The annual concert for the Angelus draws rousing reviews from the crowd at Clearwater's Coachman Park.
By EILEEN SCHULTE
Published December 15, 2003
[Times photo: Kathleen Flynn]
Laura Rothenberger of the Angelus staff holds up Patty Wasser, a resident of the Angelus, as they dance to the music of Little Texas with musician Bonnie Bramlet.
CLEARWATER - The Devil Went Down to Georgia and he missed a stellar country jam Saturday night in Clearwater.
His loss.
Charlie Daniels, along with an all-star throng of country stars, including the hunk of the moment, Billy Dean, who wore an American flag bandana on his head, had the crowd on its feet singing the 1979 hit.
In front of nearly 10,000 fans at the annual Angelus benefit concert at Coachman Park, the artists reveled in rousing applause and the unmistakable sound of whoops from supporters, many of whom were decked out for the occasion in cowboy hats and western boots.
"This was the best one yet," said Chris Ouellette, who was packing up after the final number was sung to head back to Spring Hill with her family, husband Paul and daughter Kaite. "They had better performers. Clint Black was great, very energetic. It was awesome. We had such a delightful day."
Black did not participate in the All-Star jam at the end of the event, yet he seemed to impress Tami Able, who was dancing with a male friend toward the back of the park, watching Black, who from their vantage point seemed little more than a stick figure wearing a cowboy hat.
"He's good," Able said, smiling and swaying to Black's hit Killin' Time. "We love the freebie shows Clearwater puts on. We pay our taxes. We respect them and they respect us."
Much to the gratification of music lovers, the city of Clearwater has attracted a number of famous performers to play at Coachman Park this year.
They include jazz ingenue Norah Jones, Herbie Hancock and alternative rock great Dashboard Confessional.
Many artists credit Terry Schmidt, Clearwater Parks and Recreation Department special events producer, with running a smooth and efficient show every time, but something else plays a part.
"You can't beat the weather," said Daniels in an interview last week, adding he has almost no trouble getting his fellow musicians to play in Florida at this time of year for such a good cause - the kids with cerebral palsy who live at the Angelus, a residential home in Pasco County.
A warm, unaffected man who resembles Santa Claus, Daniels lives in Tennessee and is dedicated to his Christian faith - and the charity he's been supporting for 14 years.
The highlight of his night was the all-star jam, an opportunity to sing directly to the dozen or so residents of The Angelus sitting in a place of honor, right up front.
Although only one was able to communicate verbally, the others really didn't have to say a word.
One woman rose from her wheelchair and danced with the help of an assistant who held her up.
