580-9960/(812) 949-9200.
