How I met Charlie Daniels

By Michelle Bankson

Last Wednesday was our Apopka Chamber's Lunch Mingle at Something Fishy. I had a great conversation with Joe Bamford who owns Get Off The Bus Concerts. He shared with us how he is wanting to bring more "big name" concerts to the Apopka Amphitheater.

He is an amazing man who wants to give back to the community when he actually could retire. Joe isn't trying to make money on these concerts. The cool thing is all of the net proceeds go to a local charity. Joe's biggest joy is helping local charities through the concerts he produces. He started with Travis Tritt a few months ago. Friday night it was The Charlie Daniels Band. Joe is hoping to bring many more concerts to our wonderful city.

At the Mingle Joe informed us he had forgotten to set up an SUV and a driver for the band. Apparently Joe normally reaches out to a local car dealer, but, being new to Apopka, he did not know who to call.

I told him I could help him find a vehicle, but one of the other minglers said, "Why not use the Sleigh?"

Joe said, "The Sleigh?"

I explained that is the nickname for my Tahoe SUV.

"What color is it?" asked Joe.

"Black," I responded."

"That would be perfect. Can you pick them up on Friday afternoon?"

So that is how I found myself in the parking lot of the Holiday Inn on Friday.

It was a great experience meeting the band and taking them to the Amphitheater. Joe arranged for me to sit in a great location for the concert and I got a great picture with Charlie and his autograph.

The concert was amazing. Charlie is 80 years old and yet he still plays his fiddle and his guitar like he's in his 20's. I seriously had a smile on my face from the beginning of the concert to way after it was over.

I hope Apopka and Central Florida will come to these concerts. They will bring great things to the city of Apopka and to local charities.

Michelle Bankson responsible for Member Relations for the Apopka Area Chamber of Commerce.