On the 11th of November, 2011 at New York's NYCB Theatre at Westbury, HonorVet.org presented its first of what will be a new series of veteran benefit concerts - Unity For Vets! The images above are from that event!

Joining with international musicians, celebrities and committed individuals we used this eve not only as a fundraiser, but also to introduce our domestic "Unity For Vets" tour series.

The concert was headlined by Bret Michaels with special guests: ZZ Top guitarist and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Billy Gibbons and Ellis Hall. Performers were supported by the “Unity All Star Band,” comprised of industry pros such as: Anton Fig on Drums (Letterman Band), Mike Visceglia on Bass (Bruce Springsteen, Jackson Browne), Ellis Hall “The Reverend” on keyboards (Tower of Power), Scott Page on Sax (Pink Floyd, Supertramp, Toto), and music director Martin Guigui on Piano/Hammond B-3 (John Lee Hooker, James Cotton). 

Recap of the night:

The event began with a powerful video created by CBS for HonorVet which told the story of the organization as well as some of their members. The one and only Fingers from WBAB emceed the evening and introduced Jesse Canella and Jim McCain, Co-founders of HonorVet.org, after the video wrapped up. Jesse and Jim talked about their own battles and how they became inspired to create the organization. 

Senator John McCain then took the stage to make a proclamation about Veterans Day and how we must take care of our troops and their families.  A short video trailer of the new Lucas Films movie Red Tails was played and Senator McCain addressed the audience again. He talked about the Tuskegee Airmen and how it was the 70th anniversary of the extraordinary men.

Tuskegee Airmen Dr. Roscoe Brown then came up to stage to talk about his story and the new movie. With the crowd going wild, the star of Red Tails, Cuba Gooding Jr., entered and addressed the audience. Close friend of Oprah, and nationally know "Love Doctor" Brenda Wade, then took stage to assist in a surprise to all - a wedding proposal!! One of the audience members joined Brenda on stage and asked his girlfriend to join them. To everyone's surprise he dropped down to one knee and proposed. The surprised girl broke in tears of joy and said yes! It was a moving moment for all in attendance.

Brenda's daughter Kai joined musician Chad Hollister on stage and performed a beautiful dance while Chad played the bongos. The goal of the performance was to bring peace and healing to all those who watched; it was truly beautiful. Then the concert began!

The Unity All-Star Band jammed out and had the whole place rocking! The Chad Hollister Band then joined to jam before Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Billy Gibbons came out on stage. After a few awesome songs the one and only Ellis Hall joined to wow the crowd. His performance was so moving he actually received a standing ovation mid performance!!! Joshua Panda then added his powerful voice to the band by singing a few rockin' songs.

Then the highlight of the night took place - Bret Michaels and his band performed. The night was absolutely electrifying and was topped off when Bret asked all active military and their families to join him on stage. Bret and the troops sang their hearts out to Rock & Roll All Night before the night concluded. 

It was a truly amazing night for all in attendance and left our military members and veterans so moved. Many of them came up and told us this was one of the greatest nights of their lives. Although this was just the first of what will be a series of concerts for HonorVet.org, it was truly a night for all to remember.

We are just getting started!!!!