Music Hall to Host Troop Salute

American Forces Press Service

June 22, 2007 – In celebration of Independence Day, "America's Legendary Music Hall" will offer a patriotic salute to servicemembers and their families. On July 3, nearly 500 servicemembers and their families will fill the Birchmere Music Hall here for an appreciation dinner and an "America Supports You" concert featuring Jenny Boyle, according to a Birchmere news release.

America Supports You is a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.

"The Birchmere and Jenny Boyle are stalwart supporters of the troops, and as a way of saying thanks, the venue wais hosting the patriotic event," the release said.

Boyle, a local recording artist, is a frequent performer on the Armed Forces Entertainment tours, which send regional and local up-and-coming artists around the world to entertain servicemembers. She recently performed an America Supports You concert for Pentagon employees, who enjoyed the artist's mix of jazz, blues and Latin music.

Since 1966, the Birchmere has served as a springboard for many well-known musicians' careers. "On any given night, a star may be born," the release said.

Indeed, Boyle will be in good company when she takes the stage. Mary Chapin Carpenter, Lyle Lovett, Dave Matthews and Vince Gill are just a few of the artists considered "good friends of the Birchmere."

The doors open at 6 p.m. for an invitation-only dinner, and the concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. While the event is not open to the public, media are invited to attend, and should contact Carrie Sloan at 202-414-0776 or Michael Jaworek at 703-549-7500, ext. 14.

(From a Birchmere Musica Hall news release.)