The Charlie Daniels Band to Perform Concert Prior to Lipton Tea 250 Race

Although the “Devil Went Down to Georgia,” the band that performs that famous ditty will be in Virginia for the NASCAR doubleheader weekend at Richmond International Raceway May 1-2, 2009.  The Charlie Daniels Band will perform a free concert sponsored by Lipton Iced Tea on the midway Friday, May 1, at 5:15 p.m. at the Lipton display area, located near the flag pole in the center of the midway. 

Formed in 1970, the Charlie Daniels Band—which mixes a style of rock/country/bluegrass/blues/gospel—is perhaps best known for their hit song “Devil Went Down to Georgia,” which won a Grammy for Best Country Vocal in 1979.  Their 1972 song “Uneasy Rider” climbed to #9 on Billboard in 1973, which really put the Charlie Daniels Band on radar screens of music lovers across the country. 

Daniels’ resume includes recording sessions with artists such as Bob Dylan, Flatt & Scruggs, Pete Seeger, Mark O’Connor, Leonard Cohen and Ringo Starr.  Daniels was officially inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 2008. 

The Charlie Daniels Band concert is just one of many free activities to enjoy at Richmond International Raceway May 1-2.  While at the Lipton display, guests can try a free sample of Lipton iced tea, a sandwich made with Hellmann’s mayonnaise and a Klondike bar.    In addition to the concert, Chevy Fan Fest—which features show cars and games, interactive midway displays, product samples and parking—are all free on raceway property during the May 1-2 weekend.

Guests will want to stick around after the band’s performance because the night’s main event—the Lipton Tea 250 NASCAR Nationwide Series race—is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. “under the lights” at America’s Premier Short Track.  Charlie Daniels is scheduled to perform the National Anthem during pre-race ceremonies.

Tickets for the NASCAR doubleheader weekend, May 1-2, at Richmond International Raceway, are on sale now.