Singer-songwriter James Rogers, who wrote “Where Eagles Fly,” the theme song of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, will perform at our international convention in Louisville. Rogers will sing “Where Eagles Fly” at the historic joint opening session of the Grand Convention on Monday morning, August 11. He will also entertain at the Grand Auxiliary Banquet on Monday evening.

A performer since 1975, Rogers has entertained alongside some of the biggest names in show business, including Alabama, Suzy Bogguss, Roy Clark, Steve Martin, Ricky Skaggs and Dolly Parton.

From 1993 -1998, his show, “James Rogers and Company,” at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, earned the title of “Number One most attended show in the Smokies,” and won numerous other awards.

As a songwriter, Rogers wrote “I Guard America,” which was adopted in 1997 as the official theme song of the Enlisted Mens and Womens Association of the National Guard.

“Where Eagles Fly,” written specifically for the Fraternal Order of Eagles, premiered at the 2003 Grand Convention, where it electrified delegates and was an instant hit.

“Having James back with the Eagles to sing the song he wrote for us will be one of the highlights of the convention,” complimented Grand Worthy President John Potter and Grand Madam President Margaret Cox.

Superstar Billy Ray Cyrus will kick off the 2008 International Convention of the Fraternal Order of Eagles with a performance at the “Welcome to Louisville!” show in the evening of Sunday, August 10.

An Eagle member and a member of the Eagle Hall of Fame (he also recorded a public service announcement for the FOE), Billy Ray Cyrus has been a superstar on the music scene since his 1992 debut album, “Some Gave All,” sold nine million copies. Since then, Billy Ray has charted with nine additional albums, and branched out into a successful acting career, starring on the PAX sitcom “Doc,” and co-starring with his daughter, Miley Cyrus, in the current Disney Channel hit show, “Hannah Montana.” Last year Billy Ray added to his legend with a stellar performance on the ABC show “Dancing with the Stars.”

Also performing on the Sunday night bill will be 17-year-old country music sensation Trey Hensley. Hailed as “an awesome talent” by Steve Wariner and as “the real deal” by Marty Stuart, Trey’s first CD, “Songs of Faith,” won accolades in the Nashville music industry.

Providing the laughs at the “Welcome to Louisville!” show is Buzz Sutherland, named “Comedian of the Year” by America’s Colleges and Universities a record 16 times, and nominated in 2007 as “Best Comedy Show” by American Entertainment Magazine.

International Convention attendees are in for a treat — and a real learning experience — when author and leadership expert John C. Maxwell steps up to the podium during the first ever joint opening. Maxwell will encourage Eagle members to embark on a journey of personal growth during his two-hour leadership/motivational program.

Maxwell, who has authored more than 50 books (mostly on leadership), will discuss the five levels of leadership that are essential to becoming a strong and effective leader. He will also present time-tested principles to help you "develop the leader within you."

According to Bill Loffer, Grand Aerie membership director, the Grand Aerie has been using Maxwell's collection of leadership books for several years and recently decided to link the principles to our people/mission. In addition, Loffer attended a Maxwell training course where he became certified to teach some of Maxwell's principles to Eagle members.

"Extending leadership training to Eagle members resulted from research conducted by Fahlgren Mortine Public Relations in 2005," Loffer said. "Studies revealed that we, as Eagles, have the opportunity to brand ourselves and to stand for something within our communities. Our leadership chose to brand our organization as community leaders we want the world to know that we develop and prepare individuals to serve in leadership roles within the communities where they reside."

Maxwell’s leadership training has been provided to incoming presidents for several years now and leadership development will be a primary focus during 2008. "Eagle leaders at both the national and state levels are committed to developing people and developing leaders,” said John Potter, Grand Worthy President. "I believe our emphasis on leadership training will appeal to existing members and prospects. It is another capability that sets the Eagles apart from other service organizations and will help us reach our future goals."

Maxwell has sold more than 13 million copies of his leadership books; including The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership and Becoming the Person Others Will Want to Follow. He has also trained more than 2 million leaders worldwide, delivering his messages to Fortune 500 companies, international government leaders and organizations as diverse as the United States Military Academy and the National Football League.

Headlining at the Grand Auxiliary Banquet on Monday evening, August 11, is singing sensation Ronnie McDowell. Following the death of Elvis Presley in 1977, Ronnie dazzled the world with his heartfelt tribute song, “The King is Gone.” To date it has sold more than five million copies. Ronnie has charted consistently since then, and has provided the singing voice of Elvis in several movies and mini-series made about “The King.”

Tickets for the Grand Auxiliary Banquet are $35. Entertainment-only tickets are $15.

At the Mr. & Mrs. Eagle Banquet on Tuesday evening, August 12, “The Man of 1,000 Voices” will top the bill. Andre is one of the most popular showmen in Las Vegas, his headquarters. The New York Post claims “you simply have to hear him to believe it.” He can sing pitch-perfect in 400 different, famous voices.

Also providing entertainment at the Mr. & Mrs. Eagle Banquet is pianist extraordinaire and Liberace tribute artist Wes Winters, one of the most popular performers in Las Vegas. “Adorned in sequins, feathers and a ruffled shirt, Winters dazzles the audience with a feast of music,” wrote reviewer Noelani Jones.

Answering the question, “What do you get when you combine hysterical comedy, the excitement of a sporting event, and the world’s most unusual audience participation stunts?” is comedian Russ Merlin, who has performed on “The Tonight Show,” at Carnegie Hall, and for the Queen of England. He’ll round out the bill at the “Mr. & Mrs. Eagle” banquet. Tickets for the “Mr. & Mrs. Eagle” Banquet are $35.

The REAC Luncheon on Wednesday, August 13, features another legend of country music, “Whispering” Bill Anderson. For more than 50 years he has been a country music legend, a million-selling recording artist, TV game show host and Grand Ol’ Opry star. He also authored two best-selling books about his life in show business. In addition to being a great performer, Bill is one of Nashville’s finest and most prolific songwriters. Tickets for the REAC Luncheon are $20.