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    No one expected Riley Green to interrupt his headline performance at the Windy City Smokeout to introduce a U.S. Marine—until he did. Lt. Jackson Perkins took the stage, guitar in hand, and Green performed a flawless duet of “In Color.” The crowd outside the United Center erupted in cheers, and within seconds, the Marine had won them over with both his voice and presence.

    Kelly WhitewoodBy 3 Mins Read

    Riley Green Surprises Windy City Smokeout Crowd with Special Guest Appearance

    On Sunday, July 13, Riley Green closed out Day Three of the Windy City Smokeout with a headlining performance—and gave fans a surprise they won’t soon forget. During his set, Green brought out a very special guest to join him on stage for a powerful duet of “In Color”, the beloved 2008 hit by Jamey Johnson.

    His duet partner? First Lieutenant Jackson Perkins of the United States Marine Corps.

    Though currently stationed in Washington, D.C., Lt. Perkins was in Chicago to support Marine Week, which happened to coincide with the Smokeout festival. A singer and musician himself, Perkins found himself in the right place at the right time—and Green made sure to seize the opportunity.

    A Backstage Moment, Then a Surprise Onstage
    In a behind-the-scenes clip shared to Green’s Instagram Story, Perkins is seen backstage, sharing a light moment and fist bump with the country star before the show. A few songs into the set, Green invited him to join him in front of the packed crowd outside United Center.

    The Crowd’s Reaction? Electric
    Though many in the audience had never heard of Lt. Perkins before, they were instantly won over. The moment he stepped onstage, guitar in hand, fans erupted in applause. As the two began their rendition of “In Color”, it was clear that Perkins wasn’t just a serviceman—he was also a gifted performer. His voice carried emotion and authenticity, and it didn’t take long for the entire crowd to join in.

    Perkins couldn’t help but smile at the warm reception, soaking in the cheers as he played and sang alongside Green.

    A Star-Making Moment?
    One fan captured the duet on TikTok, adding the caption: “Came for Riley Green, left obsessed with this man.” The clip quickly began circulating, as viewers across social media praised the performance and the special moment it created.

    Why It Mattered
    Riley Green has performed “In Color” live for years, but this version—shared with a Marine on stage during a festival that happened to overlap with Marine Week—felt particularly meaningful. It wasn’t just a great cover. It was a tribute to service, a nod to shared stories, and a reminder of the connection between country music and the people who live the values it often celebrates.

    @funderson someone get me his name thanks #rileygreen ♬ original sound – funderson

    Whether you were in the crowd or watching online, the moment was unforgettable—and a beautiful reminder of how music can bring people together, even from the most unexpected places.

    @rileyduckman Semper Fi Thank you First Lieutenant Jackson Perkins of the United States Marine Corps for singing this one with me at @Windy City Smokeout #incolor #janeyjohnson ♬ original sound – Riley Green

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