VFW to host musical jamboree this summer
Staff photo/Michael A. Gudreau
GRAND OLE OPRY star Stonewall Jackson will return to Presque Isle this summer as he participates in the Veterans Rock and Country Jamboree. Hosted by the Hayward-Frazier Veterans of Foreign Wars and Ladies Auxiliary Post 2599, the jamboree will be held rain or shine June 22-23 at the Northern Maine Fairgrounds. Also entertaining at the event will be American rock band The Royal Guardsmen, and Grammy-nominated country and folk singer Luanne Hunt. Here, Jackson signs autographs following an October 2010 show at the Presque Isle Middle School, which was also sponsored by the local VFW post.
By Scott Mitchell Johnson
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Grand Ole Opry star and country music legend Stonewall Jackson, American rock band The Royal Guardsmen, and Grammy-nominated country and folk singer Luanne Hunt will headline the Veterans Rock and Country Jamboree this summer in Presque Isle.
Hosted by the Hayward-Frazier Veterans of Foreign Wars and Ladies Auxiliary Post 2599, the jamboree will be held rain or shine June 22-23 at the Northern Maine Fairgrounds.
“It will feature a variety of music attractions to appeal to all ages,” said Randolph Michaud, post commander and event organizer. “We think the concert will be both uplifting and exciting and a first for our community. This concert was created as an outreach to all of our veterans and their families and to bring a greater sense of unity to them and the community, as well as people in general.”
A portion of the concert proceeds will be donated to three local non-profit organizations — the Sister Mary O’Donnell Shelter, the Hope & Justice Project (formerly known as the Battered Women’s Project) and the Star City ATV Club.
“Our veterans at one time or another have used some of these services and we would like to help them better serve our veterans should the need arise for them to do so,” said Michaud, who will also entertain at the jamboree.
In addition, proceeds will also go toward the building expansion project of the VFW post home.
Friday, June 22 is billed as Rock ‘n Roll Day. In addition to The Royal Guardsmen (“Snoopy Vs. The Red Baron,” “Snoopy’s Christmas,” “Any Wednesday” and “Baby Let’s Wait), acts scheduled to perform will include 454 Rock Band, The Maniacs, Yvette Stephens, winner of the VFW’s singing competition, and Other Side Of Sanity.
Saturday, June 23 will be Country Day. Highlighted by performances by Luanne Hunt (“Solace in the Wind,” “Leader of the Band” and “Pine & The Dogwood”) and Stonewall Jackson (“Don’t Be Angry,” “Waterloo” and “Smoke Along the Track”), who will be backed up by The County’s own “The Centerline Country Band,” others slated to appear will include The Wildwoods Band, Potpourri Country Band, Indya Ouellette, winner of the VFW singing competition, and Michaud.
“In light of recent national and world events, it is fitting that we all gather together to join our hearts through a medium that is universal,” said Michaud. “Music is the universal language that we all understand; it transcends race, ethnic origin, and religion. Music reaches deep down into the soul and taps into the part of each of us that knows unity, love and peace. The focus of this concert is to build community and fellowship with people of all expressions, and come together to help our veterans who helped make this country great.”
For more information or to purchase tickets, log onto http://www.Veterans-Rock-And-Country-Jamboree.com.
