Military service will receive a rocking salute at the “Veteran Appreciation Concert” that is set for 6 p.m. Saturday at the Hammond Civic Center.
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Chicago-area favorites M&R Rush and the Dancing Noodles will serve up the songs that provide a free night of entertainment for those who served in the Armed Forces.
The bash comes one day after Veterans Day.
“We really hope people come out and support these men and women, and join in the celebration,” Roman Sawczak, guitarist for the Dancing Noodles and event coordinator, said.
Sawczak, a Dyer resident, worked closely for many years with the colorful Steve Dahl, a noted Chicago radio personality known for his brash humor.
In 1979, Sawczak and Dahl formed Teenage Radiation, which was Dahl’s backing band that utilized Sawczak’s guitar skills.
Sawczak also served as Dahl’s music director and as the six-year executive producer for Dahl and sidekick Garry Meier at Chicago’s WLUP-FM and WLUP-AM.
At the Civic Center concert, the Dancing Noodles will dish their brand of rhythm and blues, with a substantial focus on the vintage era of Motown Records.
The Motown sound is represented with songs by the likes of the Temptations and Stevie Wonder.
Additionally, other fare includes the soul stylings of Sam and Dave, Wilson Pickett and Sly and the Family Stone.
M&R Rush, meanwhile, is ready to serve up originals, including “Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicago.”
Cover versions are likewise in the mix.
“We’re going to be playing some Led Zeppelin, some Queen,” drummer Marty Mardirosian said.
Led Zeppelin’s “Whole Lotta Love” and Queen’s “Tie Your Mother Down” are raucous tunes that are on the musical menu for a show that marks the final stop of M&R’s “Life is Good” tour.
Information is available at www.mandrrush.com on the band and its appearance at the veterans concert.
“Any time we can show appreciation to our troops, we are honored,” Mardirosian, a Dyer resident, said. “The whole band is very proud and excited.”
Northwest Indiana artist Jerica Paliga is scheduled to open the show at 6 p.m.
Active and past service members with military ID will be admitted free to the Saturday night concert. Those with service in the military can also present membership ID for the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars or other military group.
Beer, beverages and food will be available for purchase at the all-ages show.
The free concert for veterans has drawn praise from Brian Cody, who served in the Marines and co-owns Veterans Café and Grill, 7805 Taft St., Merrillville.
“I think it’s fantastic,” Cody, a Gary resident, said. “There’s not enough being done for veterans.”
Cody serves on the board of directors of Veterans Life Changing Services of Gary, which offers assistance to military veterans, including housing and vocation-related help.
M&R Rush brings a wealth of entertainment experience to the show, which is being presented by the city of Hammond.
The event is designed as an acknowledgment of valor and sacrifice.
With a history going back four decades, M&R Rush has been the warmup act for a wide array of rock notables that include the Go-Go’s, Survivor, Kansas, REO Speedwagon and Judas Priest.
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The Dancing Noodles, meanwhile, have fostered a long-lived reputation as a party band, as it utilizes the musicianship of Sawczak and his comrades, who include drummer Terry Canning, keyboardist Ed Kammerer, guitarist Paul Martin, bassist Brian Sarna and saxophonist Glenn Oskvarek.
The “Veteran Appreciation Concert” will be preceded earlier in the day by Hammond’s third annual Veteran Appreciation Day Parade.
Proceeding through the city’s 5th and 6th districts, the parade kicks off at 10 a.m. and ends at the Hessville Park Veteran Memorial.
Bob Kostanczuk is a freelance writer for the Post-Tribune.
Information: 219-853-6378, www.gohammond.com
‘Veteran Appreciation Concert’
Where: Civic Center, 5825 Sohl Ave., Hammond
When: 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12
Tickets: Military veterans free with ID; others $10 cash; $12 by credit card at Civic Center box office and at www.universe.com/gohammond