Legendary Country Music Group Celebrates Veterans, Katy Community in Free Concert

KATY MAGAZINE NEWS

November 11, 2022

By Natalie Cook Clark

Legendary country music group, Diamond Rio will perform in Katy tonight as part of Central Green Park’s Veteran’s Day Celebration. Lead vocalist, Marty Roe met with Katy Magazine to talk about the importance of this community event.

Photo credit: Diamond Rio

So Much Importance

“It’s good that Katy, Texas is putting on this big event,” says Marty Roe. “This is a holiday that is often overlooked and it has so much importance.” Roe’s father is 93 years old and a veteran from the Korea conflict.

Diamond Rio Celebrates 30 Years

Country music group Diamond Rio recently celebrated their 30th anniversary. This year they released their 10thalbum, I Made It. The group consists of Gene Johnson (mandolin, tenor vocals), Jimmy Olander (lead guitar, acoustic guitar, banjo), Brian Prout (drums), Marty Roe (lead vocal), Dan Truman (keyboards), and Dana Williams (bass guitar, baritone vocals). They have sold over 10 million albums, won a Grammy Award, a Dove Award, six Vocal Group of the Year wins (CMA and ACM), released two Greatest Hit albums, a live and Christmas project, earned five multi-week no. 1 singles, 22 Top 10 singles, three certified Platinum and five gold albums, and more

'In God We Still Trust'

Through the groups success they have always honored veterans. During each performance they perform and dedicate their song, “In God We Still Trust,” to veterans.

“I have a POW and MIA patch on my guitar strap that I’ve worn on stage for 2 decades of performances,” says Roe. “We have a lot of great freedoms that were won because of our veterans. They defend our country’s interests and our freedoms at home and they deserve our respect.”

Roe says that the event goes beyond honoring veterans but also gets the community together, something that we should all be thankful for.

“Coming together and celebrating is important and I think we all developed a greater sense of appreciation for our ability to gather after being shutdown in 2020,” says Roe.

Diamond Rio has had more shows in Texas this year than any other touring season. The group dove back into touring after the pandemic and felt rejuvenated with the passion to perform.

“In 2020 we were all shut down and we aren’t ready for that,” explains Roe, who says that with the changes he’s seen to the country music industry over the years, performances remain key.

Entertainment is Important

“The idea of congregating and being entertained is an important aspect of life and we’re blessed to be able to participate in that part of society,” says Roe.

Roe and Diamond Rio also believe in service and have been involved with multiple charities over the years including Big Brothers and Big Sisters and Both Hands, a non-profit that supports adoptions.

Spirit of Giving

“It’s not too late in the year to make a difference. People can throw money at a group the end of the year, and that’s ok but I like to get invested,” says Roe. “If you believe in the spirit of giving this is the best time of year to give back.”

Katy is full of many non-profits where families can get involved or donate.

Many fans know of the popular Christmas music that Diamond Rio plays. Roe says not to expect any holiday tunes tonight.

Diamond Rio is performing tonight, November 11, 2022 at Central Green Park’s Veteran’s Day.

Veteran’s Day Celebration Schedule:

5:00 p.m.- National Anthem by Hayden Baker and War Bird Interview from Commemorative Air Force and Houston Wing War Bird fly over
5:15 p.m.-5:30 p.m.- Speeches from Veteran's
5:30 p.m.-6:00 p.m.- Hayden Baker
6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m.- Diamond Rio

Learn more about Diamond Rio and their schedule on their website.

“After this show we’ll go into rehearsals for our ‘Holiday in the Hits’ Christmas tour,” says Roe. In that show, they play 5-6 hits and then focus on Christmas songs.

Katy's own Hayden Baker will perform before Diamond Rio.

Outdoor events can change based on the weather, so it is important to follow Central Green Park on Facebookfor updates on events.

Visit Central Green Park’s website for updated information on coming events.