Tickets available Jan. 6 for annual Valentines for Vets concert

Ticket distribution will begin Jan. 6 for the 10th Annual Valentines for Veterans Concert, according to John J. Pershing VA Medical Center.

The performer for the Feb. 14 concert will be country music artist Neal McCoy, Desmond McMullan, interim director said in a press release.

“Every year our concerts seem to get bigger and better, and they have a reputation that extends to our central office in Washington, DC,” said McMullan. “I think one of the things that amazes all who hear about these concerts is the level of community support from all of the local sponsors.

“The Wake Foundation sponsors the entertainers, while numerous service organizations, businesses and individuals work together to cover the remaining expenses such as venue, lights, sound and other needs. The event couldn’t happen without all the donations, so it’s the Southeast Missouri and northeast Arkansas community that really makes it happen.”

The concert will be held at the Black River Coliseum, with doors opening at 5 p.m. Pre-show activities begin at 6 p.m., with the main show starting at 7. There is no admission charge to the concert, but guests will need a ticket to attend. Ticket distribution will be through the medical center’s Voluntary Service office and the Coliseum.

McCoy is a two-time “Entertainer of the Year,” with three Platinum albums, one Gold album, and numerous #1 and Top-10 hit singles such as, “No Doubt About It,” “You Gotta Love That,” “Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye,” and “If I Was a Drinking Man.”

Opening for McCoy will be The Bob Lewis Family Band, a local bluegrass group from Doniphan that has appeared on stage with greats such as Bill Monroe, Kitty Wells and Little Jimmy Dickens. The band has performed in Branson and was featured on the PBS film, “The Mississippi River of Song,” a Smithsonian TV and radio series.

This year, the concert will also showcase the talents of high school senior, Eagle Scout, and country rap artist, Urban Blaze (Abe), debuting with his single, “Thankful,” according to the press release. The song honors veterans, military and their families, and the artist is the son of two military officers.

The Valentines for Veterans concert is part of VA’s annual National Salute to Veteran Patients, a program designed to: pay tribute and express appreciation to veterans; increase community awareness of the role of the VA medical center; encourage citizens to visit hospitalized veterans; and to become involved as volunteers.

During the National Salute, VA invites individuals, veterans groups, military personnel, civic organizations, businesses, schools, local media, celebrities and sports stars to participate in a variety of activities at the VA medical centers. The activities and events include special ward visits and valentine distributions; photo opportunities; school essay contests; special recreation activities and veteran recognition programs.

For more information about tickets or to volunteer, call VA’s Voluntary Services at 573-778-4499 or 573-778-4276.