Country Star Aaron Tippin, Night Air Show Make for 'Super Saturday' at EAA AirVenture 2011

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wis. — From sunrise to well past sunset, a “Super Saturday” filled with must-see features, attractions, and activities awaits attendees on July 30 at EAA AirVenture 2011, including country star Aaron Tippin in concert followed by the widely popular Night Air Show and Daher-Socata Fireworks. The 59th annual edition of “The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration” will be held July 25-31 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh.

Following the expanded “Warbirds Extravaganza” afternoon air show, Tippin will take to the Theater in the Woods stage for an evening concert featuring many of his hits, including “Where the Stars and Stripes and the Eagles Fly,” “You’ve Got to Stand for Something,” and “Kiss This.” Tippin’s appearance is part of the Commemorative Air Force’s “Red, White & Loud Tour” and coincides with the much-anticipated return of CAF’s FIFI, the world’s only airworthy B-29 “Superfortress,” to AirVenture after a 16-year absence. Theater in the Woods programs at AirVenture are supported by M&Ms.

Tippin’s performance leads into the Night Air Show and Daher-Socata Fireworks & Wall of Fire, which drew tens of thousands to the flightline for last year’s inaugural event, beginning at approximately 8:30 p.m.

“There is so much going on throughout each day of AirVenture that it’s almost impossible to say one day is the best one to be at Oshkosh,” said Tom Poberezny, EAA and AirVenture chairman. “However, adding Aaron Tippin – a great performer and friend to the EAA community – to the action-packed AirVenture Saturday lineup, this is definitely shaping up to be one of those ‘must-see days.’”

A highly experienced pilot himself, Tippin soloed for the first time on his 16th birthday. He became a commercial multi-engine, instrument-rated pilot by age 18 and also holds helicopter ratings. A certified aircraft and power plant mechanic, he owns a 1941 Stearman, 1946 J3 Cub, and 1959 Helio Courier.

Tippin, a platinum recording artist, has become one of the most recognizable and influential voices in country music over the past two decades. With 13 albums to his name and more than 30 charted singles, he performs nearly 200 dates each year. For more information, visit www.aarontippin.com.

“We are thrilled to bring the CAF’s ‘Red, White & Loud Tour’ to EAA AirVenture. Aaron is a great supporter of our American troops and veterans, as well as the CAF and what we stand for, honoring American military aviation through flight, exhibition, and remembrance,” said Stephan Brown, CAF president/CEO. “Partnering with Aaron to create this tour has allowed the CAF to reach new audiences and we are excited to celebrate America’s freedom through song and the roaring radial engines of the world’s only flying B-29 at one of the greatest aviation events.”

The Night Air Show will feature the AeroShell Aerobatic Team (T-6s), Bob Carlton (Jet sailplane), Gene Soucy (Showcat), Matt Younkin (Twin Beech), and Steve Oliver (Chipmunk) performing their signature maneuvers choreographed to pyrotechnics and music. Following the glow of the Night Air Show, performers will be available for a meet-and-greet alongside their aircraft on the West Ramp, making it a fully interactive evening for the entire family. Food and concessions will be available for purchase throughout the event.

The day kicks off at 6 a.m. with a mass hot air balloon launch in the Ultralight area and concludes with a feature film at the EAA Fly-In Theater, presented by Ford Motor Company and supported by Hamilton Watches, following the Daher-Socata Fireworks & Wall of Fire. The day also features the annual Runway 5K run/walk throughout the AirVenture grounds, beginning at 7 a.m. Additional features and details for “Super Saturday” will be available on www.airventure.org at a later date.Advance purchase admission tickets and camping for all dates of AirVenture 2011 are now available at a discounted rate at www.airventure.org/tickets. EAA AIRVENTURE OSHKOSH is The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration and EAA’s yearly membership convention. Additional EAA AirVenture information, including advance ticket and camping purchase, is available online at www.airventure.org. EAA members receive lowest prices on admission rates. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 1-800-JOIN-EAA (1-800-564-6322) or visit www.eaa.org. Immediate news is available at www.twitter.com/EAAupdate