TICKETS GO ON SALE FRIDAY, MAY 9!
The AVI8ORS Ensemble will perform a benefit concert, "On a Wing and a Prayer," to raise funds for Heartland Honor Flight. Proceeds from the performances will provide air and ground transportation to Washington, D.C. for WWII veterans and terminally ill veterans wishing to visit the WWII Memorial and other memorials there.
The concert was jump started when Bob Moser, Executive Director of The AVI8ORS won one of the Channel 6 “Pay It Forward” grants created by Tracy Madden of WOWT. The remaining cost of the AVI8ORS concerts have been underwritten by the generosity of The Hawks Foundation, The Dorene and Lee Butler Family Foundation, Humana MarketPoint and others to ensure all ticket revenues directly fund the flights. In addition to The AVI8ORS music, Adjutant General (ret) Roger P. Lempke will emcee the concert. Actor Dick Boyd will appear with the AVI8ORS and guest speakers will soon be announced.
Honor Flight is a nationwide non-profit organization created to transport veterans to the memorials built in their honor. Top priority is given to the senior veterans – WWII survivors along with those other veterans who may be terminally ill. Heartland Honor Flight is an affiliated group created to serve veterans of Nebraska and Southwest Iowa. The first Heartland Honor Flight is scheduled to depart on May 21, 2008. Each flight can accommodate over 100 veterans along with 40-50 “helpers”. More than 300 veterans have applied for the trip, so multiple flights are now being planned.
The AVI8ORS Ensemble is a popular Omaha based musical group which performs the music of the WWII era in USO show style, using the original melodies and harmonies of the 1940s. Since 1999 they have performed for audiences all over the US and were ultimately honored by performing for the WWII Memorial dedication in D.C.
Called a "high quality act" by critics, The AVI8ORS were recently named Omaha’s #1 group for live entertainment by B2B magazine. The group blends subtle choreography and dialog with the music. Group members perform in authentic World War II uniforms, which add the visuals to complement the vintage sounds.
"Ours is a very patriotic show with rich harmonies and war-era music. We’re obviously excited to share our performance with people who’ve dedicated their lives to ensure our freedom and security", said the group’s director, Bob Moser. "The group’s repertoire consists of about 85 songs from the 1940s. These are joyful, moving, sentimental and sometimes silly tunes that characterize a love of life and country", Moser said.
