Remembering December 7 and September 11, there will be a free concert presented by the Veterans Council of Northwest Arkansas, the JM Band and the Bella Vista POA at 7 p.m. inside Riordan Hall in Bella Vista.
As the director of the Veterans Council of Northwest Arkansas, I would like to thank Bella Vista and three of the big bands based in Bella Vista that have been instrumental in raising funds for the building and maintenance of the Wall Of Honor over the past 15 years. Though numerous firms and individuals contributed very generous donations to the building of the Wall of Honor, it is the big band talent, with so much time donated to our city, that is the focus of this letter today:
Jack Mitchell Band -- renamed the JM Band of Northwest Arkansas since the death of Jack Mitchell.
The Bella Vista Big Band led by Charlie Danielson.
The Jack Terry Big Band led by the late Jack Terry and then Ramey Herren of Cave Springs. This band no longer exists today.
The JM Band led by Ron Thurston has contributed the most fundraising events for the Wall of Honor. For many years, Jack Mitchell created the so-called Praised Band and played many Sunday afternoon fundraising events at several local Bella Vista churches.
Other musical talents that have contributed to the Wall of Honor fundraising are: U.S. Air Force Band of mid-America, Naturally Brass, Sophisticated Ladies, Clever Rogue Theatre, Perfect Harmony, Hoff and Holler Cloggers, Singing Men of Arkansas, Keitt Wood and the Leah Mills Trio, Rockin Roads Classic Rock Band and Charlie Chrysler and the All Stars.
You are invited to attend the free "God Bless America" concert led by the 17 piece JM Band on Dec. 7. Let's show our appreciation to the great music that has been donated to ignite our efforts of fundraising over the past 15 years. Let's fill all 450 seats! The concert begins at 7 p.m. at Riordan Hall. Come early and enjoy this tribute to our veterans and country.
Leonard Eisert, director
Veterans Council of Northwest Arkansas
Editorial on 12/06/2017