Sleeperstar Performs for USS Constitution Sailors

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Kathryn E. Macdonald, USS Constitution Public Affairs

CHARLESTOWN, Mass. (NNS) -- The alternative rock 'n' roll band, Sleeperstar, performed a concert for crew members aboard USS Constitution, May 6.

Nick Box on guitar, Chris Pearson on lead vocals, Shaun Menary on drums, Brandon Rosas on bass, and Jake Lester on keyboard set up on the top deck of the ship prior to evening colors and played a 45-minute set.

"The idea of all those people giving up their lives, giving their time and everything you guys give so that we have the freedom to play music, those are the kinds of thoughts that go through my head when they told us 'Oh hey, go play a show for free,'" said Jacob Combs, tour manager.

The band also gave Sailors a free copy of their album "To Speak, To Love, To Listen."

"It was my first time hearing them," said Damage Controlman Fireman Javier Ibarria. "It was completely and utterly amazing."

Cryptologic Technician (Technical) 2nd Class (SW) Jacob Wallace, Constitution's volunteer programs coordinator and a fan of the band, called Sleeperstar's booking agent about a month prior to the concert. Wallace asked their agent if the band would like a tour of the ship while they are in Boston. The agent not only accepted the offer, but proposed to have the band perform for Constitution's Sailors.

"Of course because I'm a fan of the group I was in shock," said Wallace. "I didn't even think they would have time to visit the ship because of their touring schedule, but when they offered to perform for the crew in addition to that, I knew I had to do what was necessary to make this happen."

After the concert, the band observed evening colors and received a tour of Constitution, where they learned about her history and mission today.

"We were so excited, just to get to stand face-to-face and say thank you for everything you guys do," said Pearson. "If you guys didn't do what you do, we obviously wouldn't have the freedoms to do what we do."

Constitution is located in the Charlestown Navy Yard of Boston Harbor. She is the world's oldest commissioned warship afloat and welcomes more than 500,000 visitors a year.