The Owensboro Convention Center will be rockin’ and rollin’ on Saturday, March 5 when the “Handing Back” event returns for a night of entertainment and inspiration.
Jason Koger organizes the event each year as a way to give back to the community. In March of 2008, Jason lost both arms below the elbow when he came into contact with live electrical wires.
“This community gave my family so much during my accident. This is my way to give back, but also to show some of these people I’ve become friends with what kind of community Owensboro is,” Koger said, explaining the motivation behind Handing Back. “Owensboro is a special place. People care. When something happens, people step up.”
The idea started with a visit from actor Peter Weller (Robocop, Star Trek, Sons of Anarchy), who Jason met when he was invited to play a role in an episode of Hawaii Five-O requiring robotic arms. After striking a friendship, Peter decided he wanted to visit Koger in Owensboro so he could see the community Jason kept talking about so much. While Weller was in town, he agreed to do an autograph signing and the idea that became Handing Back was born.
Last year’s event drew nearly 1,000 people and raised over $18,000, which was divided among seven local charities.
Handing Back is designed to be a full night of entertainment featuring live bands with celebrity guest speakers and presentations in between each act.
Musical acts include:
- Halfway to Hazard, a band who has opened up for Tim McGraw and Faith Hill
- Buddy Owens, a songwriter who has written songs for Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert
- Ray Stephenson, a songwriter who has written for Kenny Chesney, Merle Haggard, and Willie Nelson
- Singer/Songwriter Jared Ashley
- and Insulated, one of Owensboro’s premier rock bands.
Also appearing will be:
- Caleb Reynolds, from CBS’s Big Brother
- Ashley Jay, co-host of Knight and Hale’s Ultimate Hunting TV
- Reggie Showers, NHRA racer and amputee
- and Peter Weller, best known for his role in Robocop
Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door.
Doors open at 6 p.m. Event starts at 7 p.m. The event will be held in the West Ballroom at Owensboro Convention Center.
For tickets, go to owensborotickets.com.
“The main thing I want people to realize is that if you have a positive attitude and believe in God, you can influence people. For some reason, Peter Weller attached to my story. And because of that, all these other things have happened. Don’t ever give up on what you are or who you are. If you just stay positive and believe in God, you can make a difference in everybody’s lives.” – Jason Koger
