Alaska Veterans Heroes Concert - "The Heroes Day Concert provides a unique Veteran's Day Experience..."
by Terra Laughton - West High School
The sixth-annual Heroes Day Concert, while not providing anyone with newfound patriotism, satisfied a wish to feel connected to our nation on Veterans Day.
The concert honoring men and women in the service took place Tuesday, November 11th in the Atwood Concert Hall. Presented by the Alaska Veterans Foundation, in conjunction with North Star Productions, the free event was part concert, part ceremony, and part military film festival.
Monica Repuya’s strong voice opened the evening with an a cappella rendition of America the Beautiful and The National Anthem. Her flawless pitch compensated for her strain in reaching higher notes.
Undeniably, the band’s music consists of an enjoyable twang, which was enhanced Tuesday with wardrobe choices consisting of hats for the men and red cowboy boots for singer Brook Faulk. The pace of the band became clear very quickly. Even a fan of country music would agree Peltier’s songs were slow, and his energy matched. No amount of perky bopping and swaying by the adorable Faulk, nor exuberance from the rest of the band, could offset Peltier’s apparent apathy. Peltier became most effective when he was intended to be mellow, such as in Forever Young, spoken poetry set to music.
The music of Ken Peltier and his band was interrupted for a presentation of special medals to the 1st Stryker Brigade, 25th Infantry and the 4th Brigade Combat Team 25th Infantry, as well as several overly dramatic video clips varying in topic from 9/11 to “Iraqi Freedom: Chapter II”.
Special guest and Grammy nominee Paulette Carlson enlivened the stage, but not until over an hour into the event. She glided onstage in an iridescent periwinkle dress with long, blonde hair flowing behind her. Carlson’s energy jolted the entire band and successfully unified them for her solo songs.
While their event lacked cohesiveness, the Alaska Veterans Foundation should be commended for providing a unique Heroes Day experience.
Heroes Concert
Alaska Veterans
Tuesday, November 11 at 7pm
Alaska Center for the Performing Arts, Atwood Concert Hall
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