Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Looks like it’s going to be quite a September for American Idol fans who enjoy country music.

Free concerts by Casey James, Lauren Alaina and Bucky Covington.

What more could you ask for?

OK, let’s be realistic. Carrie Underwood is not going to play York County for free. (But she will be nearby next month.)

The latest news involves Bucky, who’s due to release his second album on Sept. 11.

Less than two weeks later, he’ll be in Manchester Township, headlining a benefit concert at Cousler Park.

York Dispatch Reporter Greg Gross got the info last night from Manchester Township firefighter Chris Mowry, who is organizing a Sept. 23 fundraiser there.

It’s one of a number of fundraisers the township’s career firefighters are holding to support the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Covington is involved in a charity effort called “Help the Good Guys,” which supports injured firefighters and police officers. In fact, a portion of the proceeds from the first week of sales from his upcoming album — called “Good Guys” — will go to that charity.

“So when he heard firefighters are doing charity of their own, he was all in,” Mowry said.

The concert is set for noon that day and will also feature two local performers, Kayla Kroh and Leah Burkey.

While the show is free, donations will be sought to support MDA.

An item signed by Bucky will be part of a silent auction that day. And Bucky will travel to D.C. the next day for another event involving Help the Good Guys, Mickey Milam, the group’s president told Greg last night.

If you’re a country music fan, you should check it out. Bucky played the Radio Stage at the York Fair a couple of years ago and put on an excellent show.

Speaking of the radio stage, Lauren Alaina and Casey James are scheduled to perform there next month.

Those shows are free for anyone paying admission to attend the fair.