TalkJunkie

The last in the 2007 series of Freedom Concerts took place where it all began five years ago, at Great Adventure in Jackson Township, New Jersey. The weather semi-cooperated. At least I was reasonably dried off by concert time.

Sean again broadcast his show from the park, rotating the audience each hour to give as many as possible a chance to view the program.

Guests included Ann Coulter, Laura Ingraham and of course Oliver North, whose Freedom Alliance Scholarship Fund uses the proceeds to endow scholarships for children of service people killed or permanently disabled.

The afternoon also offered book signing opportunities. Ingraham’s new book, “Power To The People”, in the stores as of Tuesday, was available at the show.

Also broadcasting from the park a little earlier in the afternoon, was Andrew Wilkow. He did his show over at the opposite end of Great Adventure, on the arena stage.

Rain Doesn’t Dampen Spirits

Despite a few afternoon downpours the sellout crowd took full advantage of the park’s offerings before filling the arena for the evening concert. As in past years, the weather finally cooperated and cleared out before the show.

WABC morning show host Curtis Sliwa led off the concert guest list. Curtis was followed by Newt Gingrich and then a surprise appearance by the Decider-In-Chief, although it may have been one of his many body doubles. Hannity brought out Elisabeth Hasselbeck to say a few words. She enjoyed some professional competition from her young daughter who accompanied her onstage.

Rousing the Crowd – United We Stand Divided We Fall – What Don’t They Get?

Bob Grant, who just returned to the airwaves at WABC, briefly spoke to the crowd. He was then followed by Rudy Giuliani and Laura Ingraham, and then the show opened with Lee Greenwood.

After Greenwood’s opening performance, Hannity brought out the always shy Mark Levin for some advice on beating back the liberal hordes.

Ann Coulter was one of many who spent the day there, making another appearance on the arena stage.

Rimes Returns to Jackson

The show resumed with the always amazing LeAnn Rimes, who performed at the show two years ago. LeAnn’s set was followed with Lt. Col. Oliver North bringing out his fellow Fox News correspondent and friend Geraldo Rivera.

Actor Jon Voight, who has appeared on Sean’s show a few times, also made a surprise appearance at the concert. North then introduced three of the real stars of the evening. Three of this years scholarship recipients, each told Ollie a little bit about their school progress.

Montgomery Gentry, headlining the show, did a fantastic powerful set to finish off a great night.

Was Hannity Really Singing?

Hannity appeared to join in towards the end of the program, but I think he may have convinced the sound engineer to keep his mike down.Thats about the only time that could happen with the fellow who just asks three hours a day of his fans. Oh and one hour of tv, daily.

And just a little bit more time for his Sunday show too. That’s not too much.

Students and Soldiers the Real Stars of The Show

Ollie and three of the students receiving scholarships for this school year.

The Sean Hannity Freedom Concert series, which funds scholarships for the children of fallen military, expands this year to five dates. The tour begins July 10 in Atlanta and concludes Sept. 11 at the traditional venue of Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, New Jersey. In between, the concert series will visit San Diego, July 26; Cincinatti, August 9 and Dallas on August 14.

Performers announced thus far include Montgomery Gentry, LeAnn Rimes and Lee Greenwood. You can get ticket and other program and fund information at hannity.com/freedomconcert07.

The concert series which helps fund Oliver North’s Freedom Alliance Scholarship Fund will support educational scholarships for many years to come. The current school year saw the awarding of 105 student scholarships. You can read more about the fund at freedomalliance.org.

The program is always a great time and sometimes affords an opportunity to meet Hannity, North and other talk personalities at the various venues. Mark Levin mentioned that he will attend at least several of the shows. Hannity will again broadcast his show live from Great Adventure at the September concert.

I don’t know why I’m looking forward to part 2 of Howard Stern on Hannity and Colmes tomorrow night but I am. Tonight, Howard mostly dealt with all the stuff that’s already been heard about CBS’s rediculous lawsuit. Tomorrow is supposed to be more personal.

Of course as Sean said tonight, part of Howard’s appeal and success is that he just says whatever is on his mind. And after so many years of his broadcasts, movie and books, what else is there to know? And why do I care? In the last ten or fifteen years I’ve probably listened to less than an hour of the regular Stern show. Before that, well, there were lots of hours.

Recently I’ve listened to his press conference regarding the CBS lawsuit. I enjoyed a wonderful appearance by Howard on one of Bob Grant’s last broadcasts. In fact, Howard’s call was I think, the best call of that final week. And now I watched the first half of Sean’s interview. I think Stern is at his absolute best when he is being himself and serious. Who the hell wants to listen to twenty years of lesbian dial-a-date?

When Stern called Bob Grant a few months ago, it was like Howard was trying to decide for himself when it would be time for him to move on or retire. It was an introspective call as much as a testimonial to Bob. It was then that I realized I’d like to hear Howard doing serious talk radio.

Stern is a brilliant guy and a compelling personality. And when you take away all the schtick, the Fartman routines, appearances in drag and assorted obscenities, you’re left with a brilliant compelling guy who can command any topic. Of course if he ever left all that behind, he’d probably be taking a hundred million dollar a year pay cut. In the meantime, there is tomorrow night and a possible appearance by Stern on Hannity’s radio show next week.

And maybe after he finishes his five year deal with Sirius, perhaps he’ll have enough in the bank and really decide to just be himself, seriously.