Local veteran support group Soldier Songs is partnering with modern-day troubadour Beth Wood and Stronghold Trio to raise funds for Oregon veterans with a concert at the Tower Theater on May 17 at 7 p.m. Tickets are now on sale through the Tower Theater website and proceeds from the event will help fund transitional housing for wounded combat veterans in Oregon.
Soldier Songs, a project that brings songwriters and veterans together to share the healing power of music, has organized this event as part of a larger effort to support Oregon veterans in new ways.
“We’ve been gathering to share music for the past 3 years and we decided it’s time to reach beyond our Central Oregon circle and explore new ways to help veterans heal through music,” said Bill Valenti, a co-founder of the Central Oregon chapter of Soldier Songs and local singer/songwriter.
According to Valenti, there is a critical shortfall in funding to support transitional housing for wounded veterans in the wake of recent Federal budget cuts, leaving many of Oregon vets without the resources they need to reintegrate into their communities upon homecoming. Valenti and his fellow Soldier Songs members hope to raise both awareness and funds in support of the cause.
Opening acts include local band Loose Gravel and singer/songwriter Mark Quon. All are members of the Central Oregon Soldier Songs group.
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About Beth Wood
Beth Wood is a modern-day troubadour and believer in the power of song. Her exceptional musicianship, crafty songwriting, powerhouse voice, and commanding stage presence have been winning over American audiences for eighteen years. Beth’s music is soulful, organic, intelligent, barefoot, high-energy communication of joy. Beth now calls Portland, OR home, where she has immersed herself in the northwest music community. In early 2016, Beth will release her tenth album, “Spring Tide”, recorded live and solo acoustic on the Oregon coast.
About Stronghold Trio
Grammy- nominated jazz/blues pianist Andy Armer, guitarist /vocalist extraordinaire Richard Taelour
and drummer Justin Veloso bring world-class jazz/blues to Central Oregon.
Event Date: May 17, 2016
Event Address: Tower Theater