(Pomona, CA, March 15th, 2019) --Steve D. Wilson and Jerry Maniscalco have a couple of things in common. They’ve both worn flight suits to work regularly, they both play guitar, and they both write songs. More importantly, they are opening the evening show at the Salute The Troops Music and Comedy Festival in Pomona, California on March 23rd. Running March 22nd through the 24th, this festival has gathered an amazing group of musicians and comedians offering something for every taste. Featuring headliners Snoop Dogg, Dashboard Confessional, Cold War Kids, Redman & Methodman, Capital Cities and Comedians Adam Corolla, Rob Riggle. With a line-up worthy of a Coachella flyer. these two veterans find themselves in good company.
Steve D. Wilson, hailing from Cheyenne, Wyoming by way of Dallas, Texas, will be performing songs from his new EP released on March 8th, entitled ‘Ad Astra Per Aspera’. A veteran of both the Army, and the Air Force, Wilson served as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division and as a Combat Systems Instructor in B-52’s over his military career. This marks Wilson’s second EP as a solo artist, and was produced by Adam Rossi and was recorded at AR Studios in San Francisco with the assistance of Operation Encore, A Veteran Music Project. This EP highlights Wilson’s powerful knack for songwriting, offering 5 new songs, including Cheyenne, To Be Honest Juliet, and Worth It. Also featured, is a song cowritten with Bay Area songwriter Guy Jaquier entitled “This Journey Never Ends”. The song tells the story of the infamous Donner Party, and their plight across the unforgiving pass that claimed their lives and bares their name. Wilson’s set begins at 5pm on the Fox Theater Courtyard stage.
A Mississippi native, Jerry Maniscalco first picked up a guitar at 16 and he has been writing and performing original music ever since. In 2003, he entered the U.S. Naval Academy, graduating in 2007 and entering service as an SH-60B Seahawk pilot. During his time in the Navy--including 3 deployments and a remote tour--he found that music allowed him to unwind and escape. His most recent EP is called “Bold Enough to Try” and includes the rocker “Gypsy Blood”, the laidback “Riverside”, and a remastered version of the uplifting anthem “We Are”, which was featured on Operation Encore’s first compilation album. Maniscalco’s set begins at 6pm on the Fox Theater Courtyard Stage.
Operation Encore is a non-profit veteran’s organization that provides opportunities for veteran and active duty singer-songwriters and musicians. Through artist development, professional recording, and industry-focused educational services, they endeavor to assist artists to achieve the next-level achievements. Seeking out talent from across veteran communities, OE assists in the production and marketing of original music, while showcasing untapped talent.
OE has been featured on numerous print, television, and radio media outlets and has played live shows across the country and overseas. While advancing the careers of their artists, they also help bridge the gap between the public perception of veterans and reality by using the powerful medium of their original music.
Festival sponsors created the event to reach service members, veterans and the public in underserved markets and bring world class entertainment to them, with a heavy emphasis on helping to alleviate the conditions of PTS, (Post Traumatic Stress) as well as addressing the epidemic suicide rates among our returning soldiers and veterans.
For every full price ticket sold, an Active Service Member will receive a free ticket, Veterans and Retirees will receive discounted ticket price.
From the website, here are some answers to the questions you may have regarding the event:
FAQ's
Do you allow re-entry? Yes, we allow re-entry with your wristband.
Are you an all ages venue? Yes, all ages are welcome.
Can I bring a camera to the show? Point and shoot cameras are fine. Anything professional or with a detachable lens are not allowed. These rules are at our discretion.
What items are not allowed into the venue? Weapons, illicit drugs, gum, prescriptions not in the holder’s name, outside food and drink, and costumes that cover your face are not allowed in the venue.
Where do I park? Street parking or various paid lots (for a very minimal fee) in the downtown area. For this event, we recommend people ride share or use a ride share app such as Lyft or Uber.
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