Country Artists to Raise Money for Traveling 9/11 Memorial, 4/2

Emerging Nashville recording artist Kaitlyn Baker will help raise money to support a traveling 9/11 memorial, when she headlines the 911 Steel Country Music Marathon in Cincinnati on Sunday, April 2.

The so-called 911 Steel, a 12-foot section of structural steel recovered from the rubble of the original World Trade Center, was donated by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. The steel beam is mounted on a flatbed trailer and displayed in parades and other public events. It is owned by the Fire Museum of Greater Cincinnati and managed by the Goodtimers Foundation, a nonprofit organization.

"I am honored to be involved with 911 Steel," Baker said. "It gives you a somber feeling to see it, knowing what it represents. Some people will just stand and stare at it, or pray quietly. Others will touch it and start to cry. People react differently."

Proceeds from donations to the 911 Steel support police, firefighters, veterans organizations and other charities. Since 2001, the Goodtimers have raised and distributed over $307,000.00.

"We are extremely proud of this memorial," said Paul Weber, a board member with the Fire Museum of Greater Cincinnati. "As a retired Cincinnati firefighter who lost two friends in the World Trade Center attacks, the 911 Steel memorial has a special place in my heart."

Baker became involved with the Goodtimers and 911 Steel last year, when she was invited to ride and perform on the memorial in the Findlay Market/Cincinnati Reds Opening Day Parade. She will appear with the memorial again in this year's Opening Day Parade, on Monday, April 3.

Baker is known for her singles "Burn," "Coal Train" and "To Pieces," which has recently been climbing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Chart. Her performance at the 911 Steel benefit will follow a concert the night before, at Hollywood Casino in nearby Lawrenceburg, Indiana.

In addition to Kaitlyn Baker, the lineup for April 2 benefit includes several Cincinnati-based country artists: Deuces Wild, Kevin Kelsey, Jason Owens, Maurice Mattei, Josh Brock (of 90 Proof Twang) and Nick Winters.

The 911 Steel Country Music Marathon will be held at The Pirate's Den, 3670 Werk Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45248, on Sunday, April 2, from 1:00-8:00 p.m. General admission tickets are $10 each, with seating on a first-come, first-served basis. Reserved tables (for four individuals each) are available in advance at prices ranging from $80 to $400, depending on sponsorship level. Tickets can be reserved at www.911Steel.brownpapertickets.com.

Information about Kaitlyn Baker is available at www.KaitlynBaker.com. Information about the 911 Steel is available at www.911Steel.com.

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