Multi-platinum selling country star Jerrod Niemann took the stage at 8 p.m.

WARSAW — Despite severe thunderstorms and a tornado warning during the afternoon hours, as well as bouts of heavy rain throughout the evening, the free country concert for St. Jude at Central Park Glover Pavilion in Warsaw took place Friday, July 20, as scheduled. 

With many years of combined experience, featuring  Brett Browand on the bass guitar/vocals, Eric Heminger on drums/vocals, Kerry Schwartz as lead vocalist and Troy McDaniel on lead guitar, Fort Wayne’s Mason Dixon Line Band started the concert off with their high energy country music.  

Mason Dixon Line Band, winner of the local Star Search contest, previously opened for the sold out concerts of Frank Foster, Colt Ford and Tyler Farr.

Multi-platinum selling country star Jerrod Niemann took the stage at 8 p.m. Known for his #1 hits “Drink to That All Night” and “Lover, Lover,” Niemann has captivated concertgoers on his own headlining tours and with superstars Keith Urban, Brad Paisley and Miranda Lambert. 

Fueled by a nearly decade-long career, Niemann first burst onto the scene in 2010 with his critically-acclaimed major-label debut, “Judge Jerrod & the Hung Jury.”

His second release, “Free the Music,” included top 15 “Shinin’ on Me” and poignant ballad “Only God Could Love You More.”

Hosted by the Warsaw Parks & Recreation Department, the concert raises funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Consistent with the vision of St. Jude founder Danny Thomas, no child is denied treatment based on race, religion or a family’s ability to pay. Last year almost $4,000 was collected from the local country concert.