Press Release: Hudson Valley Musicians Reunion Concert to Benefit America's Purple Heart Heroes
Local Musician Holding Benefit Concern on Saturday, August 19 at Silk Factory in Newburgh
The Hudson Valley Musicians Reunion Concert, being held on Saturday, August 19 at Silk Factory in Newburgh, will benefit the National Purple Heart Honor Mission and its work to tell the stories of America’s Purple Heart Heroes. (Pictured L-R: Silk Factory owner Richard Fracasse, Honor Mission Board member and Purple Heart recipient Dan Clarino, concert organizer Gary Van Voorhis, and Honor Mission Board Chairman and Purple Heart recipient Richie Lay).
(NEWBURGH, NY) – Local bands and musicians are coming together for an exciting benefit concert that will pay tribute to America’s Purple Heart heroes.
On Saturday, August 19 from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. legendary Hudson Valley musical groups will reunite for an exclusive one-day performance at the Silk Factory, 299 Washington Street in Newburgh. Those set to perform include: Jerry Ebert, The Bush Brothers, Craig Ellis, Lenny Frank & the Rhythm Rockers, The Go, and Doctor Magkneetoe Medicine Show. Proceeds from the concert will go to the National Purple Heart Honor Mission, which works to salute America’s combat wounded and those killed in action in service to our nation.
“On this day, all our hearts are Purple. The Hudson Valley Musicians Reunion is proud and honored to donate the proceeds from our show to the National Purple Heart Honor Mission. Musicians have always answered the call to perform in times of tragedy or fundraising for charitable causes. Mike and I, along with the owner of the Silk Factory, Richard Fracasse, understand fully the sacrifice made by all our nation’s veterans, especially those who have received the Purple Heart,” said Gary Van Voorhis, President of Hear The Music LLC, who is organizing the benefit concert along with Mike Raab.
“We are tremendously proud to partner with Gary, Mike and the Hudson Valley Musicians Reunion for this special benefit concert. Their support helps ensure we can continue to pay tribute to our Purple Heart heroes and tell their stories of valor across America,” said National Purple Heart Honor Mission Executive Director Col. Russ Vernon (NYARNG, Ret.). “It’s inspiring to see local music icons unite to pay tribute to our heroes. Newburgh and all of Orange County always comes out to salute our men and women in uniform.”
The Honor Mission was founded in 1997 as the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor, Inc. and played a pivotal role in the establishment and later expansion of the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor located in New Windsor. The organization is preparing to host its 2023 Purple Heart Patriot Project, a one-of-a-kind salute to Purple Heart recipients. The Patriot Project welcomes Purple Heart heroes from across the nation, along with a guest of their choosing, and provides an all-expenses paid trip to New York’s historic Hudson Valley for a week-long salute to service that includes stops in New York City, a tour of West Point, a private tour of the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor and a heartwarming “Welcome Home” rally. The event has been described by participants as the “trip of a lifetime.”
The National Purple Heart Honor Mission is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to paying tribute to our nation's combat wounded and those killed in action through outreach and educational programming.
Complete details and a lineup of acts for the Hudson Valley Musicians Reunion 2023 can be found on Facebook. Those who can’t attend but wish to donate to support the Honor Mission can do so at www.PurpleHeartMission.org.
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