By Nick Vodka

Running late due to job related problems, I was forced to break the land speed records in my minivan but made it to the Charlie Daniels concert just in time to hear the first song of the show start. I would have seen it too, but the beer lines were incredibly long.
The Harborfest was a busy place and Town Point Park was overstuffed with loyal Charlie Daniels fans, much more than I expected. It took me half the show to work my way towards the front only to give up at the halfway point near the sound mixers tent. The friendly crowd was of all ages but dominated by folks over 35, many with kids in tow, all happy to see Charlie do his thing. I've always been a huge fan of southern rock, so didn't mind taking on this assignment.
Mr. Daniels started the show with his fiddle but soon moved to his guitar, a Les Paul, which resembled a ukulele in size when strapped on to the huge man's frame. His giant gold belt buckle looked to be almost as large as the body on his guitar. He strummed the rhythm while vocalizing and occasionally played some leads when not singing; at one point, he even played a little slide guitar. He pulled out an acoustic guitar for my favorite CDB song, "Long Haired Country Boy." Now Charlie Daniels is a very patriotic man, so it didn't surprise me when he thanked the people from the military for doing a fine job and dedicated a song to them. He also recited the Pledge of Allegiance with the audience; it made me feel like a proud American. He even played the Star Spangled Banner on his violin. What a guy.
At 67 years old, he still works harder at putting on a show than some rock & roll people I've seen who are half his age. He has 42 records to his credit and he's releasing his 43rd soon. He's also a religious man and has released a full-fledged gospel album. Charlie showed off his powerful and still strong voice when he played his favorite gospel tune, and I was impressed. He's always been a straight shooter who tells it like it is, and he's not afraid to speak his mind. In one of his songs he warns you that he's got a shotgun waiting for you if you break into his house. Calm down, Chuck, its okay.
It was also good to see several other band members have a chance to sing a song, itÕs a good way to break up the monotony of a show (not that there was any here). The song Orange Blossom Special showed off Charlie's command of the violin and his band members' talents on their respective instruments. His top notch band has been with him for many years and it shows.
The Charlie Daniels Band put on a great, enjoyable show. Still rockin' after all these years and playing better than ever. Charlie Daniels, a true patriot, a devote Christian, an American cowboy, a talented musician, a straight shooter, a long haired country boy. keep on rockin Charlie , and God bless ya!!