Don’t Miss This Charity Concert At The Space

There's a charity concert happening at The Space this week and we think you should absolutely know about it!

If you know anything about "The Space", located at 3460 Cavaretta Ct, you know that they host a ton of events! Oftentimes, those events are tied to local charities. Well, on Friday, April 12th, The Space will be hosting The Unum Tour 2024!

Here's why I think it's really cool! The Unum Tour will feature a rising country artist by the name of Ben O'Connor, and 50% of all ticket sales are going to be helping local veterans!

According to the event's description on The Space's website... "The Unum Tour is a national concert series dedicated to unifying Americans in support of U.S. military veterans. The evening will showcase original songs and stories rooted in love for family, community and country by Country Music Artist, Ben O'Connor and special guests. This tour stop in Las Vegas will allocate 50% of ticket sales to local non-profit, Rebuilding Together Southern Nevada. 100% of donations received for this event will be allocated to Rebuilding Together Southern Nevada. Rebuilding Together Southern Nevada provides critical home repairs to low-income seniors, veterans and individuals with disabilities."

I had the chance to speak with Ben O'Connor today. Not trying to transcribe the entire conversation, here's are some paraphrased highlights from our conversation today.

Ransom: Before we talk about the event this weekend, let's get to know you a little bit. What's your background?

Ben: I started listening to country music as a child and the song that made me want to do this was "Mud On The Tires" by Brad Paisley. I remember writing down the lyrics as a kid and I remember that was the first song I sang along to. I then learned how to play it on guitar and that was it.

Ransom: So it's Brad Paisley who made you want to do this?

Ben: To credit anyone it would have to be Jack Johnson and Kenny Chesney.

Ransom: Then I have to ask, have you been lucky enough to meet your heroes or even work with them yet?

Ben: Not yet, but that's the goal.

Ransom: Well, let's put it out into the universe my friend! Let's manifest it!

Ransom: The Unum Tour is coming to the Space. Tell me what drew you to this event and this charity.

Ben: So many of the close members in our lives have been military members. So, as we've gotten into music, we've wanted to do as much as we can to give back to them.

Ransom: What inspired you to work with this charity?

Ben: I think something a lot of people take for granted is a safe place to call home. As far as service members are concerned, a home is something they should never have to worry about...

Here's our entire conversation

To learn more about the event CLICK HERE

Two of the values of the Marine Corps, as written on their website, are "having each other’s back" and "never backing down". And I can confidently say that every Marine I know is a poster child for these two values. All hard-working, dedicated, and loyal. Since 1883 the motto of the United States Marine Corps has been Semper Fidelis, which means "always faithful" in Latin. Marines.mil  says that the faithfulness of the Marine Corps comes from an "uncommon fighting spirit and the grit to continue on when others quit".

Marines have a unique, unbreakable bond. And every person who carries the title of Marine celebrates November 10 as if it was their own birthday. According to marines.mil, there are 184,000 Marines as of 2022, including trainees and reservists. Male Marines train in one of only two locations: Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego or Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris in South Carolina. Which side of the Mississippi they come from determines where they go (uso.org). Women, however, go to South Carolina regardless of where they are from.

Reservists are stationed all over the country, and some outside. You can find them in Arizona, Hawaii, California, Louisiana, Georgia, Virginia, North and South Carolina, Japan and Guam. So, if you know a Marine or are in a city where they are plentiful, be sure to say Happy Birthday on November 10 every year. And thank them for their service and dedication to our country.

Other famous Marines include professional athletes Lee Trevino and Ted Williams, musicians Nate Dogg and Shaggy, stand-up comedian Rob Riggle, and actor Adam Driver.

-Wendy Rush, 96.3KKLZ

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