"Thank you for a beautiful and moving tribute to our service men and women. The hosts and performers found a great balance in tone: beautiful, respectful, sad and real. It was at times difficult to watch, as our son will deploy to Afghanistan in July."
Mary
OR
THE CONCERT
The Performers
The 2012 “National Memorial Day Concert” features award-winning stars and well-known personalities.
Gary Sinise's portrayal of Lt. Dan 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 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 DePalma's psychological thriller “Snake Eyes.” Currently, Sinise is producing and starring as Detective “Mac” Taylor in CBS’s highly successful “CSI: New York,” produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and Anthony Zuiker. He was last seen on the big screen in Columbia Pictures’ “The Forgotten” with Julianne Moore, and “The Human Stain” opposite Anthony Hopkins, Nicole Kidman and Ed Harris. Sinise is a co-founder of Chicago's Steppenwolf Theatre Company, where he served as Artistic Director for seven years. Sinise served as the executive producer on the film, “Brothers At War,” a rare look at the bonds forged between American soldiers on the frontlines, and the profound impact their service has on the loved ones they leave behind. He was the subject of the Fox News documentary, “On the Road in Iraq with Our Troops and Gary Sinise,” which highlighted his fourth USO tour to the country. He is also the subject of the feature-length documentary, “Lt. Dan Band: For the Common Good,” a film about remembering those who serve, those who lay down their lives for others, and those who are left behind. In 2008, Sinise received the Presidential Citizens Medal, which is the second highest civilian honor awarded to citizens for exemplary deeds performed in service to the nation. He is one of only three actors in history to have received this honor. Following Sinise’s first two trips to Iraq, he started Operation International Children, which sends books and school supplies, sports equipment, blankets, shoes and toys to children in conflict areas. Sinise recently launched the Gary Sinise Foundation to honor the country’s defenders, veterans, first responders, their families, and those in need. The foundation will provide and support unique programs designed to entertain, educate, inspire, strengthen and build communities. Sinise also serves as the spokesperson for the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial Foundation (AVDLM), which is building a memorial for America's three million living disabled military veterans.
Joe Mantegna is a world-class, award-winning entertainer with a strong background in television, theater and film. He returns to co-host the “National Memorial Day Concert” for his seventh consecutive year with Gary Sinise. Currently, Mantegna stars as FBI Special Agent David Rossi in season six of the hit CBS drama “Criminal Minds.” He also hosts and produces “Gun Stories” for the Outdoor Channel. Mantegna has received numerous Emmy nominations. He was awarded the Tony Award and Joseph Jefferson Award for his acclaimed performance as Richard Roma in David Mamet's Pulitzer Prize-winning play “Glengarry Glen Ross.” Some of Mantegna’s film and television highlights include: “House of Games,” “Searching for Bobby Fisher,” “Godfather III,” the role of Dean Martin in “The Ratpack” (for which he received both an Emmy and a Golden Globe nomination), the CBS mini-series “The Last Don” (for which he received his second Emmy nomination); the voice of “Fat Tony” on “The Simpsons” and the voice of “Grem,” a dented, rusty orange AMC Gremlin, in “Cars2.” For two seasons, Mantegna starred with Mary Steenburgen and Amber Tamblyn in the critically acclaimed CBS drama “Joan of Arcadia,” which received the 2004 People’s Choice Award for Best New Drama, as well as three Emmy nominations. In 2008, Mantegna reprised his Emmy-nominated role of Lou Manahan opposite Debra Messing in the USA Network series “The Starter Wife.” 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 devoted 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 involved in numerous other causes including Autism, Pediatric Aids Research, Easter Seals and Breast Cancer Awareness, among others. Born and raised in Chicago, Mantegna lives in Los Angeles and, last year, received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
For over fifty years, General Colin L. Powell, USA (Ret.) has devoted his life to public service. Having held senior military and diplomatic positions across four presidential administrations, Powell’s deep commitment to democratic values and freedom has been felt throughout the world. From 1987-1989, Powell served as President Ronald Reagan’s National Security Advisor. He served from 1989-1993 as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff for both President George H.W. Bush and for President Bill Clinton, and was not only the youngest officer and first ROTC graduate to ever serve in the position, but was also the first African American to do so. During his time as Chairman, he oversaw 28 crises to include the Panama intervention of 1989 and Operation Desert Storm in the 1991 Persian Gulf War. Under President George W. Bush, Powell was appointed the 65th Secretary of State, leading the State Department in major efforts to address and solve regional and civic conflicts in the Middle East, Sudan, Congo and Liberia, in the Balkans, Haiti, Northern Ireland, Afghanistan, and elsewhere. Powell is the Founder of the Colin L. Powell Center for Leadership and Service 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. Currently, Powell is a strategic limited partner at Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, the renowned Silicon Valley venture capital firm, and is on the board of Bloom Energy. He is the Chairman of the Advisory Board of Leeds Equity Partners, a private equity firm focused on investments in the education, training, information and business services industries. He is also the Chairman of the Eisenhower Fellowships, a cross-cultural program for emerging international leaders. His autobiography, “My American Journey,” was a best seller and has been published in more than a dozen languages. His second book, “It Worked for Me,” reveals the lessons that shaped his life and career and will be published in May 2012.
In the course of only five years, the multi-platinum rock band DAUGHTRY has released back-to-back No. 1 albums, including the 4x-platinum “DAUGHTRY,” which became the fastest-selling rock debut in Soundscan history, and 2009’s platinum album “Leave This Town.” DAUGHTRY has also scored four No. 1 Top 40 hits, earned four Grammy Award nominations, won four American Music Awards, and brought its electrifying live show to all corners of the world, including sold-out arenas in South Africa, Singapore, and the Philippines. So when it came time to record their third album, “Break the Spell,” it would have been understandable if lead singer, Chris Daughtry, and the band – which includes guitarists Josh Steely and Brian Craddock, bassist Josh Paul, and drummer Robin Diaz – wanted to stick to what they knew worked. But, before the band hit the studio in March 2011 with long-time producer Howard Benson, Chris Daughtry said he felt he “didn’t want to make the same record.” “Break the Spell” is a gleaming showcase of Chris’s powerful, emotionally resonant voice and knack for relentless melodic hooks, as well as big, anthem-like choruses. The album enables the band to evolve musically while aiming to satisfy its many long-time fans. While some of the songs go deeper lyrically than anything he had written to date, “Break the Spell” is neither brooding, nor preoccupied with people going their separate ways – further evidence that Chris has ventured out of his comfort zone. “I wanted to do something that was a little more charming in the lyrical take, so I started reflecting on when I met my wife, as opposed to dwelling on the hard times.” Overall, Chris feels that “Break The Spell,” which is being released five years after the day that DAUGHTRY’S debut was released, is the most uplifting and hopeful album the band has recorded. Performing live is where DAUGHTRY really shines. This year will be no exception when the band hits the road to promote “Break the Spell.” Chris says, “Bon Jovi, U2, and Aerosmith are certainly big influences on us musically and just seeing how they can still go out and play for the masses after all these years is really inspiring.”
Natalie Cole is a nine-time Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter and performer. She has proven to be one of the most resilient and beloved performers of all time. With her soothing, velvet voice, she brings about joy and comfort in whatever she sings. She rocketed to stardom in 1975 with her debut album, “Inseparable,” earning her a #1 single with, “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love),” and two Grammy Awards for Best New Artist and Best Female R&B Vocal Performance. She went on to produce a string of hits, including her 1987 album “Dangerous,” which sold over two million copies, garnering another three hit singles. In 1991, Natalie Cole took a bold leap when she recorded “Unforgettable…With Love,” an album of standards from the American Songbook that included a duet with her late father, Nat King Cole. Not only did the album sell well over 30 million copies, but it would also become an eight-time platinum winner. “Unforgettable” received Grammy Awards for Album of the Year and Record of the Year, among others. With countless television appearances - you could see her singing any one of her hits, assuming the role of a flawed and complex character or sitting and chatting it up with her equally famous friends. She was awarded the Image Award for portraying herself in the biopic in "Livin' For Love: The Natalie Cole Story." It was during the recording of her Award-winning album “Still Unforgettable,” that Cole’s life dramatically changed. She was diagnosed with Hepatitis C, which is documented in her autobiography “Angel On My Shoulder” (2000). After extensive treatment and complications brought on by her strenuous promotion schedule, Cole underwent kidney transplant surgery. Cole’s memoir “Love Brought Me Back” is a multi-layered story of loss and recovery, sorrow and joy, success and despair and, finally, success again. This is a story of two sets of sisters, Natalie and Cooke, and Patty and Jessica, who made the transplant possible. It was Jessica's death that gave new life to Natalie, even as Natalie simultaneously experienced the devastating death and loss of Cooke. Patty, too, suffered her own terrible loss. When Patty and Natalie met, they were forever connected. Cole became the spokesperson for the University Kidney Research Organization. Most recently, she performed at the “Tune In to Hep C” benefit concert in New York, raising more than $250,000 to support testing, awareness programs, and services for people with chronic HCV infection. The proceeds went to the American Liver Foundation (ALF) and the National Viral Hepatitis Roundtable (NVHR).
Trace Adkins
Trace Adkins, is one of country music's most versatile and accomplished entertainers. His instantly recognizable baritone has earned 30 charted singles and 15 Top Ten hits, gold, platinum, and multi-platinum albums with total sales surpassing 10 million. He is the author of “A Personal Stand: Observations and Opinions from a Freethinking Roughneck.” He was a finalist on NBC's “The Celebrity Apprentice,” where he charmed millions, while his recent role in “The Lincoln Lawyer” put him in the company of Matthew McConaughey, Ryan Phillipe, Jon Leguizamo and William H. Macy. A member of the Grand Ole Opry, Adkins was raised on country and gospel and is known as a traditionalist who speaks his mind and honors the past. The 6'6" star is a father of five daughters and a family man to the core. He is a former oil rigger who still works his farm himself. His "gruff" demeanor hides a self-deprecating, humble man with the coolness that comes from defeating death (more than once) and realizing everything else is small stuff. When a fire claimed his home in June 2011 in Tennessee, Adkins first made sure his family was unharmed, then immediately redirected his fans' offers of support to the Red Cross. Adkins’ tenth studio album, “Proud To Be Here,” features the Top Ten hit, “Just Fishin’,” and latest single, “Million Dollar View.” The album was released on August 2, 2011 on Show Dog-Universal Music and debuted at #2 on the Billboard Country Album Chart. Adkins charitable endeavors earned him the 2010 Artist Humanitarian Award from Country Radio Broadcasters. He serves as a spokesman for the Wounded Warrior Project.
“American Idol’s” Jessica Sanchez will sing the national anthem and “The Prayer,” at the 2012 “National Memorial Day Concert” in Washington, DC. The 16 year old from San Diego is currently a top 5 finalist in the 11th season of television’s No. 1 rated show, “American Idol” on FOX. Sanchez quickly became a favorite among fans this season with her power-house vocals, often garnering high praise from the judges each week, especially with her beautiful rendition of Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You.” Sanchez will be joining the rest of Season 11’s top 10 on the road this summer for the “American Idol Live! Tour.”
Selma Blair
Ellen Burstyn
Ellen Burstyn is an award-winning actress, whose career spans film, stage and television. She won an Emmy Award for her guest appearance in “Law & Order: SVU” (2009), following an Oscar win for her performance in “Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore” (1974), and a Tony Award for “Same Time, Next Year” (1974) on Broadway. Ellen has been nominated for five other Academy Awards for “The Last Picture Show” (1972), “The Exorcist” (1973), “Same Time, Next Year,” (1979), “Resurrection” (1981), and “Requiem for a Dream” (2000). Her many theater credits include the Broadway production of “84 Charing Cross Road” (1982), the acclaimed one-woman play “Shirley Valentine” (1989) and “Sacrilege” (1995). Ellen also appeared in Lillian Hellman’s “The Children’s Hour” (2011) on London’s West End, receiving rave reviews. She was the first woman to be elected as president of the Actors Equity Association (1982-85), and served as the Artistic Director of the Actors Studio, where she studied with the late Lee Strasberg. She continues to be active there as co-president with Al Pacino and Harvey Keitel. Burstyn became a national best-selling author with the publication of her memoir, “Lessons in Becoming Myself” in 2006, published by Riverhead Press. Burstyn is writing a screenplay, as well as planning a book of her photography accompanied by her favorite poetry.
Dennis Franz
Four-time Emmy Award-winner Dennis Franz has amassed a mantle full of accolades for his performance as Detective Andy Sipowicz on “NYPD Blue.” Franz received an unprecedented four Emmys for “Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series” for the same character in the same series, in the drama category. He is also an eight-time Emmy nominee, and has earned seven SAG award nominations for Best Actor in a Drama and Best Ensemble Acting, winning twice. His other achievements include five Best Actor awards from Viewers for Quality Television and a Golden Globe in 1994. Franz was active in high school sports, but discovered his love for acting during his junior year when he was cast in a school play. Following his 1968 graduation, Franz served an 11-month tour of duty in Vietnam with the 101st and 82nd Airborne Divisions. Upon returning from Vietnam, Franz, together with some college buddies, organized several theatre companies in Chicago. While there, he joined the Organic Theater Company, which proved to be the turning point in his theatrical career. They wrote much of their own material, and “Bleacher Bums,” written by Franz and Joe Mantegna won a local Emmy Award for its PBS presentation. Franz landed a role in his first television series “Chicago Story.” Other film projects followed, including “City of Angels” with Meg Ryan and Nicolas Cage, “American Buffalo” with Dustin Hoffman, “Die Hard 2,” “Die Harder with Bruce Willis,” “The Package with Gene Hackman”, “Dressed to Kill,” “Popeye,” “Blow Out,” and “Body Double,” among many others. Franz had already guest-starred on numerous television series when he was asked to join the critically acclaimed show, “Hill Street Blues,” as Detective Benedetto, and later as Lt. Norman Buntz, one of the show’s most popular characters. Franz has donated countless hours to charities, including Revlon Run/Walk benefiting Breast and Ovarian Cancer Research, the LAPD Golf Tournament benefiting officers and their families in financial distress, Katie Couric’s colorectal cancer educational campaign, RADD (Recording Artists, Actors and Athletes Against Drunk Driving), participating in their Designate Before You Celebrate campaign. The Academy of the American Veteran Awards named Franz as “Veteran of the Year 2002,” after he successfully chaired the previous year’s Help Hospitalized Veterans Campaign.
Russell Watson
Russell Watson is the UK’s best selling classical artist ever. He is the first artist to hold the No. 1 slot simultaneously in the UK and USA in his genre. Watson has sold more than seven million albums worldwide. He has performed for some of the most powerful people in the world, including the Pope, the President of the United States, the King of Malaysia, the Emperor of Japan and HRH the Queen. His debut album, “The Voice” held the number slot for a record 52 weeks, only relinquishing the top spot when his follow up album “Encore” was released and spent a further 36 weeks in the coveted number one spot. Subsequent releases continued in the same vein, racking up sales of over seven million. Watson has recently returned from a hugely successful tour of Australia, including a sold out Sydney Opera House, with his ears still ringing from the torrent of rave reviews. After Watson performs at the “National Memorial Day Concert,” he will be returning to the UK to start his own tour, which will continue through June. In the second half of 2012, Watson will travel to Asia for a series of live performances. In the Queens diamond jubilee year and with the Olympics on the horizon, Watson wanted to celebrate all things British with his new album “Anthems – Music To Inspire a Nation.” A collection of considered, rousing, beautiful songs from around the country, sung deep from the heart, as only Watson can. Russell’s unique, interpretations of sporting anthems “Proud” and “Race to the End” (theme from Chariots of Fire), alongside his epic take on the patriotic anthems of Scotland, England and Wales, are all sung with enough verve to inspire a nation. Russell’s duet performed with Dame Vera Lynn using vocals from the original wartime recording when she was the forces sweetheart and barely 20, will touch the hardest of hearts. A guest appearance by the Fron Male Voice Choir on “Calon Lan,” and a tear jerking version of “The Londonderry Air” (Danny Boy), a duet with Moya Brennan of Clannad come together to make up this extraordinary album. “Anthems – Music To Inspire a Nation” will be released on May 28th through Sony Classical, Watson’s Diamond Jubilee tour starts in May 2012.
Maestro Jack Everly
Jack Everly is the Principal Pops Conductor of the Baltimore and Indianapolis Symphony Orchestras, Naples Philharmonic Orchestra and National Arts Center Orchestra (Ottawa). This season he made his Los Angeles Philharmonic debut at the Hollywood Bowl, returned to The Cleveland Orchestra and appeared as guest conductor in Pittsburgh, The New York Pops at Carnegie Hall, Edmonton and Kansas City. 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.” Mr. Everly conducted Sandi Patty’s 2011 release “Broadway Stories” and Daniel Rodriguez’s “In the Presence” from 2005 both with the Czech Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra of Prague. In 1998, Everly 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 235 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 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 81st season (2011-12), 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, 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, DC, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 that commemorate America’s most important holidays. In 2010, “A Capitol Fourth,” our country’s biggest birthday party, celebrated its 30th anniversary and garnered its second consecutive year as PBS’s highest-rated program in primetime. The “National Memorial Day Concert” has become the nation’s premier tribute to our men and women in uniform during its 22 years on air and was the number three top-rated program in primetime on PBS for the 2010-2011 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,” “The Regulators: Our Invisible Government and 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 including television’s top awards shows, such as the Grammy Awards, Country Music Awards, The 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. He has won additional Emmys for “S’Wonderful, S’Marvelous, S’Gershwin,” a special with Jack Lemmon and Fred Astaire and “Annie, the Women in the 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.” Colbert is the primary liaison with more than 20 government and non-governmental Washington agencies and organizations that contribute to the shows, and directs 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, DC, New York and Los Angeles to Nashville. He has also produced a wide range of major corporate 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 New’s 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. Other credits include directing the December, 2011 broadcast on NBC of the “American Giving Awards,” a celebrity tribute to community heroes. 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 which 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 two of the distinguished Writers Guild of America Awards 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,” and was associate producer of the Academy Award-nominated documentary “Say Goodbye.” 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 documentary “Pete Peterson: Assignment Hanoi.” 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.
Gary Sinise's portrayal of Lt. Dan 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 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 DePalma's psychological thriller “Snake Eyes.” Currently, Sinise is producing and starring as Detective “Mac” Taylor in CBS’s highly successful “CSI: New York,” produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and Anthony Zuiker. He was last seen on the big screen in Columbia Pictures’ “The Forgotten” with Julianne Moore, and “The Human Stain” opposite Anthony Hopkins, Nicole Kidman and Ed Harris. Sinise is a co-founder of Chicago's Steppenwolf Theatre Company, where he served as Artistic Director for seven years. Sinise served as the executive producer on the film, “Brothers At War,” a rare look at the bonds forged between American soldiers on the frontlines, and the profound impact their service has on the loved ones they leave behind. He was the subject of the Fox News documentary, “On the Road in Iraq with Our Troops and Gary Sinise,” which highlighted his fourth USO tour to the country. He is also the subject of the feature-length documentary, “Lt. Dan Band: For the Common Good,” a film about remembering those who serve, those who lay down their lives for others, and those who are left behind. In 2008, Sinise received the Presidential Citizens Medal, which is the second highest civilian honor awarded to citizens for exemplary deeds performed in service to the nation. He is one of only three actors in history to have received this honor. Following Sinise’s first two trips to Iraq, he started 
For over fifty years, General Colin L. Powell, USA (Ret.) has devoted his life to public service. Having held senior military and diplomatic positions across four presidential administrations, Powell’s deep commitment to democratic values and freedom has been felt throughout the world. From 1987-1989, Powell served as President Ronald Reagan’s National Security Advisor. He served from 1989-1993 as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff for both President George H.W. Bush and for President Bill Clinton, and was not only the youngest officer and first ROTC graduate to ever serve in the position, but was also the first African American to do so. During his time as Chairman, he oversaw 28 crises to include the Panama intervention of 1989 and Operation Desert Storm in the 1991 Persian Gulf War. Under President George W. Bush, Powell was appointed the 65th Secretary of State, leading the State Department in major efforts to address and solve regional and civic conflicts in the Middle East, Sudan, Congo and Liberia, in the Balkans, Haiti, Northern Ireland, Afghanistan, and elsewhere. Powell is the Founder of the Colin L. Powell Center for Leadership and Service 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. Currently, Powell is a strategic limited partner at Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, the renowned Silicon Valley venture capital firm, and is on the board of Bloom Energy. He is the Chairman of the Advisory Board of Leeds Equity Partners, a private equity firm focused on investments in the education, training, information and business services industries. He is also the Chairman of the Eisenhower Fellowships, a cross-cultural program for emerging international leaders. His autobiography, “My American Journey,” was a best seller and has been published in more than a dozen languages. His second book, “It Worked for Me,” reveals the lessons that shaped his life and career and will be published in May 2012. 
In the course of only five years, the multi-platinum rock band 
“American Idol’s” Jessica Sanchez will sing the national anthem and “The Prayer,” at the 2012 “National Memorial Day Concert” in Washington, DC. The 16 year old from San Diego is currently a top 5 finalist in the 11th season of television’s No. 1 rated show, “American Idol” on FOX. Sanchez quickly became a favorite among fans this season with her power-house vocals, often garnering high praise from the judges each week, especially with her beautiful rendition of Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You.” Sanchez will be joining the rest of Season 11’s top 10 on the road this summer for the “American Idol Live! Tour.”
Ellen Burstyn is an award-winning actress, whose career spans film, stage and television. She won an Emmy Award for her guest appearance in “Law & Order: SVU” (2009), following an Oscar win for her performance in “Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore” (1974), and a Tony Award for “Same Time, Next Year” (1974) on Broadway. Ellen has been nominated for five other Academy Awards for “The Last Picture Show” (1972), “The Exorcist” (1973), “Same Time, Next Year,” (1979), “Resurrection” (1981), and “Requiem for a Dream” (2000). Her many theater credits include the Broadway production of “84 Charing Cross Road” (1982), the acclaimed one-woman play “Shirley Valentine” (1989) and “Sacrilege” (1995). Ellen also appeared in Lillian Hellman’s “The Children’s Hour” (2011) on London’s West End, receiving rave reviews. She was the first woman to be elected as president of the Actors Equity Association (1982-85), and served as the Artistic Director of the Actors Studio, where she studied with the late Lee Strasberg. She continues to be active there as co-president with Al Pacino and Harvey Keitel. Burstyn became a national best-selling author with the publication of her memoir, “Lessons in Becoming Myself” in 2006, published by Riverhead Press. Burstyn is writing a screenplay, as well as planning a book of her photography accompanied by her favorite poetry. 
Four-time Emmy Award-winner Dennis Franz has amassed a mantle full of accolades for his performance as Detective Andy Sipowicz on “NYPD Blue.” Franz received an unprecedented four Emmys for “Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series” for the same character in the same series, in the drama category. He is also an eight-time Emmy nominee, and has earned seven SAG award nominations for Best Actor in a Drama and Best Ensemble Acting, winning twice. His other achievements include five Best Actor awards from Viewers for Quality Television and a Golden Globe in 1994. Franz was active in high school sports, but discovered his love for acting during his junior year when he was cast in a school play. Following his 1968 graduation, Franz served an 11-month tour of duty in Vietnam with the 101st and 82nd Airborne Divisions. Upon returning from Vietnam, Franz, together with some college buddies, organized several theatre companies in Chicago. While there, he joined the Organic Theater Company, which proved to be the turning point in his theatrical career. They wrote much of their own material, and “Bleacher Bums,” written by Franz and Joe Mantegna won a local Emmy Award for its PBS presentation. Franz landed a role in his first television series “Chicago Story.” Other film projects followed, including “City of Angels” with Meg Ryan and Nicolas Cage, “American Buffalo” with Dustin Hoffman, “Die Hard 2,” “Die Harder with Bruce Willis,” “The Package with Gene Hackman”, “Dressed to Kill,” “Popeye,” “Blow Out,” and “Body Double,” among many others. Franz had already guest-starred on numerous television series when he was asked to join the critically acclaimed show, “Hill Street Blues,” as Detective Benedetto, and later as Lt. Norman Buntz, one of the show’s most popular characters. Franz has donated countless hours to charities, including Revlon Run/Walk benefiting Breast and Ovarian Cancer Research, the LAPD Golf Tournament benefiting officers and their families in financial distress, Katie Couric’s colorectal cancer educational campaign, RADD (Recording Artists, Actors and Athletes Against Drunk Driving), participating in their Designate Before You Celebrate campaign. The Academy of the American Veteran Awards named Franz as “Veteran of the Year 2002,” after he successfully chaired the previous year’s Help Hospitalized Veterans Campaign.
Jack Everly is the Principal Pops Conductor of the Baltimore and Indianapolis Symphony Orchestras, Naples Philharmonic Orchestra and National Arts Center Orchestra (Ottawa). This season he made his Los Angeles Philharmonic debut at the Hollywood Bowl, returned to The Cleveland Orchestra and appeared as guest conductor in Pittsburgh, The New York Pops at Carnegie Hall, Edmonton and Kansas City. 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.” Mr. Everly conducted Sandi Patty’s 2011 release “Broadway Stories” and Daniel Rodriguez’s “In the Presence” from 2005 both with the Czech Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra of Prague. In 1998, Everly 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 235 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 
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 
In 1956, the 
The 
Jerry Colbert is the Executive Producer and founder of two of television’s longest-running and multi-award winning live programs that commemorate America’s most important holidays. In 2010, “A Capitol Fourth,” our country’s biggest birthday party, celebrated its 30th anniversary and garnered its second consecutive year as PBS’s highest-rated program in primetime. The “National Memorial Day Concert” has become the nation’s premier tribute to our men and women in uniform during its 22 years on air and was the number three top-rated program in primetime on PBS for the 2010-2011 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,” “The Regulators: Our Invisible Government and H.R. 6161: An Act of Congress.” Colbert previously served as deputy director of the Center for Understanding Media in New York.