Jonathan Wild offers patriotic performance at Crystal Palace
Jonathan Wild offers patriotic performance at Crystal Palace
Wild has opened for Willie Nelson, George Burns, Crystal Gayle, and Emmylou Harris, and has appeared with Bob Hope to welcome home troops returning from Desert Storm.
Singing Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the U.S.A.,” Wild performed for former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani at the Santa Barbara Biltmore Hotel’s Coral Casino.
“Keep Old Glory Flying,” which debuted last Veterans eve at the Crystal Palace, will win the “Country Music Video of the Year” at the Los Angeles Music Awards on Nov. 9. The video includes stirring images and live action sequences that compliment the lyrics.
Last year’s celebration earned the show’s producers, ACAP Productions, the prestigious 2006 Beautiful Bakersfield Award in the Civic All-American City Division.
“This year’s show will be even better,” said Joel Nord, one of ACAP’s founding members and event coordinators. “Additionally, a portion of the proceeds this year is being donated solely to the Kern Veterans Memorial Foundation.”
ACAP stands for Americans Concerned About Patriotism and was organized to support the proposed 28th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States that bans the burning or desecration of the American flag.
Two years ago, Nord met Jonathan Wild in Santa Barbara and discussed his desire to have a song written that embodied feelings of protecting the honor of the American flag. Wild, a decorated Vietnam veteran, accepted the challenge and composed a spirited song.
“But this event does not have a political agenda,” said Nord’s partner, Rick Pierucci. “This is neither a red or blue night, but a red, white and blue one.”
In fact, both Republicans and Democrats alike are scheduled to attend.
ACAP Productions, along with 29 Eyewitness News, Fox 58 and Kuzz Radio, will present the evening’s festivities that will be emceed by Rusty Shoop and Steve Gradowitz. The evening’s program will include a Marine Corps honor guard presenting colors and a full military roll call. A prime rib dinner and live performances by Jonathan Wild, the Buckaroos and Kim McAbee will be included.
The Buckaroos are, of course, the late Buck Owens’ backup singers and musicians. Doyle Curtsinger, bass player and singer, has been with the group since 1969. Jim Shaw, on keyboard, joined the following year. Terry Christoffersen, steel and lead guitarist, came to the group in 1975. Newcomer David Wulfekuehler added his skills as drummer four years ago. Singer Kim McAbee has been a regular at the Crystal Palace since it opened in 1996.
For more details or ticket information, call 663-9765.
