Susie McEntire

WARSAW — Susie McEntire will be returning to Warsaw this year to perform a country-themed Christmas concert Saturday, Dec. 16.

The concert will take place at Lakeview Middle School, 848 E. Smith St., Warsaw. Doors will open at 6 p.m. with the concert beginning at 7 p.m. Early arrival is encouraged, as seating will be first come, first served.

There is no admission fee to attend the concert; however, guests are asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy to be donated to the local U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program.

“Because of the generosity of our sponsors and the support of our community, this will be a free concert for everyone to enjoy,” said local resident Mike Loher, who organized the concert.

McEntire is the younger sister of actress and country music icon Reba McEntire.

In 1993, Susie McEntire released her debut solo record. That album reached number 39 on the U.S. Billboard Top Contemporary Christian Albums chart in 1994.

McEntire was inducted into the Christian Music Hall of Fame on Nov. 5, 2011. She has also received awards and nominations from Nashville Network, Gospel Music Association and Country Music Association.

This will be the fourth time McEntire has performed a Christmas concert in Warsaw.

“The concert in Warsaw is dear to me,” said McEntire. “Children and Marines are a perfect match. My husband’s son is a USMC officer, and we have 12 grandchildren together – add music and a nice evening with great folks and I’m in.”

According to Loher, the Warsaw Christian School choir will be performing with McEntire at this event.

“We will get to see children from our community perform with Susie McEntire,” Loher stated. “This will be something for everyone to remember for years to come.”

The Chain Gang Quartet, a local musical group, will be performing in the lobby area prior to the concert as well as singing with McEntire at the end of the show.

“I’ll sing the usual Christmas standards as well as a few new ones,” McEntire said. “ My finale is a brand new song for me. It’s sort of a ballad and blessing.”

“Mike Loher does such a good job with this event. He loves Warsaw and so enjoys doing good things. I love his heart for the community,” McEntire stated. “I believe in Christmas and the folks putting this event on – I’ll be back as long as they’ll have me.”

McEntire’s husband, Mark Eaton, will be joining her on stage during the concert.

“Toward the end of my show, I always bring my husband up,” said McEntire. “He adds a lot to the stage and might do his famous ‘Silent Night’ in German. He’s a lot of fun.”

Eaton, is nationally known for his faith-based men’s leadership conferences. This year Eaton has agreed to bring his conference to Warsaw. The conference will be held from 5-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15, and from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16. More information about the conference can be found on their website.

Eaton and McEntire will be hosting services at 9 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 17, at the Leesburg United Methodist Church.