THE CONCERT

The Performers

The 2011 National Memorial Day Concert features award-winning stars and well-known personalities.

Gary Sinise
Joe Mantegna
General Colin L. Powell, USA (Ret.)
Kris Allen
Dianne Wiest
B.B. King
Hayley Westenra
Forest Whitaker
Jason Ritter
Pia Toscano
A.J. Cook
Daniel Rodriguez
Yolanda Adams
Maestro Jack Everly
The National Symphony Orchestra
Military District of Washington
U.S. Army Herald Trumpets
The U.S. Army Chorus
The Soldiers’ Chorus of The United States Army Field Band
U.S. Navy Band Sea Chanters
U.S. Air Force Singing Sergeants
Behind the Scenes: Our award-winning production team

Gary Sinise

Gary Sinise's portrayal of Lt. Dan Taylor in the Oscar-winning film Forrest Gump made him a mainstream movie star, and earned him nominations for an Academy Award and a Screen Actors Guild Award.  He received the Best Supporting Actor Award from the National Board of Review and the Commander's Award from the Disabled American Veterans.  He then went on to take starring roles in the acclaimed Apollo 13, opposite Tom Hanks and Kevin Bacon; the thriller Ransom with Mel Gibson and Rene Russo; and in Brian De Palma's psychological thriller Snake Eyes.  Currently, Sinise is starring as Det. Mack “Mac” Taylor in CBS’s hugely successful CSI: New York, produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and Anthony Zuiker, and now celebrating its seventh season and over 150 episodes.  He was most recently seen in the Fox News documentary, On The Road In Iraq With Our Troops and Gary Sinise, which highlighted Gary’s fourth USO Tour to the country, as well as his numerous humanitarian efforts.  He was last seen on the big screen in Columbia Pictures’ The Forgotten with Julianne Moore, and The Human Stain for director Robert Benton and Miramax films, opposite Anthony Hopkins, Nicole Kidman and Ed Harris.  He also provided the voice of Shaw in Sony’s animated feature Open Season.  Gary is a Founder of Chicago's Steppenwolf Theatre Company, sole Founder of the Gary Sinise Charitable Foundation and Co-Founder of Operation International Children, a charitable organization that sends school supplies to needy children globally, including efforts in Iraq, Afghanistan and those affected by Hurricane Katrina. Gary recently received the Presidential Citizens Medal, which is the second highest civilian honor awarded to citizens for exemplary deeds performed in service of the nation.  Gary is only the second actor in history to receive it--the other was Elizabeth Taylor--and only a hundred people have received this honor in history.  Since 2003, Gary has traveled to Iraq and Afghanistan numerous times in support of the troops.  In his travels abroad he also performs with his Lieutenant Dan Band for the USO and for other military and veterans causes.  His travels include Germany, Italy, Singapore, Diego Garcia, South Korea, Guantanamo Bay, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, England, as well as tours around the United States.  Mr. Sinise also serves as the spokesperson for the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial Foundation (AVDLM), which is building a memorial for America's 3 million living disabled military veterans. As he began visiting troops around the world, people (even little kids) who didn't know him as Gary Sinise, the actor, would recognize him as "Lt. Dan.”  Those in the military also seem to strongly identify with the character.  And so the name for his group was an easy choice: Lt. Dan Band!  The Lt. Dan Band covers everything from Springsteen to Linkin Park, Aretha to Hendrix.  There's something for everyone, and each show highlights the musical diversity of the band, as well as the passion and energy each member brings to the stage. Whether they're performing for troops overseas or a local club crowd, the goal is to have fun and rock the house!

Joe Mantegna

Joe Mantegna is a world-class and award-winning entertainer with a strong background in television, theater and film and returns to co-host the National Memorial Day Concert for his sixth consecutive year with Gary Sinise.  Currently, Mantegna stars as FBI Special Agent David Rossi in the hit CBS drama Criminal Minds.  He will also be featured in Disney/Pixar’s upcoming Cars 2 as the voice of “Grem,” a dented, rusty orange AMC Gremlin.  Mantegna’s acting credits are long and impressive: with over 100 films like Searching for Bobby Fischer, The Godfather III, Celebrity, Forget Paris, Liberty Heights and Bugsy, he has proven his versatility as an actor and his passion for the art.  Mantegna has received critical acclaim for his performances.  He was awarded the Tony and Joseph Jefferson Awards for his role in David Mamet's Pulitzer Prize-winning play Glengarry Glen Ross.  His long-standing association with Mamet includes the premieres of A Life in the Theatre, The Disappearance of the Jews and Speed-the-Plow on Broadway.  Mantegna has also directed a highly lauded production of Mamet's Lakeboat and starred in the Mamet films House of Games, Homicide and Things Change, for which he received the Best Actor Award at the 1998 Venice Film Festival.  Always the baseball fan, Joe conceived and co-wrote the off-Broadway play Bleacher Bums, which earned him an Emmy when it was subsequently produced for television.   He was nominated for both an Emmy and a Golden Globe Award for his portrayal of Dean Martin in the HBO special The Rat Pack.  Mantegna received his second Emmy nomination for his role of Pippi De Lena in the CBS mini-series The Last Don; his latest Emmy nomination was for his work in the miniseries The Starter Wife.  Other television credits include starring roles in the CBS series First Monday and Joan of Arcadia, and of course, his recurring role as Fat Tony in The Simpsons, which he reprised in the feature film of the animated comedy.  With a rich family history in the military, Mantegna has long been a supporter of our men and women who serve. In 2005, he was appointed the Honorary Chairperson for The Salute to Hospitalized Veterans by the Department of Veterans Affairs and has lent much time to charities that benefit our military, their families and the USO.  He has also been a key fundraiser for Operation Iraqi Children and has been engaged in numerous other philanthropic endeavors including Autism, Pediatric Aids Research, Easter Seals and Breast Cancer Awareness, just to name a few.  Born and raised in Chicago, Mantegna lives in Los Angeles and in April of this year received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

For more information, visit www.joemantegna.com.

General Colin L. Powell, USA (Ret.)

General Colin L. Powell, USA (Retired) served as the 65th U.S. Secretary of State from January 2001 to January 2005.  He served 35 years in the U.S. Army, rising to the rank of Four-Star General and from 1989 to 1993, served as the 12th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.  He also served as the National Security Advisor to President Ronald Reagan.  General Powell is the author of his best-selling autobiography, My American Journey.  Since returning to private life, he has become a strategic limited partner at Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, a renowned Silicon Valley venture capital firm.  General Powell is the Founder of the Colin Powell Center for Policy Studies at his alma mater, the City College of New York.  The Center is student-focused with a mission to develop a new generation of publicly engaged leaders.  He is the Founder and Chairman Emeritus of the America's Promise Alliance, dedicated to forging a strong and effective partnership alliance committed to seeing that children experience the fundamental resources they need to succeed.  General Powell is also helping to raise funds for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial in Washington, D.C. and for the construction of an education center for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

Kris Allen

Since winning American Idol in 2009, Kris Allen has become a household name.  It’s been an incredible journey for the 25-year-old who came very close to giving up on having a music career.  A native of Conway, Arkansas, Allen started his musical career at age seven when he attempted to moonwalk in front of the mirror while listening to Michael Jackson’s “Dangerous.” Fueled by supportive parents, Allen’s talent was apparent as early as the fourth grade, when he learned to play the viola and joined the school orchestra:  “I tried to be cool and play baseball. Playing viola is not the coolest thing in the world.”  At age 13, he taught himself how to play the guitar and by the time he enrolled in college, he knew he wanted to play music professionally.  He landed his first gig at a local bar during his sophomore year and continued to play in Little Rock and Fayetteville.  He recorded a CD in the middle of his junior year before leaving college.  Though not an avid television viewer – Allen did see the Season 6 episodes of American Idol when his Arkansas friend, Sean Michel, won praise from the judges during his audition.  He soon became hooked on Idol and in July 2008, Kris Allen tagged along with his brother Daniel to an audition in Louisville, Kentucky.  Kris made the cut and got married to his wife, Katy, that same month.  After the honeymoon, he flew to Hollywood in hopes of getting some exposure and starting a music career.  His path to victory on American Idol included memorable performances of Bill Withers’ “Ain’t No Sunshine,” Michael Jackson’s “Man in the Mirror” and Kanye West’s “Heartless.”  Allen was praised by the judges for his original arrangements of such well-known songs.  He survived elimination week after week until heading into the finale with Adam Lambert.  When Ryan Seacrest read the name of the winner, after a long pause he said, “Kris Allen.”  Since the finale, Allen has had multiple songs appear on the Billboard charts.  “Four months before that we were all unknown.  That first moment I knew I had five songs on the Billboard chart was very cool,” he said.  At the same time, his finale song “No Boundaries” was No. 1 on the iTunes chart.  He planned to return to college and get a decent job, but “things worked out a different way, and I’m really happy!”  After releasing his self-titled debut album in 2009 on 19 Recordings/Jive Records, Allen toured the U.S. opening for Keith Urban, Maroon 5, The Barenaked Ladies and Lifehouse as well as headlining his own club tour. His first single “Live Like We’re Dying” has sold over 1.6 million copies to date.  Kris is currently writing and recording new material for an album to be released in 2011.

Dianne Wiest

Dianne Wiest was most recently seen in John Cameron Mitchell's critically acclaimed Rabbit Hole alongside Nicole Kidman.  Before that, Wiest's major on screen credits include Charlie Kaufman's Synecdoche, New York, Dan in Real Life, A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints, I Am Sam, The Horse Whisperer, Hannah and her Sisters (Oscar), The Purple Rose of Cairo, Radio Days, September, Bullets Over Broadway (Oscar), Parenthood (Oscar nomination), Edward Scissorhands, and The Birdcage.  Wiest also received an Emmy award for her performance in the HBO series In Treatment.  On the stage, Wiest was most recently seen in The Forest at Classic Stage Company, and before that, in Arthur Miller's All My Sons on Broadway.  Other New York theater appearances include The Seagull at Classic Stage Company, Wendy Wasserstein's Third, Memory House by Kathleen Tolan, Salome, Oedipus, The Shawl, Hunting Cockroaches, After the Fall, Beyond Therapy and The Art of Dining. Wiest will next be seen in David Frankel's The Big Year, Lawrence Kasdan's Darling Companion, and Peter Hedges' The Odd Life of Timothy Green.

B.B. King

For seven decades there has been only one King of the Blues - Riley B. King, affectionately known as B.B. King.  Since B.B. started recording in the late 1940's, he has released over 50 albums,many of which are considered blues classics.  Over the years, B.B. has had two #1 R&B hits (“Three O’Clock Blues” and “You Don’t Know Me”) and four #2 R&B hits.  However, it is live, where classic songs such as “Payin' The Cost To Be The Boss” and “Why I Sing The Blues” are concert and fan staples, where his true artistry shines.  Born on a cotton plantation in Itta Bene, Mississippi, just outside the Mississippi Delta town of Indianola, Riley B. King used to play on the corner of Church and Second Street for dimes.  With his guitar and $2.50, he hitchhiked north to Memphis, Tennessee, in 1947 to pursue his musical career.  B.B. stayed with his cousin Bukka White, one of the most renowned rural blues performers of his time, who schooled B.B. further in the art of the blues.  B.B.'s first big break came in 1948 when he performed on Sonny Boy Williamson's radio program on KWEM out of West Memphis.  This eventually led to the ten minute segment King’s Spot on WDIA, which became so popular that it was increased in length and became the Sepia Swing Club.  Needing a catchy radio name, Beale Street Blues Boy was shortened to Blues Boy King, and eventually B.B. King.  Soon after his number one hit, “Three O'Clock Blues,” B.B. began touring nationally, and he has never stopped, performing an average of 275 concerts a year.  In 1956, B.B. and his band played an astonishing 342 one-night stands.  From the “Chitlin’ Circuit,” with its small-town roadside joints to symphony concert halls, B.B. has become the most renowned blues musician of the past 40 years.  B.B.'s technique is nonetheless complex, featuring delicate filigrees of single string runs punctuated by loud chords, subtle vibratos and "bent" notes.  The technique of rock guitar playing is to a large degree derived from B.B.'s playing.  He borrowed from Lonnie Johnson, Blind Lemon Jefferson, T-Bone Walker and others, integrating his precise vocal like string bends and his left hand vibrato, both of which have become indispensable components of rock guitarist's vocabulary.  Mixing traditional blues, jazz, swing, mainstream pop and jump into a unique sound, his singing is richly melodic, both vocally and in the "singing" that comes from his guitar.  Over the years, B.B. has been bestowed eight Grammy Awards by his peers; he was inducted into the Blues Foundation Hall of Fame in 1984 and into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987.  He is a founding member of the John F. Kennedy Performing Arts Center.  B.B. King received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Awardin December of 1987 at the first televised awards in May 1990.  Some of B.B.’s other accolades include: Songwriter's Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement Award and the prestigious Presidential Medal of the Arts (1990), the Orville H. Gibson Lifetime Achievement Award from Gibson Guitar Company and the National Heritage Fellowship from the National Endowment of the Arts (1991), Kennedy Center Honors (1995), and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Blues Foundation (1997).

Hayley Westenra

One of the world's most exciting singing sensations, Hayley Westenra released her first album, “Pure,” when she was only 15-years old. The album soared to number one and quickly became the fastest-selling international debut album in the history of UK classical charts. Her following albums “Odyssey” (2005), “Treasure” (2007 – which featured her interpretation of the traditional songs of her native New Zealand and Ireland as well as popular opera aria) and “River of Dreams: The Very Best of Hayley Westenra” (2008) all showcased her sensational voice and won her international acclaim, selling over four million copies worldwide to date. Hayley worked on her latest album in Rome with legendary film composer Ennio Morricone and his orchestra; Decca will release the album in fall 2011.  Hayley's other credits include the 2007 U.S. tour of Celtic Woman, featuring Irish vocalists and fiddle players.  She has performed for Her Majesty the Queen, President Bush, Tony Blair and Prince Charles as well as Princes William and Harry, Colin Powell and Condoleezza Rice at venues ranging from Carnegie Hall, the Sydney Opera House and Wembley Arena to the Royal Albert Hall.  She has sung duets with Andrea Bocelli, José Carreras and Bryn Terfel. She has also appeared as a special guest with the world's leading orchestras including the Moscow Philharmonic, The Boston Pops and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.  Hayley's film and TV work has been extensive, including an on-screen role in NBC's American Dreams, the theme for Al Pacino's Merchant of Venice, two films for Disney, and Terrence Mallick's New World.  Hayley has performed the relevant national anthems before many major sporting events, including soccer (the FA Cup final, The European Champions League, The World Cup finals), baseball, basketball and tennis (the Mercedes Cup in Los Angeles) – but her proudest duty is to sing the national anthem for her beloved All Blacks rugby team. With the devastating effects of the recent earthquake in Hayley's beloved hometown of Christchurch, she made an oath to do all she can to help the people of the city where she was raised. In March 2011, Hayley launched Quake Aid – a national fundraising concert to be held at Auckland's Vector Arena in August of this year. Hayley is also one of youngest ambassadors for UNICEF.  Her Bikes for Ghana campaign has provided 6,000 bikes to help young Ghanaian girls attend school and find a better future and she is hoping to start a new project in Laos.  Hayley also works with English singer and actress Dame Vera Lynn, whose musical recordings and performances were enormously popular during World War II, as vice president of the Vera Lynn Trust, supporting children with cerebral palsy.

Forest Whitaker

Forest Whitaker is one of Hollywood’s most accomplished actors, directors and producers.  He has showcased his talents in a multitude of demanding and diverse roles. During his career, he has won 18 Critics Awards and has been nominated for 50 other national and international accolades. He received the Cannes Film Festival Award for Best Actor, an Academy Award for Best Actor, a Golden Globe, BAFTA, SAG, and Image Award, and many others. He received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in April of 2007.

Whitaker starred in the films Good Morning, Vietnam; Phenomenon, Panic Room, and The Last King Of Scotland, for which he won the Academy Award in 2007.  He also had major roles in Bird, Where the Wild Things Are, Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai, Pret-a-Porter, A Rage in Harlem, The Crying Game, Platoon, and countless others.  On television, Whitaker has appeared in a number of made-for-TV movies and has had recurring roles on ER and The Shield. In 2002, he served as the host and narrator for the new Twilight Zone series. He currently stars as Sam Cooper in the CBS spinoff series Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior.

Whitaker made his directorial debut with Strapped, which won the International Critics Award at the Toronto Film Festival. He directed and executive produced Hope Floats, First Daughter and Waiting to Exhale, which won numerous NAACP awards. He has produced many award-winning films and made-for-television movies and miniseries, including Door to Door in 2002, for which he earned an Emmy Award.

In addition to film and television, Forest has done extensive humanitarian work.   He has been involved with organizations such as Penny Lane, which provides assistance to abused teenagers; and PETA and Farm Sanctuary, which are organizations that protect animals’ rights. Last year, he was a part of the fundraising team for Stand Up to Cancer, and he has helped raise funds for Human Rights Watch. Forest has also raised money for neurosurgeon Dr. Keith Black’s research against cancer. During the last couple of years, he has been a spokesperson for Hope North, an orphanage in Northern Uganda, which displaces child soldiers and helps create nuclear families for them to thrive in. Whitaker is part of the Committee for Artists for a New South Africa and he helped establish Nelson Mandela Day, which promotes volunteer service.

Whitaker has received the Humanitas Prize and the Vision Award, and was honored with the Peace Award in Berlin. In 2008, Forest was honored by the City of Los Angeles with the Hope of Los Angeles Award; and his entire family received LA’s BEST Family Focus Award. Additionally, SCLC/Women’s Organizational Movement for Equality Now honored Whitaker with a Drum Major for Justice Award.

Forest Steven Whitaker was born in Longview, Texas on July 15, 1961. His family moved to South Central Los Angeles and then Carson, CA. Currently, he lives in Los Angeles with his wife Keisha and children. Keisha is a Commissioner for the Los Angeles City Commission for Children, Youth and their Families.

Jason Ritter

Jason Ritter stars in NBC’s The Event and recurs on Parenthood along with the upcoming features Bag of Hammers, The Perfect Family and Brooklyn Brothers Beat The Best.  Additional film work includes The Dry Land (Sundance 2010), Peter and Vandy (Sundance 2009), Good Dick and The Deal (both Sundance 2008), Morning, The Education of Charlie Banks, Our Very Own and Happy Endings.  He also starred in the comedy series The Class and the drama Joan of Arcadia.

A graduate of NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, his theatre credits include the world premieres of Third at Lincoln Center and The Distance from Here at London’s Almeida Theatre.

Pia Toscano

American Idol finalist Pia Toscano placed ninth on the tenth season of the show.  Considered by many to be a frontrunner in the competition, her elimination came as a shock to judges Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler, who were visibly upset.  Toscano began her singing career appearing in talent shows at the age of four, was the official national anthem singer at her middle school, and performed at every event including graduation.  She has opened for the Barenaked Ladies and performed with Josh Groban at Madison Square Garden.  She performed “I’ll Stand by You,” one of her signature songs, on the April 26, 2011 episode of Dancing with the Stars.  Toscano will take part in the American Idols LIVE! 2011 Tour, which will begin in the summer.

A.J. Cook

A.J. Cook started her acting career at the age of 17 and has been going strong ever since.  Her first feature film was the critically acclaimed The Virgin Suicides directed by Sofia Coppola.  She has gone on to star in films including Ripper, Elvis Meets Nixon, Out Cold, Final Destination 2, The House Next Door, Night Skies, Misconceptions, Mothers Day and is currently shooting Least Among Saints.

Cook has also had a very successful television career.  Her TV credits include Dead Like Me, Bluemoon, Goosebumps, In His Father’s Shoes, Higher Ground, Tru Calling, Law and Order: Special Victims Unit and Bringing Ashley Home.  Cook currently stars as Jennifer “JJ” Jareau on the hit CBS series Criminal Minds.  Cook is married to Nathan Andersen.  They welcomed their first child, Mekhai Allan Andersen, September 2008.  They currently live in Los Angeles.

Daniel Rodriguez

To those who have come to know him as the “singing policeman,” the New York City cop who helped bring the country an uplifting spirit of promise and hope with his stirring rendition of “God Bless America” after the September 11th terrorist attacks; it is no surprise that Daniel Rodriguez is known as “America’s Beloved Tenor.”  At 16, he presented his first recital at Carnegie Hall; at 17, he was billed as the “17-year-old Baritone.”  Then, at age 19, he put music aside to raise his family, going to work to make ends meet.  He worked at the post office, and then as a police officer in the New York City Police Department.  It was in uniform that local New York audiences began to discover his voice and his passion for the music he sang.  Before the events of 9/11, he was already quite well known around New York City as he had sung in Broadway on Broadway, and in local opera and musical theater productions.  As an “official singer” for the NYPD Ceremonial Unit, he sang at many functions, and later at memorials in the aftermath of the September 11th attacks.  After 9/11, then New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani helped set up an audition with Plácido Domingo.  Daniel studied with Maestro Domingo and the staff at the Young Artist Program in Washington, D.C. for a year and half.  Daniel's operatic debut took place in June of 2006, where he sang the role of Canio in Pagliacci with the Chelsea Opera Company in New York City.  In 2007, OperaOnline named Daniel for Best Performance by a Leading Male for the 2006-2007 season for his portrayal of Canio with Granite State Opera.  He performed at the Republican National Convention and President Bush’s Celebration of Freedom Inauguration Concert; and on television’s The Late Show with David Letterman, Larry King Live, Live with Regis and Kelly and Oprah among many other high profile events.  An established recording artist with five solo CDs to his credit, Daniel’s first Latin CD is scheduled for release June 2011.  With tours scheduled for 2011 and 2012 in Holland, South Africa, New Zealand and the U.S., Daniel will be back in the New York area for the tenth anniversary of 9/11.  Wherever he goes, Daniel is asked about that fateful morning and how it changed his life.  He was driving over the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge to begin his shift with the NYPD when the first plane hit the World Trade Center.  He was on the ground near the buildings when they collapsed, nearly losing his own life.  Nine years later he went back to heal himself--from this journey Daniel has begun Find9/12.com, “the quest to rediscover the unity we experienced in the wake of the 9/11 attacks.”

Yolanda Adams

This Grammy Award-winning Gospel music singer and radio show host has been amazing audiences and listeners for years with her trademark pioneering spirit and boundless optimism. She has received four Grammy awards, an American Music award, and other numerous awards from NAACP, Soul Train, BET, Stellars, and Dove. Recording solo since 1991, Adams has sold more than 4.5 million CDs, worldwide. She serves as the host of the popular syndicated radio show, The Yolanda Adams Morning Show. Having just released her first book, Points of Power, she is slated to release her next recording later this year. But Ms. Adams’ greatest and proudest attribute is being the mother of her beautiful, gifted, nine-year old Taylor Crawford, the joy and love of her life.

Maestro Jack Everly

Jack Everly is the Principal Pops Conductor of the Baltimore and Indianapolis Symphony Orchestras, Naples Philharmonic Orchestra and National Arts Centre Orchestra (Ottawa), and the newly named Music Director of the National Memorial Day Concert and A Capitol Fourth on PBS. This season he makes his Los Angeles Philharmonic debut at the Hollywood Bowl, returns to The Cleveland Orchestra and appears as guest conductor in Pittsburgh, Edmonton, Ft. Worth and Phoenix. Originally appointed by Mikhail Baryshnikov, Everly was conductor of the American Ballet Theatre for 14 years, where he served as Music Director. In addition to his ABT tenure, he has teamed with Marvin Hamlisch in Broadway shows that Hamlisch scored, including The Goodbye Girl, They’re Playing Our Song and A Chorus Line. He conducted Carol Channing in Hello, Dolly! in two separate Broadway productions. In television and film, Everly has appeared on In Performance at the White House and conducted the songs for Disney’s animated classic The Hunchback of Notre Dame. He has been music director on numerous Broadway cast recordings and conducted the critically praised Everything’s Coming Up Roses: The Complete Overtures of Broadway’s Jule Styne. Daniel Rodriguez’s In the Presence, with the Czech Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra of Prague conducted by Everly, was released in 2005. In 1998, he created the Symphonic Pops Consortium serving as Music Director. The consortium, based in Indianapolis, produces a new theatrical pops program each season. In the past ten years, more than 225 performances of SPC programs have taken place across the U.S. and Canada, including this season’s Mysterioso: Music, Magic & Mayhem. Maestro Everly holds an Honorary Doctorate of Arts from Franklin College in his home state of Indiana. 

The National Symphony Orchestra

The National Symphony Orchestra of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, led by Principal Conductor Iván Fischer, and Music Director Designate Christoph Eschenbach, is recognized not only nationally but internationally as well, and is considered one of the world's finest ensembles.  The Orchestra, in its 80th season (2010-11), maintains a busy concert schedule in this country and abroad, performing approximately 175 concerts each season, including a classical subscription series, pops concerts, a summer series at Wolf Trap, and one of the nation's most varied and extensive educational programs.  The National Symphony is particularly distinguished for its commitment to the music and musicians of this country. This is exemplified through several innovative projects, among them the American Residency program, which has so far taken the National Symphony to 21 states performing concerts and providing educational services, with all proceeds benefiting artistic organizations in the local states.  Through the John and June Hechinger Commissioning Fund, the Orchestra has commissioned more than 60 works by American composers; two have earned Pulitzer Prizes, and the series also includes cycles of fanfares and encores, which, taken as a whole, are representative of the diverse influences in American composition today.  The Orchestra provides free public concerts on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, as well as at other venues around the Washington, D.C. area.

For more information on the National Symphony’s programs, please visit www.nationalsymphony.org.

Military District of Washington

The Military District of Washington works with Capital Concerts in coordinating the Department of Defense participation of the Premier Service Bands and Service Honor Guards.

The U.S. Army Herald Trumpets

The United States Army Herald Trumpets is the official fanfare ensemble for the President of the United States. Founded in 1959 and patterned after traditional British “fanfare” trumpet ensembles, The U.S. Army Herald Trumpets was formed to add splendor to official military ceremonies. A performing element of The United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own” in Washington, DC, the ensemble has performed for countless events of national and international significance. These include twelve presidential inaugurals, the “G8” Economic Summits in 1984, 1990 and 2004, the 50th Anniversary of the United Nations and, most recently, the arrival of Pope Benedict XVI at the White House in April 2008. In addition to its official duties, The U.S. Army Herald Trumpets has performed in the opening ceremonies for the 1980 and 2002 Winter Olympic Games, the 1984 Summer Olympic Games and the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games. The ensemble has also performed at such nationally and internationally televised events as Super Bowl XXXIX, The Kennedy Center Honors and the relighting of the Statue of Liberty. The U.S. Army Herald Trumpets has been featured with orchestras from around the world, including the National Symphony Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic, the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, the Istanbul State Symphony Orchestra, the Boston Pops and the Cincinnati Pops.

For more information, visit www.usarmyband.com/herald_trumpets/

U.S. Army Chorus

In 1956, the U.S. Army Chorus was established as the vocal counterpart of The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” and is one of the nation’s only professional, all-male choruses.  From its inception, the U.S. Army Chorus has established and maintained a reputation of excellence in the performance of male choral literature.  Beyond the traditional military music and patriotic standards, the repertoire of the U.S. Army Chorus covers a broad spectrum that includes pop, Broadway, folk and classical music.  The U.S. Army Chorus performs often at the White House and in support of functions hosted by the U.S. Departments of State and Defense.  The Chorus is a standard feature at events for each presidential inaugural, and has been featured in official ceremonies and special events at the U.S. Capitol.  The men of the Army Chorus, most of whom hold advanced degrees in music, are selected from among the nation’s finest musicians.  In 2006, the group celebrated its 50th anniversary with concerts that included a reunion of past members, many of whom have gone on to successful careers in music education and as soloists on Broadway and opera stages around the world. 

For more information, visit www.usarmyband.com/chorus/.

The Soldiers' Chorus of The United States Army Field Band

The Soldiers’ Chorus, founded in 1957, is the vocal complement of the United States Army Field Band of Washington, DC. The 29-member mixed choral ensemble travels throughout the nation and abroad, performing as a separate component and in joint concerts with the Concert Band of the “Musical Ambassadors of the Army.” The chorus has performed in all 50 states, Canada, Mexico, India, the Far East and throughout Europe, entertaining audiences of all ages. The musical backgrounds of Soldiers’ Chorus personnel – ranging from opera and musical theatre to music education and vocal coaching – provide unique programming flexibility. In addition to selections from a vast choral repertoire, Soldiers’ Chorus performances often include the music of Broadway, opera, barbershop quartet and Americana. This versatility has earned The Soldiers’ Chorus an international reputation for musical excellence and patriotic inspiration. Recent appearances with the Boston Pops, the Cincinnati Pops, and the Detroit, Dallas and National symphony orchestras have met with critical acclaim. Other notable performances include four world fairs, American Choral Directors Association conferences, music educator conventions, Kennedy Center Honors Programs, the 750th anniversary of Berlin and the rededication of the Statue of Liberty.

For more information, visit www.army.mil/fieldband/pages/ensembles/sc.html

U.S. Navy Band Sea Chanters

The United States Navy Band Sea Chanters is the official chorus of the United States Navy.  The ensemble performs a wide variety of music, ranging from traditional choral music, including the sea chantey, to Broadway musicals.  Under the leadership of Chief Musician Georgina L. Todd, the Sea Chanters appear throughout the United States and often perform at the White House, the Vice President’s home and for other Washington dignitaries. In 1956, Lt. Harold Fultz, then the Band’s assistant leader, organized a vocal ensemble from the Navy School of Music in Anacostia to sing chanteys and patriotic songs for the State of the Nation dinner. With the ensemble’s immediate success, Admiral Arleigh Burke, then Chief of Naval Operations, transferred the group to the Navy Band, named them the “Sea Chanters” and tasked this all-male chorus with perpetuating the songs of the sea.  Female voices were added in 1980, increasing the chorus’s repertoire.  The Sea Chanters have become one of the preeminent professional choral ensembles in the country.  They have performed at national events and have played a vital role in comforting the nation in times of mourning.  Throughout their history, the Sea Chanters have remained true to the Navy’s watchwords of pride and professionalism.

For more information, visit www.navyband.navy.mil/sea_chanters.shtml

U.S. Air Force Singing Sergeants

The Singing Sergeants, the official chorus of the United States Air Force, is one of the world's most versatile and traveled choral organizations. Originally formed in 1945 from within the ranks of The United States Air Force Band, the chorus is now composed entirely of professional vocalists from leading colleges, universities and music conservatories throughout the world; and who are all sergeants in the United States Air Force. The Singing Sergeants have appeared before every chief executive of the United States since President Truman, as well as with the New York Philharmonic, the Philadelphia, Cleveland, Houston and National Symphony Orchestras, and both the Boston and Cincinnati Pops. The group has performed at White House, State Department, Supreme Court, Congressional, Department of Defense and high-level civilian functions. Additionally, an important part of the chorus' performing schedule is supporting the president and vice president of the United States, as well as top government and military officials. Presenting the music of America to the people of the world, the chorus has appeared before millions of people in live performances and countless more on radio and television programs. The Singing Sergeants have performed in all 50 states and 49 countries, including a historic trip to the People's Republic of China. It is through these goodwill tours that The Singing Sergeants bring the people of America and the world together.

For more information, visit www.usafband.af.mil/aboutus/index.asp

Behind the Scenes

This year’s award-winning production team features the Capital Concerts’ founder and top Hollywood talent.

Jerry Colbert

Jerry Colbert is the executive producer and founder of two of television's longest running and multi-award winning live programs commemorating America's most important holidays.  A Capitol Fourth, our country's biggest birthday party, celebrated its 30th anniversary last year and was the top-rated program in primetime on PBS for the 2009-2010 season.  The National Memorial Day Concert has become the nation's premier tribute to our men and women in uniform during its 21 years on air and was the number four top-rated program in primetime and the number two top-rated musical performance special on PBS for the 2009-2010 season.  In addition to his annual work on these events, Colbert has produced many films such as Mr. Justice Brennan, Sister Adrian, the Mother Teresa of Scranton, and The Regulators: Our Invisible Government, H.R. 6161: An Act of Congress.  Colbert previously served as deputy director of the Center for Understanding Media in New York. 

Walter Miller

Producer Walter C. Miller is recognized as America’s leading live director and producer, with credits that include television’s top awards shows, such as the Grammy Awards, Country Music Awards, People’s Choice Awards, Tony Awards, American Comedy Awards, The Emmy Awards, Daytime Emmy Awards and Golden Globe Awards. In 1999, he won an Emmy for producing the Tony Awards. For Liberty Weekend: Americana Music Concert, Miller received the Directors Guild of America Award for Outstanding Director. Miller has won additional Emmys for S’Wonderful, S’Marvelous, S’Gershwin, a special with Jack Lemmon and Fred Astaire, and for Annie, The Women In A Life Of A Man. His live musical concert credits include Concert of the Americas with Frank Sinatra, in addition to A Capitol Fourth and the National Memorial Day Concert.

Michael Colbert

A principal in Capital Concerts for over fifteen years, Executive Vice-President Michael Colbert directs the organization year round in addition to serving as Producer for the National Memorial Day Concert and A Capitol Fourth. He is the primary liaison with the over twenty government and non-governmental Washington agencies and organizations that contribute to the shows as well as directing the hundreds of television professionals who participate annually. With more than 20 years of experience, Colbert's credits include major national television specials on CBS, Fox, PBS and Comedy Central in locations ranging from Washington, D.C., New York and Los Angeles to Nashville. He has also produced a wide range of major corporate and political events.

Paul Miller

Paul Miller has been directing television since 1982, with credits including three seasons as director of Saturday Night Live and four as director of In Living Color.  He has received four Emmy nominations, and won in 1999 for directing the Tony Awards, and again in 2010 for directing ABC News coverage of the Inauguration of President Barrack Obama.  He has also been nominated twice for the Directors Guild of America in the Musical/Variety category.  In addition, Miller has directed the Country Music Awards for the last eleven years.  Paul has also directed An American Celebration at Ford's Theater multiple times.  On July 4, 1993, Paul teamed professionally with his father, Walter C. Miller, for A Capitol Fourth and has directed both the National Memorial Day Concert and A Capitol Fourth.  Paul Miller is a partner in RickMill Productions, a Hollywood-based entertainment company that has produced numerous series for Comedy Central as well as specials for HBO and Showtime.  In February, Paul became the first director of a 3D Awards Telecast that will be broadcast this spring on the new Discovery 3D network.

Joan Meyerson

Writer Joan Meyerson has received numerous nominations and awards for her work as a writer, producer and director, including the distinguished Writers Guild of America Award for her 2010 and 2006 scripts of The National Memorial Day Concert. She was also a writer of the International Documentary Association-nominated PBS mini-series Japan: Memoirs of a Secret Empire. Other PBS credits include the highly rated mini-series Walking the Bible, an episode of the Emmy Award-winning series Life and Times and the special Pete Peterson: Assignment Hanoi. Meyerson was also associate producer of the Academy Award-nominated documentary Say Goodbye. She has written, produced and/or directed programs for many well-known series premiering on TLC, Discovery Health and The History Channel, including the David L. Wolper series Legends, Icons & Superstars. Meyerson has written the National Memorial Day Concert since 1996.