The 2022 St. Edmond graduate is hosting his “One Nation Under God” performance on Friday evening at Terry Moehnke Veterans Memorial Park. The show, which begins at 7 p.m., is sold out.

The official planning for this event began seven months ago, though O’Brien had always been inspired to share his passions and the talents of his friends in a format that would serve as a military fundraiser.

“I had been listening to some different covers of classic rock and country songs, along with some of my favorite patriotic music. I wanted to create a show compiled with a genre that many people have never seen play,” said O’Brien, a virtuoso pianist who also plays trombone, bass and keytar. “I came up with the title of the show when I heard one of Ronald Reagan’s famous speeches about our freedom as a country. I agree completely with his saying, ‘If we ever forget that we are one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under.’

“I wanted to combine a show with my love of classic rock and country music, patriotic music to honor our country, and especially to honor God, who has blessed me with so much. This event is very special to me, not only because of the music in it, but both of my grandfathers served in the military. In fact, my grandpa’s name – James O’Brien – is on the first stone as you walk into the Veterans Memorial Park. My whole family has a strong love for our country and God.”

The proceeds from Friday’s gate will be donated to the Iowa Air National Guard 133rd Test Squadron in Fort Dodge, and to the Military Tribute Concert out of Urbandale.

“Representatives from both entities will be on hand,” O’Brien said. “The Military Tribute Concert is a nonprofit who ‘honors those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the defense of liberty.’ They host a concert at the State Fair every year, featuring a band composed of veterans, to offer gratitude to all veterans who have served.

“They also help raise awareness for veterans with PTSD, other traumatic brain injuries, current combat veterans in Iowa, and those who do not receive proper treatment. Through all of this, they do it all in the name of Jesus. I felt so compelled to donate to this organization after our monthly board meeting in March.”

As usual, the 18-year-old O’Brien won’t be alone on stage. A number of familiar names and faces will be involved in the show, including Erik Lee (Stratford; lead guitar), Nicolas Lentz (Eagle Grove; rhythm guitar), Owen O’Brien (Fort Dodge; bass); Isaac Larson (Fort Dodge; drums), Alyssa Allbee (Fort Dodge; vocals); Hallie Ehn (Fort Dodge; vocals), Tatum Iverson (Emmetsburg; vocals), Mikeal Campbell (Fort Dodge; vocals), and Malaney Butrick (Fort Dodge; vocals).

“I am very excited and extremely blessed to share the stage with some incredible musicians from around the area,” O’Brien said. “These vocalists, the band, and I are doing (covers of) some classics, such as, ‘House of the Rising Sun,’ ‘Let It Be,’ ‘Mr. Red White and Blue,’ ‘Courtesy of the Red White and Blue,’ and some patriotic classics such as ‘America the Beautiful.’ And my favorite time of the show is when I get to ask the crowd what they want to hear. After I have 20-25 songs, I create a medley of those songs in a fun and exciting way. I love seeing the crowd get excited with what they want to hear.”

Photo by Jason Braunschweig Brady O'Brien, a 2022 St. Edmond graduate, plays the piano on stage during a performance earlier this year.

The music will be accompanied by fireworks, stage pyrotechnics and special effects.

“I absolutely love adding these effects to the show, not only because it adds to (the atmosphere of the event), but it’s something I have always had a strong love for,” O’Brien said. “I want to give everyone the best experience possible.

“It also enhances some of the most important parts of the music. For example, during the National Anthem at the beginning of the show, I wanted to highlight certain spots that stand out to me, such as, ‘And the land of the free, and the home of the brave.'”

O’Brien knows performances don’t just include the talent on the stage.

“This show would not be possible without the amazing volunteers and crew who help it run as smoothly as possible,” O’Brien said. “I also want to thank Clare Conrad, our head lighting director, and Mark Gales, our head sound technician, for their hard work to bring this whole show together. And give a shout out to our amazing sponsors, who help make events like these possible.”

O’Brien hosted “A Very Merry Christmas” at Decker Auditorium last December, and “A Cross and a Crown” at Trinity United Methodist Church in April. His next project is the “Brady O’Brien Live Gala” in September.

“That will be an invite-only event, with very limited chances for the public to get tickets,” O’Brien said. “It will be a night of food, drinks, conversation, and an intimate dinner concert featuring all of the musicians who have ever played with me.

“It’s also a thank you to our sponsors, volunteers, and crew.”

Donations for Friday’s military fundraiser are being accepted online at support@bradyobrienlive.com. For more information, visit bradyobrienlive.com.