Large crowds always attend evening programs at Theater in the Woods

Actor and veterans advocate Gary Sinise returns with his "Lt. Dan Band" on Friday, July 30, for a concert sponsored by EAA Warbirds of America and the Disabled American Veterans. It's the second EAA visit for bassist Sinise, who is best known for his role as Vietnam veteran Lt. Dan Taylor in the classic film, "Forrest Gump," and as star of the hit TV series "CSI: New York." Coming off a widely popular AirVenture appearance in 2008, the Lt. Dan Band covers everything from Bruce Springsteen to Linkin Park, Aretha Franklin and Jimi Hendrix.

That's just a start to the weekend jams at the Theater in the Woods. The legendary band Asleep at the Wheel begins the final evening on Saturday, July 31, with its unmatched mix of Americana, blues, country, and western swing. Led by Ray Benson, the Austin, Texas-based band has a loyal following everywhere it plays. Its most recent album, "Willie and The Wheel," recorded with Willie Nelson, was nominated for Best Americana Album at the 2010 Grammys.

EAA will host a "Salute to Veterans" ceremony at 8:45 p.m. on Wednesday, July 28. The program will be preceded by Col. Hal Weekley sharing his memories of flying the B-17, which on that very day marks the 75th anniversary of its first flight in 1935.

Attendees will also be treated with a program dedicated to the 75th anniversary of the DC-3, presented by Ron Alexander, on Thursday, July 29 - another of the many sessions designed to provide a relaxing, informative and entertaining conclusion to busy days on the flight line.

Theater in the Woods is the largest public gathering structure on the AirVenture convention grounds. Supported by M&M's, the open-air pavilion has seating for 3,500 people under its spacious roof, while many more have traditionally brought lawn chairs and blankets and enjoyed the evening's programs from spots adjacent to the seating area.

Theater in the Woods features a large stage area, modern lighting, a BOSE sound system, closed-circuit video monitors throughout the pavilion, and much more. Nightly programs are included with all AirVenture admissions.

Theater in the Woods schedule (additional events to be announced)

Sunday, July 25

7 p.m. James Melton
James Melton's flying career spans from multi-engine fixed wing and helicopters to flight instructor and airline pilot. He rose to prominence through his bestselling books and Public Television series on Leadership Excellence. Jim's rich and varied background has provided him with an educated blend of experience that he has shared with top Fortune 500 companies worldwide. As a Leadership Coach he offers his futuristic, candid, and inspiring message as a catalyst for people to re-evaluate their daily choices.

7:30 p.m. Capt. Brian Udell
Capt. Brian Udell, supersonic survivor, tells a compelling story of survival, rescue and personal success. An accomplished military Strike Eagle pilot, he holds the record for surviving the highest speed ejection from a U.S. fighter aircraft at nearly 800 MPH. Brian's story of how he survived with crippling injuries for four grueling hours, 65 miles off the Atlantic Coast, at night in 60-degree water, 5-foot seas, and 15 MPH winds is remarkable. His triumphant return to the Strike Eagle is an inspiring story about perseverance and character.

8:30 p.m. Dr. Jerry Cockrell
Dr. Jerry Cockrell is a humorist, psychologist, and aviator. A former Boeing 737 Captain, with 20,000 flying hours, his 'down-home' style and hilarious anecdotes have educated and entertained audiences around the world. Beginning in 1977, he was an early developer of CRM and continues to give safety talks at military, aviation, utility, medical, and EMS events.

9:15 p.m. The Legend of Pancho Barnes and the Happy Bottom Riding Club
This documentary profile of Florence ''Pancho'' Barnes explores how she became became the first female stunt pilot in Hollywood in 1929 and shattered Amelia Earhart's air speed record in 1930. In the 1940s and 50s, Pancho entertained the best test pilots in the world at her ''Happy Bottom Riding Club'' guest ranch near Muroc, now Edwards Air Force Base. Featuring never-before-seen photographs, film footage and interviews with many of Pancho's friends, The Legend of Pancho Barnes is an exciting and poignant romp through aviation history. The audience will have a unique opportunity to learn more and ask questions of director Amanda Pope and writer/producer Nick Spark after the movie.

Monday, July 26

7:30 p.m. Bill Barber Award
Bill Barber was a favorite air show performer for many years. Aside from his skill as a pilot, he had a deep understanding of the entertainment aspect of the air show business. His energy, talent, friendly demeanor and approachability endeared him to air show fans and fellow pilots. In 1986, the Bill Barber award for showmanship was established to recognize the performer who best emulates the qualities of this air show pioneer, while also being a great artist in their own right. The Barber award is presented annually by World Air Show News and friends and family of Bill Barber. Jeff Parnau of WAN will make the presentation.

8 p.m. Key to the City/Mayor's Welcome 
Oshkosh mayor Paul Esslinger will officially welcome EAA visitors to Oshkosh and present the Key to the City award. This year's recipient is Hal Weekley, World War II B-17 pilot, who is accepting the honor on behalf of all veterans.

8:15 p.m. Greg Cayon - Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Air Force One (But Had No one to Ask)
Greg is a past Air Force One pilot and flies as a corporate pilot for Kohler Corporation. Greg will share his experiences and stories from his days as a pilot for Air Force One.

9:15 p.m. Ice Pilots
Enjoy an episode of “Ice Pilots,” a reality TV series featuring arctic airline Buffalo Airways. Buffalo Airways operates a variety of vintage aircraft including the venerable DC-3. Landing precious cargo onto remote airstrips at mine sites, water bombing forest fires and carving out runways on frozen lakes and rocky tundra, the Buffalo boys do it all, despite blizzards, breakdowns and crazy passengers. The episode will be hosted by Howard Slutsken, from Omni Film Productions Limited, which produces the show.

Tuesday, July 27

7 p.m. Winnebagoland Barbershoppers
The evening begins with the close Barbershop harmonies of the Winnebagoland Barbershoppers. The chorus, under the direction of Todd Oxley, won the 'Plateau A' competition for small choruses last fall.

7:30 p.m. President's Awards and Freedom of Flight Award
EAA president Tom Poberezny will present this year's Dorothy Hilbert Volunteer award, the President's awards, and the Freedom of Flight award, EAA's highest honor.

8 p.m. "Wings over the Rockies" Film 
The film will be introduced by Greg Anderson, President and CEO of the Wings over the Rockies Air and Space Museum, located in Denver.

8:15 p.m. Then and Now; F-15 ASAT and the Lockheed Martin F-35
Maj. Gen. Wilbert D. "Doug" Pearson Jr. is Commander, Air Force Flight Test Center, Edwards Air Force Base. His 40-year career has allowed him to fly a variety of aircraft from the F-4 Phantom to the F/A 22. Gen. Pearson also commanded the F-15 Anti-satellite Combined Test Force in the 1980s and, while flying an F-15, launched the first anti-satellite missile which successfully intercepted, and destroyed a satellite in earth orbit.

9 p.m. Restoring and Flying the DC-7
Join Young Eagles co-chairman Jeff Skiles as he discusses the restoration and operation of the Historical Flight Foundation's rare 1958 Eastern Airlines DC-7B. Skiles will be joined by DC-7 Capt. Frank Moss, First Officer Eduardo Blanco, Flight Engineer Carlos Gomez and Roger Jarman of the Historical Flight Foundation.

Wednesday, July 28

6:45 p.m. EAA Concert Band
Many Oshkosh traditions begin as a simple idea. Illinois high school band director and long-time EAA volunteer Elton Eislie wondered what it would be like to assemble a volunteer EAA concert band. He put that idea into action and the EAA concert band was born. Now in their fourth year, the band is comprised of volunteers from around the world.

7:30 p.m. FAA Administrator - General Aviation Awards
FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt will present this year's General Aviation awards for the aviation maintenance technician, avionics technician; CFI and safety tem representative of the year.

8 p.m. Hal Weekley, B-17 Pilot
On the 75th anniversary of the first flight of the Boeing B-17, Col. Hal Weekley a World War II B-17 first pilot shares his memories of flying the "Fortress." Col. Weekley also flew EAA's B-17 Aluminum Overcast for many years, retiring in 2001 as the oldest World War II combat veteran still flying the B-17

8:45 p.m. EAA's Salute to Veterans
Join host David Hartman in this emotional program dedicated to the men and women who have stood in service to their country.

Thursday, July 29

7 p.m. Women in Aviation
Women in Aviation president Dr. Peggy Chabrian is joined by astronauts Bonnie Dunbar and Peggy Whitson as they discuss their careers in aviation.

8 p.m. 75th anniversary of the DC-3
Moderator -Ron Alexander
History, Development and Early Airline Service; with historian and author Henry Holden and Jim Douglas, son of Donald Douglas, Sr.
The DC-3 goes to work in War and Peace, with Bernard Sand World War II C-47 pilot; Gary Wiley, C-47 pilot in Viet Nam; Sam Alexander, DC-3 Delta Pilot; and Deke Holman, DC-3 and C-47 pilot.
The DC-3 Today, Still Going Strong! With Tom Weigt, Basler Turbo Conversions; "Buffalo Joe" and Mikey McBryan, the "Ice Pilots."

Friday, July 30

8 p.m. Lt. Dan Band
Actor and veteran's advocate Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band return to Theater in the Woods. The Lt. Dan Band covers everything from Bruce Springsteen to Linkin Park, Aretha Franklin to Jimi Hendrix. The Lt. Dan Band Show is made possible by the Disabled American Veterans and EAA Warbirds of America.

Saturday, July 31

10 a.m. EAA Annual Meeting

6 p.m. Catholic Mass will be celebrated in the Honda Forum Pavilion #7

6:45 p.m. Asleep At The Wheel
Asleep at the Wheel is a nine-time Grammy winning band, known as the "Kings of Texas Swing." Celebrating their 40th anniversary and more than 25 albums, Asleep at the Wheel brings their unique blend of country, western-swing and boogie to Theater in the Woods.

8:30 p.m. Night Air Show

Sunday, August 1

9:15 A.M. Protestant Service - EAA Chaplin Ed Riddick

10:15 A.M. Catholic Mass - Fr. Doug LeCaptain