CoastersNSich Posted August 10, 2007 Share Posted August 10, 2007 I had planned for months to go to Kings Island for the long-awaited Hannity Freedom Concert. Yesterday, that time finally came. Because I've got a third shift job, I didn't get to the park until after 3:00 PM. I went into the park, with my concert ticket in possession, and showed it to revceive a wristband to gain entry to the 4:00 broadcast of the Sean Hannity radio show at the Paramount Theatre. Since it was about half and hour before I could get into the theatre, I checked out the scene of the Festhaus, where Newt Gingrich, former Speaker of the House; and Col. Oliver North, who heads the Freedom Alliance (beneficiary of the Freedom Concert), were signing books. Although I was not in the signing line, I was able to get close enough to get photos of Gingrich and North. Just before going in to the Theatre, I overheard "you guys are going to be in for a treat" from those who were leaving the 3PM broadcast. I did seem disappointed that I wouldn't see Bill Cunningham since he was on the last hour... but he did stay on for the 4pm hour. If you don't know, Bill Cunningham is a loud, sometimes crazy, radio guy from Cincinnati's 700 WLW-AM, who is known for constantly using the phrase "You're a Great American!" After Willie, was Lee Ann Rimes, and her husband - Lee Ann, of course, would be performing in the evening concert at TimberWolf. In the last half of the hour was Rudy Giuliani, former Mayor of the City of New York 1993-2001, and 2008 Republican presidential candidate. Rudy made three appearances, including at the mid-day Reds game, prior to coming to Kings Island. He discussed with Sean how hard it may be to be a diehard Yankees fan, as well as his views on Iraq, and on domestic social issues. Even though the Hannity radio show airs 3-6 PM Eastern, there would be no 5PM live broadcast, as Sean announced that the 5PM part was taped at 2PM, as I guessed. Since the Concert started at 7PM, I had a couple of hours to do stuff, including go on some rides. I took a trip up the Eiffel Tower, where Cory Butcher was working, which provided me a view of TimberWolf Amphiteatre. I next did Adventure Express, which seems to have a crew that is actually on the ball, running three trains, even though I got in the front seat with no wait. Yes, the guy at the top of the enclosed lift is lit up again (should I have said this?). Also, Son of Beast was running, so I headed there as it's not always open. Like on AE, I was able to have a walk-on to one train wait for the second row, red train. As expected, rough in the "rose bowl," but hey, it's going up to 70 MPH, I guess. After leaving SOB, I noticed the line to get into the concert at TimberWolf was SO long, it went all the way on International Street towards the candy/fudge shop... but it did move reasonably quick, and I was in my seat just in time for Sean Hannity's introduction, with 550 WKRC's John Phillips and Brian Thomas. They were followed by singer Lee Greenwood, who had several songs, most notably his smash hit "God Bless the U.S.A." Greenwood was extremely patriotic, reflecting the mood of the Freedom Concert. After Greenwood, Sean Hannity went back on stage, with Rudy Giuliani. After Rudy, Lee Ann Rimes took the stage, singing hits like "Blue" and "How Do I Live" What a tremendous voice, not only when singing, but speaking, too! The second break featured impersonations of President Bush and Sen. Hillary Clinton, then Oliver North and Newt Gingrich. The evening was capped off with the country duo Montgomery Gentry (I think I saw Troy Gentry at SOB), who has hits like "My Town," "Some People Change," and "Lucky Man." At the end of the show, Hannity and Cunningham joined MG in singin "My Town." All in all, I had a memorable night.. Sorry if I missed some details, I'm TIRED!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tigellinus Posted August 10, 2007 Share Posted August 10, 2007 Good TR! I wanted to go to this too, but it being a work day (and living in Indianapolis and no longer at Columbia & N. Montgomery Rd. I could not make it... However, I wonder if Hannity got on any rides?? He'll probably do a recap of last night on tonight's H&C show...too bad though when he hits up Six Flags Great Adventure next month he probably won't be able to fit in El Toro! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ki Man Posted August 10, 2007 Share Posted August 10, 2007 Yup, back by Vortex we could still hear the music. And there would be times where 3 people would walk by three point....every minute or so. It was THAT dead. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Outdoor Man Posted August 10, 2007 Share Posted August 10, 2007 Seems like that was an outstanding event for KI. Kudos. Good publicity- sounds like it was a fun day. Myself, I enjoyed the AC yesterday. For the Hannity show... was Alan Combes there or just Sean? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
welchce Posted August 10, 2007 Share Posted August 10, 2007 Yup, back by Vortex we could still hear the music. And there would be times where 3 people would walk by three point....every minute or so. It was THAT dead. Wow. I wish I would've went up to check out the short lines. I wonder if the park will be in a similar state for the Weird Al concert. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UncleHenry Posted August 10, 2007 Share Posted August 10, 2007 I am SO glad I was not at the park that day. I wouldn't be able to take it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BoddaH1994 Posted August 10, 2007 Share Posted August 10, 2007 I got about 1,000 IMs yesterday asking why I wasn't at the park. The truth of the matter is, I just couldn't spare $60 since I have hundreds of dollars worth of books to buy for school. I do, however, feel as thought I did my little part by promoting on this site. Wonderful wonderful cause... I'm glad you had a good time, Tom. Ryan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gordon Bombay Posted August 10, 2007 Share Posted August 10, 2007 Nice TR Tom, sounds like a great Time, I dont like country music and am not a fan of the music stars that were there but I would love to have gone to the radio broadcast and supported the cause, the concert was for a great cause and I hope it comes to KI again in the future. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BoddaH1994 Posted August 10, 2007 Share Posted August 10, 2007 ^ I agree. Had I went, I would have looked forward to the radio show more than the concert itself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CoastersNSich Posted August 10, 2007 Author Share Posted August 10, 2007 I think having the opportunity to sit not far from Rudy Giuliani made getting a concert ticket worthwhile. In fact, my concert ticket was for a seat that was pretty far back, so I admit the radio show was a bigger highlight for me. However, I've been into country music for the past few years and last night's show was very worthwhile, especially with Montgomery Gentry frequenting radio airwaves. And by "loud, sometimes crazy," when I characterize Bill Cunningham, I say so in a positive, fun way. The guy can get ****y, but most of the time I see him cracking a smile and being proud when he speaks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tigellinus Posted August 11, 2007 Share Posted August 11, 2007 On Hannity's America this Sunday at 9:00 pm on Fox News they're going to show a behind-the-scenes from the KI show. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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