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Aaron Tippin in concert: A Freedom's Call Tattoo 2009 must-see

  • Published
  • By Kathleen A.K. Lopez
  • Air Force Materiel Command Public Affairs
SPRINGFIELD, Ohio (AFMCNS) --  If you missed country music superstar Aaron Tippin's performance on March 28, you won't want to make the same mistake on June 26, when he plays at the Air Force Materiel Command's Freedom's Call Tattoo, on the grounds adjacent to the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. 

From the moment he stepped onto the stage at the nearly sold-out Clark State Community College Performing Arts Center, Mr. Tippin engaged the crowd, which bridged ages ranging in difference by about 60 years. He appeals to young and young-at-heart fans with his music, which pays tribute to hard-working, patriotic Americans. 

He delivers his messages while in continuous motion, interacting with the audience as much as he does his six-member band, the Stemwinders. He's a story-teller whose homage toward the working class is accomplished with a balance of sincere talk and pure antics. 

"It's so good being here... It feels like he's known you forever," said Angel Bird, who attended the show with friend Melissa Grant, both of Springfield, who stood in line with a few hundred people after the show to get autographs from and photos with Mr. Tippin. "He's inspirational to a lot of people," Ms. Grant said. "He takes what's going on in America to heart like it's his own problem." 

Mr. Tippin's sound is a combination of country, southern rock and honky tonk. His words speak to hard-work, integrity, moral principle and, sometimes, love. 

"I like to sing about trains, trucks, prison and Mom," Mr. Tippin joked with the crowd. "My wife lets me know the importance of singing about love." 

Tattoo concert-goers can expect to hear an array of original music and remakes spanning Mr. Tippin's 20-year career, including songs from his new release, "In Overdrive," a "concept" album which gives praise to the trucking industry. 

The concert will include remakes of Jerry Reed's "East Bound and Down" (from "Smokey and the Bandit"), Merle Haggard's "Movin' On," and Eddie Rabbit's "Drivin' My Life Away," as well as his own classics, including "My Blue Angel," "Big Boy Toys," "Kiss This," "That's As Close As I'll Get To Loving You" and "Where The Stars and Stripes and Eagle Fly." 

"His show was awesome," said Jason and Mandy Evans, of New Carlisle, about Mr. Tippin's performance. 

No strangers to Tattoo, the couple has already booked June 26 on their calendar, and is looking forward to another Tippin performance. 

"We loved Tattoo (last year)," Mrs. Evans said. "I was impressed with the Air Force presence, the security, the family-feel." 

"I'd never attended (Tattoo) until last year," Mr. Evans said. "I loved the flyovers and the music." 

Mr. Tippin has several passions, including his support for the armed forces and charity. One of the ways he demonstrates this during his concerts takes place in less than three minutes, which is the duration of the song, "Working Man's Ph.D." While he sings, he builds a bicycle and then calls on members of a designated charity to be recognized on stage and take the bike with them for their charity when they depart the stage. Two members of the Marine Corps accepted this evening's bike on behalf of Toys for Tots. 

"To date, we've built over 800 bicycles at our concerts" Mr. Tippin said. 

"This show was just heartwarming," said Kristy Gaus, who attended the concert with husband, Rob, and son, Joseph, all of Springfield. 

"He has a lot of energy," Mr. Gaus said. "He was great and (the show) was wonderful."
 
"(Watching Mr. Tippin) building the bike was my favorite part," said Joseph Gaus. 

Mr. Tippin is looking forward to his return to the Dayton area to join the lineup at Freedom's Call Tattoo 2009. 

In addition to Mr. Tippin's performance, Freedom's Call will feature aircraft flyovers, military presentations, the U.S. Air Force Band of Flight, technology displays and demonstrations, as well as one of the largest fireworks shows in southwest Ohio. 

Tattoo is free, and open to the public. Gates will open at 4:30 p.m.; Mr. Tippin will take the stage at approximately 9 p.m. 

For more information, log onto www.wpafb.af.mil/tattoo/.