Salem Radio Network Announces Landmark Concert Event; ``Gallagher's Army presents The Marshall Tucker Band to Benefit our Military Families''

Tuesday, April 1, 2003 5:15 am PST
SPARTANBURG, S.C.
market not identified:
SALM
SPARTANBURG, S.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 1, 2003--The Mike Gallagher Show announced today that the headliner for the upcoming concert in Greenville/Spartanburg, South Carolina, to benefit U.S. Military families will be the legendary Southern rock band "The Marshall Tucker Band."

The concert, called "Gallagher's Army presents The Marshall Tucker Band to Benefit our Military Families," will take place Thursday, May 1, 2003, at 7:30 p.m. at the Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium. This event is taking place in the same community and on the same date and time as the Dixie Chicks opening night of their "Top of the World" North American tour. Dixie Chicks lead singer Natalie Maines made critical comments to a London audience about President Bush that have continued to result in an American backlash against the popular country trio.

"Our benefit concert for brave American military families just gained instant credibility with the signing of The Marshall Tucker Band," said Gallagher. "It's no coincidence that this event was scheduled for the same night in the same area as The Dixie Chicks concert. Our event is an effort to turn Natalie Maines' negative actions into a giant positive -- a way to raise tens of thousands of dollars for American military families in South Carolina and all over this great country, reminding them that they are not alone and not forgotten," he said.

The Marshall Tucker Band started in Spartanburg, South Carolina, in 1972 and has earned seven Gold and three Platinum Albums with such country and Southern rock hits as "Heard It in a Love Song," "Can't You See," and "Fire on the Mountain." For Vietnam veteran and lead singer Doug Gray, the May 1st benefit concert is coming at a crucial time. "We all, as Americans, should support the decision, made on behalf of our government, to insure our future and the future of our children," Gray said. "I support this effort and I know I am not alone in my beliefs. Support our troops and STAND UP FOR AMERICA!" Gray said.

The benefit concert will also feature a young rising country singer named Ty Nelson, who is traveling to South Carolina from his home in San Diego with his dad at his family's own expense. The 15-year old singer, who will perform some original songs, as well as some patriotic ones, is thrilled to be opening for The Marshall Tucker Band and proud to support the troops.

For Gallagher, this fundraiser for military families is the highlight of a 25-year broadcasting career. "As a talk radio host, I'm used to complaining or agreeing on the radio -- it's all talk. This is the first time we've figured out a way to actually DO something to help people, in this case American military families. I couldn't be prouder of our listeners who have so far contributed over 125 thousand dollars to our `Gallagher's Army' fund to bring food and personal care items to military families all over the country," he said. "If the concert goes well in Spartanburg, we might just have to continue to do this in cities all over the country this spring and summer, following The Dixie Chicks during their tour and reminding Americans that most of us support our country!"

Ticket information is available at www.mikeonline.com -- click "Gallagher's Army." For information and media inquires, contact Darcy Ellis at 972/831-1920, ext. 181, or dellis@salemreps.com.

The Mike Gallagher Show is syndicated nationally by the Salem Radio Network, with offices and studios in New York City and Dallas. Salem Radio Network is owned by Salem Communications Corporation (Nasdaq:SALM), the leading U.S. radio broadcaster focused on religious- and family-themed programming. (www.Salem.cc)

Salem Communications
Amanda Strong-Larson, 805/987-0400, ext. 1081
amandas@salem.cc