Country music fans rejoice as Bellamy Brothers hit the Phil

Hooray! School kids can celebrate the beginning of summer vacation soon while country music fans can rejoice because The Bellamy Brothers' country music extravaganza begins at 8 p.m. Friday, June 2, at the Philharmonic Center for the Arts.

We could use a little rowdy entertainment now and then, so it's no wonder that David and Howard Bellamy are the American Country Music's and Country Music Association's most nominated country-music duo.

The Bellamy Brothers are among the few American country entertainers welcomed into the German Country Hall of Fame. They have also earned numerous gold and platinum album awards in America, as well as others earned in Scandinavia, Europe, Japan and Australia.

The patriotic duo have not only been creating beautiful music together for more than 25 years, they've also been entertaining U.S. and allied troops for many years, including the present, all over the world.

In addition to being recognized internationally for their contributions to pop and country music, the brothers are tireless performers and arguably among the most successful touring artists here and abroad, having performed in more than 40 countries. They've also played to standing-room-only crowds from 5,000 to 50,000 fans at impressive, high-status international festivals and county fairs, as well as big-name casino stages.

Some of their sold-out shows include the Silverton Casino, Las Vegas, the Trucker Country Fest at Interlaken, Switzerland, and the Lanierland Concert Park in Cummings, Ga., where they're scheduled to perform Saturday, June 3.

The duo's most recent album Angels and Outlaws (released fall 2004 on Curb Records) contains duets with more than 30 guest artists — such as Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Alan Jackson and Tanya Tucker — who encompass more than 25 of America's best-loved country and pop entertainers.

Friday night's audience can expect to hear many of those hits, including Let your Love Flow and one that always cracks me up, If I Said You Had a Beautiful Body (would you hold it against me?) or Red Neck Girl and many, many more.

Tickets to the Bellamy Brothers concert are $30. For more information or to order tickets, call Phil's customer service number at (239) 597-1900 or toll-free (800) 597-1900 or visit www.thephil.org. The Philharmonic Center for the Arts is at 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd. in Naples.

Magic Carpet Percussion Concert, Saturday, June 3

Daniels Pavilion at the Philharmonic Center for the Arts. Everyone, including infants, must have a ticket * $10 adult, $5 student. Call 597-1900 or visit thephil.org for tickets!

It's all about the kids (adults, too) at the Phil's interactive Magic Carpet Series, which ends the season with a bang this Saturday with a Percussion Concert performed by the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra's percussionists.

Concertgoers will have a thumping good time learning about colonial colonist drumming traditions, as well hearing the story of Patriotic Percussion accompanied by theatrical lighting and special effects along with costumes and props from Betsy Ross to the Statue of Liberty.

Dozens more surprises are promised so you'll just have to hear and see for yourselves!

From 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. the Phil and Barnes & Noble are presenting a special program of fun activities and storytelling related to the concert at the bookstore. Admission is free with your Magic Carpet ticket.