A show called “GI Blues” will salute the United Services Organization’s tradition of military entertainment on Veterans Day, Nov. 11. Hey Day band musicians are, from left, Joe Gilman, Steve Helfand, Del Gomes, Susan Skinner and Tom Hannickel. Picture courtesy of Hey Day

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Carmichael musicians will lead a Veterans Day show on Nov. 11.

Local singer Susan Skinner will front the Hey Day band, presenting a salute to the United Services Organization’s tradition of military entertainment.

Carmichael resident Joe Gilman is acclaimed world-wide as a jazz pianist. Now also a restaurant owner, Gilman will host the Nov. 11 show at his Rosemont (Sacramento) eatery, Twin Lotus Thai. The show follows two sold-out Hey Day performances on Nov. 9.

With clarinetist Del Gomes, Hey Day will present hits from the United Services Organization entertainers old and new. The show is called “G.I. Blues” (after the Elvis Presley movie about a post war musician who gigs in Occupied Germany).

 “The United Services Organization’s a perfect theme for Veteran’s Day,” Skinner said. “Some of the world’s biggest stars accepted $50 per day (in expenses) to cheer homesick troops. Many artists risked enemy fire to reach frontline stages. James Brown and his band survived a helicopter crash-landing in South Vietnam. In World War II, Glenn Miller died while traveling to entertain American troops in France.”  

A vital element in military morale for 65 years, the United Services Organization history provides a wealth of musical contrast.

“From Bob Hope to the Andrew Sisters; from Nancy Sinatra to James Brown and Katy Perry, they’ve all performed for millions of service people,” said Skinner. “Hey Day and I will offer nostalgia and appreciation for the patriotic artists who entertained Americans and allies all over the world.”

Twin Lotus Thai is at 8345 Folsom Blvd., Sacramento. There is no cover charge but reservations are required at www.twinlotusthai.com.