Forget the birthday song — how about a birthday music and dance extravaganza!
Fort Hamilton celebrated the 188th anniversary of the laying of its cornerstone — and the 238th year since the foundation of the United States Army — with a rousing performance from the acclaimed traveling Soldier Show on June 13.
Two audiences of 500 people — many veterans and soldiers — got to watch enlisted men and women from across the country perform rock, hip-hop, R & B, standards, and gospel songs in the Brooklyn base’s gymnasium.
“They touch upon every genre you could possibly come up with, except maybe opera,” said spokesman Bruce Hill.
Hill said that the performers had come from bases nationwide, and tried out for the show at Fort Belvoir in Virginia.
“It’s kind of like ‘American Idol,’ they come from all over the place and audition,” said Hill.
The theme for the show was “Ready and Resilient,” and featured a video projection called “Sarge,” who intereacted with the performers, giving them tips and instructions as the show carried on. Songs ranged from Aerosmith’s “Dream On” to numbers from the musical “Mary Poppins,” but a core emphasis on patriotism remained.
Hill said both audiences left very impressed.
“It’s entertainment for the soldiers by the soldiers, that’s what it’s all about,” he said.
Reach reporter Will Bredderman at wbredderman@cnglocal.com or by calling (718) 260-4507. Follow him at twitter.com/WillBredderman.
