News Release
Wynonna Judd Kicks Off 50th Anniversary of Statehood Celebration
ANCHORAGE, ALASKA – June 27, 2008 -- Alaska’s 50th Anniversary of Statehood celebration kicked into high gear tonight at Elmendorf, AFB in Anchorage, Alaska, with a special Salute to the Military concert starring Wynonna Judd.
Thousands of enthusiastic military, their families and Alaskans came out to hear the country music diva perform mega hits such as “Love Can Build a Bridge,” “Rock Bottom,” and “The House is Rockin’.” Much to the delight of crowd, Wynonna was joined by mom Naomi for several songs.
The outdoor concert was streamed lived on the Internet and service members serving abroad were able to watch the show and interact with Wynonna via video conferencing ccourtesy of AT&T. The event was also simulcast by Anchorage television station KTUU Channel 2 throughout Alaska, and the Armed Forces Network aired the concert bringing it to military audiences worldwide. The concert will be rebroadcast on the Pentagon Channel July 4.
The evening began with the U.S. Air Force Academy Wings of Blue parachute team landing with Alaska flag and a “We’re In” banner in hand. Opening the concert was Elmendorf’s own U.S. Air Force Band of the Pacific “Alaskan Express” followed by the U.S. Air Force Reserve Band’s “Reserve Generation.” Capt. Lyndsey Goodman, a C-17 pilot who grew up listening to the Judds and recently tried out for American Idol, was a guest performer with “Reserve Generation.” In addition, Tech. Sgt. John Alexander and Staff Sgt. Marcel Marchetti from “Reserve Generation” and Tech. Sgt. George Pierce and Staff Sgt. Jeff Hall from “Alaskan Express” joined Wynonna Judd’s band to play a few tunes.
Immediately following the concert was a massive bonfire reminiscent of those that occurred on the Anchorage Park Strip June 30, 1958, the day that Alaska’s statehood was approved by the Congress.
We’re In Weekend Anchorage events continues on Saturday with a variety of family activities and events including 50th on Fourth featuring live entertainment, the Firefighters Combat Challenge, and a recreation of the pinning of the 49th star on the U.S. flag at the historic Federal Building at Fourth Avenue and G Street. Arctic Thunder, Elmendorf Air Force Base’s open house and air show, takes place Saturday and Sunday with demonstrations by the Thunderbirds, the U.S.A.F. Academy’s Wings of Blue parachute team, the U.S.A.F. Reserve Jet Car and more than 10 other civilian and military aerial performers.
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.
# # #Media Contacts:
Shelly Wozniak
Public Relations Manager
Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau
swozinak@anchorage.net
(907) 257-2331 direct
(907) 250-5285 cell
(907) 222-3752 fax
Nance Larsen, APR
Vice President, Communications & Marketing Programs
Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau
pr@anchorage.net
(907) 276-4118
Explore www.Anchorage.net
