A 'tribute to our country, our flag, our veterans'
| Wednesday, Nov 04 2009 06:10 PM
Last Updated Wednesday, Nov 04 2009 06:10 PM
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GO & DO
What: Keep Old Glory Flying dinner and show
When: 5:30-8 p.m. Saturday (the show at the Crystal Palace will go longer)
Where: Buck Owens' Crystal Palace, 2800 Buck Owens Blvd.; live simulcast at Fox Theater, 2001 H St.; and broadcast live on KGET-TV, Channel 17.
TICKETS: Dinner and show at Crystal Palace $125; family and friends of veterans free at Fox Theater, concessions included. Call 330-0777, 204-8160 or 477-7171 about Fox accommodations.
DETAILS: 877-676-3524, 663-9765; keepoldgloryflying.org
Having become a way of life, talent searches sometimes have a higher purpose than drama and finding the "next big thing." Organizers of the fifth annual "Keep Old Glory Flying" concert at Buck Owens' Crystal Palace on Saturday are first concerned with celebrating Veterans Day.
"It's a tribute to our country, our flag, our military and our veterans," said Karen Norton, a board member of Keep Old Glory Flying.
Norton said the concert will feature the five finalists of this year's talent search, which began in April. The soloists will sing patriotic songs, accompanied by video presentations of American history and scenes of American life. The concert is also a charitable event. ACAP spokesman Joel Nord said part of the ticket price and all of the money raised from a live auction at the Palace will benefit the Fisher House, which provides low-cost or free housing for families of veterans being treated at VA hospitals.
"There are 43 houses around the country," Nord said. "The newest one opened this year near the West Los Angeles veterans' hospital. That's the one that serves Kern County's veterans."
Norton said the concert will be simulcast to the Fox Theater so the event can be opened up to more people. At the same time, there will also be events at the Fox, such as guest speakers and other activities that will be broadcast back to the Palace. The entire event will be broadcast on KGET-TV, Channel 17. Norton said free tickets are available at the Fox for veterans and their families. The concession stand is also free that evening, Norton said.
The concert gets its name from a song written by performer and Vietnam veteran Jonathan Wild, who was the performer at the first concert in 2005. Norton said Wild is recovering from throat cancer and so has been unable to perform. The group adapted by opening the concert up to local performers.
Finalists performing at the concert include Jill Harlander, Elissia Miller, Scott Neese, Holly Smith and Ross Vercammen.
ACAP -- Americans Concerned About Patriotism -- was founded in 2005 with the goals of preserving the Stars and Stripes and honoring those in uniform, past and present.
"We wanted to raise awareness for the protection of the American flag," Nord said. "If we can raise the consciousness that we need to protect the flag from desecration, we thought this would be a way to do it."
Along with the patriotic music and video, guest dignitaries are expected to attend, including U.S. Rep. Kevin McCarthy, Assemblywoman Jean Fuller, Kern County Supervisor Michael Rubio, Bakersfield City Councilwoman Jacquie Sullivan and Dave Noerr, mayor of Taft. Nord and Rick Pierucci are co-producing the show. Another special guest is a man who knows a thing or two about preserving the flag: Former Los Angeles Dodger outfielder and current broadcaster Rick Monday is scheduled to participate for the second-consecutive year. Back in 1976, Monday, a member of the Chicago Cubs at the time, snatched an American flag from the hands of protesters who were about to torch it at a game in Dodger Stadium.
Monday became an instant hero to Dodger fans. He will host an auction of sports collectibles, the proceeds of which benefit Fisher House Foundation. Last year's show raised $17,000 for Fisher House.
"It's become an annual tradition," Nord said. "We salute all five branches of the military. There are a lot of little surprises for the audience."
Nord stressed that the show is not partisan in nature.
"This is not a political event -- not a red or blue event, and not a religious night," he said. "It's a celebration of America."
