Friday, March 09, 2012

Tennessee Air National Guard Members to Sing National Anthem for Food City 500

Members of the Tennessee Air National Guard’s 119th Command and Control Squadron from McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base in Knoxville, Tenn. will sing the national anthem Sunday, March 18 prior to the start of the Food City 500.

The McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base Quartet consists of native Tennesseans First Lieutenant Stephanie McKeen, Second Lieutenant Sarah Miller, Senior Airman Amanda Winkler and Technical Sergeant Jeannine Brown.

The foursome has been handpicked to perform for numerous local, state and federal celebrations and events, including the National Guard 375th Anniversary Celebration and numerous senior leaders military events.

Monroeville will perform the anthem Saturday, March 17, prior to the Ford EcoBoost 300/Widow Wax 125.

The six-man group, all of whom hail from Northeast Tennessee, boasts a crossover sound between progressive bluegrass and acoustic country. Group members are Daniel Salyer, Eli Johnson, Travis Houck, Zane Petty, Matthew Munsey and Matt Flake.

The group’s debut album, “Monroeville”, was released on the newly-created Monroeville Records label last May. Produced by GRAMMY nominated producer Jim Van Cleve, the project includes songs written by Skip Ewing, and Chris Stapleton, as well as songs written by Monroeville’s own Daniel Salyer. “Monroeville” also features a guest appearance by Ewing and a duet with Cia Cherryholmes.

A young band, Monroeville’s members already have reached significant career milestones as four are GRAMMY nominated artists, one is a prolific songwriter for several industry artists, and four have won National instrumental competitions.

Over the last year, Monroeville has performed at a number of nationally recognized festivals and showcases such as an appearance at Grey Fox and IBMA, and the group also has appeared on The Today Show.

Monroeville also will perform at the St. Patrick’s Day Celebration at BMS on Saturday evening.

March race weekend ticket packages, which include the March 18 Food City 500 and the Ford EcoBoost 300/Widow Wax 125, also are available, starting at $99. A package in the Wallace Tower for both Sprint Cup races also is available for $99, while packages for fans 15 and younger are available for the March races at half price. Lower-row seating for the Food City 500 is available with tickets starting at $65 for adults and $32 for children 15 and under.

Tickets for the Ford EcoBoost 300/Widow Wax 125 doubleheader also are available, starting at $35 for adults and $17 for kids 15 and under, and may be purchased by calling toll free at 1-866-415-4158, 423-BRISTOL, or online at www.bristoltix.com.

Guests are encouraged to purchase in advance while the price is $5 less per grandstand ticket than the race-day cost for the same seat.