News Release
Country Diva Rocks Kickoff to Alaska’s 50th Birthday Bash: Megastar Wynonna Judd Performs as Gift to the Military
ANCHORAGE, ALASKA – The midnight sun just might be outshined when country music diva Wynonna Judd rocks a capacity crowd of an anticipated 75,000 during “Alaska’s 50th Anniversary Concert for the Military,” Alaska’s Concert for the Military – the Anchorage kickoff of the statewide celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Statehood – during We’re In Weekend June 27 - 29, 2008, on Anchorage’s Elmendorf Air Force Base.
In addition to the thousands of people who will enjoy the event live and online, American service members around the world also will be able to watch the show – and interact with Wynonna - via video conferencing.
The concert and partnership to provide the live international broadcast was announced today by Gov. Sarah Palin before an F-22 fighter jet at Elmendorf’s Hangar 15. Joining the governor were Air Force Brig. Gen. Thomas L. Tinsley, Commander of Elmendorf’s 3rd Wing, Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich, AT&T Alascom President Mike Felix and Anchorage statehood celebration leaders Tennys Owens and Darl Schaaff.
“This is an amazing opportunity for me to join the great state of Alaska in giving thanks to the men and women in the military and their families,” says Judd. “To perform at this event will no doubt be a top highlight of my career. I am bringing my whole family, will have a few surprises, and am pulling out all the stops. In this hectic world we need more celebrations and I promise to sing from my soul at this event. See you all June 27th!"
Alaska’s "Alaska’s 50th Anniversary Concert for the Military", Alaska’s Concert for the Military is scheduled for 7 p.m. June 27, 2008, at Elmendorf Air Force base. It will be free and open to the public.
AT&T will stream the outdoor mega-concert live on the Internet. American service members serving abroad, including those in Iraq and Afghanistan, also will be able to watch the show and interact with Wynonna via video conferencing, also provided by AT&T.
“We are honored to share the gift of music with the many fine men and women serving in uniform,” said Governor Sarah Palin. “Alaska is blessed with a vibrant military and veteran community and it is a privilege to share to share with those who have given so much for their fellow citizens. We are excited to have an American music legend, Wynonna Judd, help us entertain the troops and celebrate Alaska’s 50th year of statehood!”
“It’s an honor to host Wynonna Judd while she’s here to thank the American Armed Services with this concert,” said Brig Gen. Thomas Tinsley, 3rd WG Commander at Elmendorf AFB. “This is a great opportunity to partner with the 50th Anniversary Statehood Celebration Committee for a great kick-off to the ‘We’re In!’ weekend.”
“Anchorage and all of Alaska are proud of the servicemen and women who serve our state and nation,” said Mayor Mark Begich. “Sharing this concert as a gift to our military as we celebrate 50 years of Alaska Statehood is the least we can do to show our enormous gratitude.”
“AT&T is very excited to be sponsoring this concert and web casting it to a worldwide audience,” said Mike Felix, president, AT&T Alascom. “For the last few years AT&T in Alaska has been streaming community events like high school graduations and sports championships, making them available to people who would otherwise miss out. This event takes this effort to a whole new level, bringing Alaska’s statehood celebration and its commitment to the military to audiences everywhere.”
Anchorage television station KTUU Channel 2 will simulcast the event to the entire state of Alaska. The Armed Forces Network will also broadcast the concert, bringing it to military audiences worldwide.
“Huge just doesn’t quite describe the scale of Alaska’s "Alaska’s 50th Anniversary Concert for the Military," said Tennys Owens, the co-chair of the Anchorage Celebration Committee. “This mega-concert event is the first of its kind in Alaska and is a shining example of the cooperation between public, private and military partners that has moved our state forward these last 50 years. "Wynonna Concert, Elmendorf Air Force Base," a gift to the men and women of the United States military from the Last Frontier, will reach more than one million armed service members around the globe!”
Immediately following the concert, Elmendorf Air Force Base officials will recreate the historic bonfires that occurred in Anchorage on June 30, 1958, the day that Alaska’s statehood was approved by the United States Congress.
"Alaska’s 50th Anniversary Concert for the Military," Alaska’s Concert for the Military is made possible by the Anchorage Statehood Celebration, Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Armed Forces Network, AT&T, Elmendorf Air Force Base and KTUU Channel 2.
About We’re In Weekend
We’re In Weekend commemorates the Anchorage Times headline “WE’RE IN” that appeared on the front page June 30, 1958 - the day the United States Congress gave their stamp of approval to Alaska’s bid for statehood.
We’re In Weekend includes the roar of engines during the Arctic Thunder, Elmendorf’s Air Force Base’s Air Show and Open House at Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage. Arctic Thunder will celebrate Alaska’s 50th Anniversary of Statehood with the Air Force Thunderbirds diving and spinning their way through the sky, a special appearance by the Wings of Blue Parachute Team, the fast and furious Air Force Reserve jet car and numerous civilian and military aerial acts. The celebration continues throughout the weekend on Anchorage’s Delaney Park Strip featuring the best local bands and local fare from throughout the state of Alaska, as well as games and non-stop entertainment for the entire family.
We’re In Weekend offers a multitude of itinerary options filled with history, culture and Alaska-sized excitement for both in-state and out-of-state travelers, making the kick-off of the 50th Anniversary of Alaska Statehood a perfect time to visit Anchorage’s Big.Wild.Life™. Travel deals for every budget abound during the 50th Anniversary of Alaska Statehood. Explore www.Anchorage.net/50 to book an adventure into the history of the Last Frontier.
About Wynonna Judd
A world-renowned vocalist and entertainer, Wynonna has accumulated sales totals as a solo artist in excess of 10 million units, a top Female Vocalist win by the Academy of Country Music and 13 top 10 hits on the charts. Respected by millions of fans that are drawn to her music and her life story, this 24-year music veteran has celebrated 20 #1 hits and a multitude of gold and platinum records. Innovative, inspired and imaginative, this phenomenal music icon continues to touch the heart and souls of many with her powerful, soulful voice and presence.
Prior to her solo success, Wynonna’s history with The Judds became a story for the record books. The Judds are lauded as one of the most celebrated success stories in country music history. In just six short years, they had sold more than twenty million records worldwide and had won over sixty industry awards including five Grammy’s, nine Country Music Association Awards and eight Billboard Music Awards.
The Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau’s mission is to attract and serve visitors to the Municipality of Anchorage. ACVB’s marketing functions are funded by one-third of the bed tax collected by the lodging association. One-third goes to the Municipality’s general fund and one-third goes to the Anchorage Civic and Convention Center construction project. ACVB receives no state or federal funds. For more information, explore www.Anchorage.net.
About Arctic Thunder
Arctic Thunder is Elmendorf Air Force Base's open house and air show. Historically, Arctic Thunder has been the largest two-day event in Alaska. This year, we are celebrating 50 years of Alaska's Statehood.
The base hosts Arctic Thunder to demonstrate its appreciation to the Alaska community for its support of the military, to educate the public about the military's mission, and to recruit people interested in joining the service. For more information about Arctic Thunder, visit www.elmendorf.af.mil/library/arcticthunder/index.asp.
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Media Contacts:
Nance Larsen, APR
Vice President, Communications & Marketing Programs
Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau
pr@anchorage.net
(907) 276-4118
Explore www.Anchorage.net
Shelly Wozniak
Public Relations Manager
Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau
swozinak@anchorage.net
(907) 257-2331 direct
(907) 250-5285 cell
(907) 222-3752 fax
Cathy Opinsky, AT&T
COpinsky@alascom.att.com
Office: 264-7274
TSgt Francesca Popp, Elmendorf Air Force Base
Office: 552-8014
