GREENVILLE, S.C. - A Greenville talk radio host is proposing an alternative concert to the Dixie Chicks' May 1 show at the Bi-Lo Center as a way for fans to show their displeasure about the country music group's comments about President Bush during a European tour.

Mike Gallagher, a nationally syndicated talk show host, told The Greenville News that a concert is on for May 1 at the Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium.

Gallagher, who once lived and worked in Greenville, wants to let anyone with Dixie Chicks' tickets in for free and says he will donate all proceeds from the concert to military families from South Carolina.

"Obviously, this is designed to send a message that it's not OK to run down our president during this time of war," he said. "They insulted their core audience. Country music fans are red-blooded, patriotic Americans who support our military and support our commander in chief."

The Texas trio's lead singer, Natalie Maines, irked many of the group's fans when she told a London audience, "Just so you know, we're ashamed the president of the United States is from Texas."

Maines has since issued an apology but that didn't stop the firestorm of criticism. This week, the South Carolina House of Representatives passed a resolution calling on the group to perform a free concert for South Carolina troops and their families as a means of penance.

Gallagher still is missing one key ingredient to pull of his concert: a performer.

He said he is talking with some well known country acts.

"I think people are so upset about the Dixie Chicks that if I have to get a banjo and stand up there on stage and sing 'On Top of Old Smokey' people will stand up and cheer," he said. "They don't care."

Jill Weninger, marketing director for the Bi-Lo Center, said the sold-out show will go on as scheduled and there will be no refunds.

Information from: The Greenville News