Concert Dedicated to Wisc. Responders
Aug. 04--The encore fans have waited three years for takes place on stage at Lucius Woods Performing Arts Center on Saturday night.
Celebrities Bob Guiney and Scott Grimes will belt out their signature mix of music -- "two guys, a guitar or a piano, and a song." In addition to toe-tapping tunes, the concert is dedicated to Douglas County volunteers who serve as firefighters and first responders. "They're a huge part of our community," said Mick Salmen, executive director of Lucius Woods Performing Arts Center.
About 140 volunteers have been offered free tickets to the event, courtesy of concert sponsor Essentia Health.
"At intermission we'll be recognizing these volunteers in the community and thanking them for their service," said Chuck Walt, a 25-year member of the Solon Springs Volunteer Fire Department.
Some people reach out to their neighbors through a church or an organization like the Lion's Club. Walt found his niche with the fire department, which responds to about 150 calls a year. It's rewarding work, he said.
As a first responder, Walt can look back at many incidents where he knows he made a difference.
Honoring all firefighters, not just one department, makes sense. Walt pointed to the 2013 Germann Road Fire as an example of a time these volunteers pulled together.
"All the local departments involved made a huge difference in the property and homes saved," he said. "It was a great example of using all the resources you have."
Camaraderie is the name of the game for Douglas County firefighters.
"The fact is, all departments in Douglas County have mutual aid (agreements) with others," Walt said. Having neighboring departments respond can be crucial, especially when it's the middle of the day and many volunteers are at work.
Pairing firefighter appreciation with the Guiney and Grimes concert was a stroke of serendipity.
"They're just nice people; they really do support these volunteer organizations," Walt said. "The music is good, too."
This is part two in a continuing saga for the celebrities. Guiney and Grimes rolled out the red carpet in Solon Springs in 2012. Their free Live Life, Love Life concert, organized by Solon Springs native Mitch Blaylock, raised more than $3,000 for the Solon Springs Volunteer Fire Department and left a film of stardust. Pictures of the two hang on the wall at Smithy's and the pair spent hours giving autographs after the show.
"They're part of local lore," Salmen said.
She has been looking to book the pair for a while now. The stars finally aligned for Guiney and Grimes to come this summer. The idea to honor firefighters came later, prompted by Walt, a member of the Essentia Health East Region board of directors.
Guiney rose to fame in "The Bachelor," hosted Game Show Network's "GSN LIVE" and TLC's "Date My House." He serves as a "Today Show" panelist and heads a radio talk show. Grimes' acting career reaches back to a 1985 episode of "Twilight Zone" and the role of Alyssa Milano's love-interest in "Who's the Boss." Grimes played Dr. Archie Morris on "ER" and starred in "Band of Brothers." He is also the voice of Steve on "American Dad."
These two are more than stars. They're celebrities who care.
"Part of what makes these friends so special is the fact that they wanted to come back to Solon Springs because of the great time they had, and how welcomed they felt by the people of Solon Springs," Blaylock said.
"They could perform anywhere, but they are huge supporters of doing things for a cause, to make a difference not just musically, but personally."
He said concert-goers will enjoy a great show.
"Scott Grimes could be one of the best vocalists I've ever seen or heard, and Bob Guiney has a great voice too," Blaylock said. "Add in the fact that they are both two of the nicest, most fun people I've ever met; it's a win-win."
The concert starts at 7 p.m. at Lucius Woods Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Children age 15 and younger attend for free. For information or tickets, go to www.lwmusic.org.
Tickets are also available at National Bank of Commerce locations in Duluth, Superior, Hayward and Poplar.
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