Willie Nelson At The RNC

Willie Nelson is performing at the Republican National Convention in August. No joke.

The singer and activist, who has worked to legalize marijuana and previously helped campaign for Democrat Dennis Kucinich, will be at the convention Aug. 29 at Florida’s Tampa Bay Times Forum on behalf of the nonpartisan organization Got Your 6. Jerry Jeff Walker will also perform, according to the Huffington Post.

Named after the military expression that means “I’ve got your back,” Got Your 6 was launched this year in partnership with the entertainment industry to support veterans and military families.

Photo: Invision / AP
CMT Awards, Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, Tenn.

Don’t worry – Got Your 6 isn’t playing favorites. The organization is also putting on a fundraising concert at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, N.C., at the Time Warner Cable Arena Sept. 5 featuring Flo Rida.

Greg Propper, a spokesman for Got Your 6, explained that the concerts aren’t about Nelson getting out the vote for Mitt Romney or Flo Rida helping President Barack Obama get reelected. 

“These are not … political concerts,” Propper said, according to the Huffington Post. “They are awareness events that celebrate this generation of veterans, while making people realize the talents and skills they bring to the table. We’re happy to be hosting these at both conventions, because we believe this is one issue where both sides can agree.”

Photo: Adam Bielawski / AdamBielawski.com
B96 Pepsi SummerBash, Toyota Park, Bridgeview, Ill.

Got Your 6 executive director Chris Marvin noted that the 2012 election is really important for Iraq and Afghanistan vets and that the concerts “will bring a national spotlight to the urgent need for programs that bridge the gap between military service and civilian life.”
   
For more information about Got Your 6 please visit
GotYour6.org.