Military Appreciation Set for Mabee Center March 13
The Mabee Center, in conjunction with the Department of Oklahoma Blue Star Mothers, will host The State of Appreciation: A Memorable Night for Our Troops, featuring the United States Army Field Band and Soldiers’ Chorus of Washington D.C. for a free concert March 13 at 7 p.m.
The Field Band’s members represent some of the finest musical talent in America. More than five decades as the military’s most traveled musicians have earned them the title, “The Musical Ambassadors of the Army.”
Glen Phibbs, a founding member of the U.S. Army Soldiers’ Chorus, has played a major role in bringing this concert to Tulsa. It all began after being invited to attend the Field Band’s 65th Anniversary concert performance, which was cancelled due to inclement weather. Phibbs says, “I happened to bump into the band’s commanding officer later that evening and just went out on a limb and asked if they could make a stop to play in Tulsa. A few weeks later, I got a notice that Tulsa had been accepted as one of the concert tour locations, and everything else just started falling into place.”
As the premier touring musical representative for the United States Army, the Field Band travels thousands of miles each year throughout the nation and abroad, keeping the will of the American people behind the members of the armed forces.
The concert is one aspect of “The State of Appreciation: A Memorable Night for Our Troops.” Prior to the start of the concert, the Department of Oklahoma Blue Star Mothers will host a special, invitation only welcome back home reception for 1,000 active military members and families. During the concert, there will also be a special tribute for the families of Oklahoma’s fallen warriors, known as Gold Star Families, to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
Tony Winters, general manager of the Mabee Center, says the primary motivation behind hosting this free concert was to provide a way to give back to the community and thank all the men and women serving in the military.
“Whether it’s a family member or friend, most people around here have close ties to someone in the military. I personally am honored to bring this event to Tulsa and be able to say thank you to everyone who has sacrificed so much to protect our freedom. I feel this event will truly be something everyone in the community will appreciate. We also cannot forget about our sponsors, because without their generous donations, this event wouldn’t be possible.“
Coupons with concert ticket information have been distributed and are available at any of the presenting sponsors: , Airco, , Channel 2, Sam’s and Lithaprint, Inc. Coupons must be redeemed online or at the Mabee Center Box Office prior to the start of the concert. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. The event is expected to be a true salute to the nation’s military personel, both past and present.
Updated 02-27-2012
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