Olsen excited about hosting country music benefit concert

LAKE FOREST, Ill. – Greg Olsen plans to briefly jump on stage when he hosts the “Shake the Lake Music Festival” Nov. 13 at Joe’s on Weed Street in Chicago. But the Bears tight end makes one promise.

“I’m going to thank everyone for coming, but I won’t be singing,” Olsen said with a smile.

That job will belong to Keith Anderson and David Nail, who will perform a country music concert to benefit Receptions for Research—The Greg Olsen Foundation. Funds raised will go to organizations dedicated to breast and brain cancer research and treatment and to Children’s Memorial Hospital.

“A lot of guys do great charity events throughout the year, but no one does anything like this,” Olsen said. “It’s different. Joe’s won an award as a top live music venue and the bar itself is a great place to go. So when we were able to team up with them and get such good talent, it was a no-brainer.”

Anderson was born and raised in Oklahoma, but he has at least one tie to the Windy City.

“My lead guitar player grew up in Chicago, and I just kind of took up his passion,” Anderson told CMT.com. “We didn’t have a pro football team when I was growing up in Oklahoma, so I had to pick Steelers or Cowboys. I’m a Steelers fan, but now I’m a Bears fan all the way.”

While the Bears play in San Francisco the night before the concert, a handful of Olsen's teammates—including quarterback Jay Cutler—are expected to attend the event. Olsen's mother is also slated to be there. Sue Olsen is a breast cancer survivor who was the inspiration behind the creation of the Receptions for Research foundation.

Tickets for the event are on sale now at www.Ticketmaster.com or in person at Joe’s (cash only).  General admission tickets are $50 each. VIP tickets are $100 and include the opportunity for a meet-and-greet with Olsen’s teammates as well as the performing artists.

For more information, log onto www.ReceptionsforResearch.org.



(chicagobears.com)