VFW to host two-day music festival for charity
PRESQUE ISLE — The Hayward-Frazier VFW Post 2599 will present the Veteran’s Rock and Country Jamboree this Friday and Saturday. The event, which will feature continuous music from national and local acts, will be held at the Northern Maine Fairgrounds in Presque Isle.
Hours are 4 p.m. to midnight Friday, June 22 (Rock Day) and noon-11 p.m. Saturday, June 23 (Country Day). Admission is $10 Friday and $15 Saturday. There also will be economy camping available for $50, which includes one ticket for the entire weekend. VIP camping will be available for $100, which includes two tickets for the two-day event.
Proceeds will benefit the VFW Post, as well as the Sister Mary O’Donnell Homeless Shelter and the Hope and Justice Project.
William Dyer, chair of the Jamboree committee, said the event is groundbreaking for the region.
“I don’t recall that northern Maine has ever hosted a festival for charity of this magnitude,” he said. “We are very excited about the potential to raise a great deal of money for our charities. In these tough economic times, the need is greater than ever.”
Among the national artists scheduled to perform at the Veteran’s Rock and Country Jamboree include country living legend Stonewall Jackson at 7 p.m. Saturday and the platinum-selling ‘60s rock band The Royal Guardsmen at 7 p.m. Friday.
Jackson scored his first No. 1 hit in 1950 with the song “Waterloo.” A string of chart toppers followed including “I Wash My Hands in Muddy Water,” “A Wound Time Can’t Erase,” “BJ the DJ,” “Why I’m Walking” and “Don’t Be Angry.”
Over the years, the Tabor City, N.C. native has traveled around the world entertaining country music fans. He has released countless CDs, including his latest, “Stonewall Jackson and Super Friends.”
The Royal Guardsmen rose to fame in 1966 with their hit single “Snoopy Vs. The Red Baron,” which became the title track of the group’s debut album. The album reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart and remained there for 12 weeks. It went on to sell 1 million copies, earning it platinum certification from the R.I.A.A. in 1967.
Most recently, The Royal Guardsmen released their first-ever live recording, “Beaglemania LIVE!” In March 2011, the group recorded a new single, “Alive and Well.” Also last year, they filmed a documentary about their musical journey titled, “Burned By A Beagle — The True Story Of The Royal Guardsmen.”
“The Royal Guardsmen were in our area in their heyday and this is the first time they’ve been back since,” said Dyer. “We are honored to have them, as well as Stonewall Jackson, who truly is a country music legend.”
California-based recording artist Luanne Hunt also is scheduled to perform at the Jamboree at 5 p.m. Saturday. Hunt is a three-time Grammy nominee whose country, gospel and folk songs have topped the charts in the U.S. and Europe.
VFW Post 2599 member and singer Randolph Michaud will take the stage at 6 p.m. Saturday. Michaud’s traditional country songs have topped music industry charts in the U.S. and Europe. Among his most successful are “Y’all Come,” “Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes,” “Talk Back Trembling Lips” and “He Stopped Lovin’ Her Today.” In 2008, Michaud’s single “Do You Believe Me Now” reached No. 12 on the prestigious New Music Weekly Charts.
In addition to the headliners, local singers Indya Oulette and Yvette Stephens are scheduled to appear. Other bands performing will include 454 Rock Band, Todd Corey, Other Side of Sanity, The Honky Tonk Country Band, The Wildwoods Band and Potpourri Country Band.
To purchase tickets, log on to www.veterans-rock-and-country-jamboree.com. Tickets also can be purchased at local outlets such as Pages’ Variety and The Chopping Block in Presque Isle, Morin’s Variety in Madawaska and Bob’s Service Center in St. Agatha.
