The Southwest Voice

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Wild has opened for Willie Nelson, George Burns, Crystal Gayle and  Emmylou Harris, as well as appearing with Bob Hope to welcome home the troops returning from Desert Storm.

Singing Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the U.S.A.,” Wild performed for former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani at the Santa Barbara Biltmore Hotel’s Coral Casino in Santa Barbara, Calif.

“Keep Old Glory Flying,” which debuted last Veterans eve at the Crystal Palace, will win the “Country Music Video of the Year” at the Los Angeles Music Awards on Nov. 9. The video includes stirring images and live action sequences which compliment the lyrics.

Last year’s celebration earned the shows producers, ACAP Productions, Inc., the prestigious 2006 Beautiful Bakersfield Award in the Civic All-American City Division. 

“This year’s show will be even better,” says Joel Nord, one of ACAP’s founding members and event coordinators. “Additionally, a portion of the proceeds this year is being donated solely to the Kern Veterans Memorial Foundation.”

ACAP stands for Americans Concerned About Patriotism and was organized to support the proposed 28^th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States, the amendment to ban the burning or desecration of the American flag. 

Two years ago, Nord met Jonathan Wild in Santa Barbara and discussed the need to have a song that embodied the feelings of protecting the honor of the American flag. Wild, a decorated Vietnam veteran, accepted the challenge and composed the spirited song. 

“But this event does not have a political agenda,” says Nord’s partner, Rick Pierucci. “This is neither a red or blue night, but a red, white and blue one.” 

In fact, both Republicans and Democrats alike are scheduled to attend.  Assemblyman Kevin McCarthy, Congressman Jim Costa, Assemblywoman Nicole Parra, State Senator Dean Florez and former State Senator Don Rogers are among the expected dignitaries.

ACAP Productions along with 29 Eyewitness News, Fox 58 and Kuzz Radio are presenting the evening’s festivities, which will be emceed by Rusty Shoop and Steve Gradowitz. 

The evening’s program will include a Marine Corps honor guard presenting the colors and a full military roll call. A prime rib dinner and live performances by Jonathan Wild and the Buckaroos and Kim McAbee are included.

The Buckaroos are, of course, the late Buck Owens’ backup singers and musicians. Doyle Curtsinger, bass player and singer, has been with the group since 1969. Jim Shaw, keyboardist, joined the following year.  Terry Chistoffersen, steel and lead guitarist, came to the group in 1975.  A relative newcomer, David Wulfekuehler, added his skills as a drummer four years ago, and singer Kim McAbee has been a regular since 1996 when the Crystal Palace opened.

Ameriprise Financial, Barber Honda, Pacific Orthopedic Medical Group, Berry Petroleum Company and Rosewood Senior Living Community are the Platinum Sponsors of the event. Other companies have also purchased tickets for themselves and seats for active duty personnel and veterans. Without all of their financial support, many of the armed forces servicemen and women and veterans would not be able to attend.