The aviation enthusiast band, The WingNuts, performed their Veterans’ Day collection of songs that represents the music during the Vietnam War at an encore concert of Run Through The Jungle at the Center of Entertainment and Performing Arts (CEPA) on March 24.

Judge Bill Hereford introduced the WingNuts and gives a little backstory to the event, calling it a “tribute to the men and women who served during the Vietnam War.” Lead vocalist of The WingNuts, Alan Furr, continues with Hereford’s statement by saying how “music became a lifeline” for the soldiers serving. 

Over 58,000 lives were sacrificed during the Vietnam War. We all know a veteran, are more than likely related to one, and there were many in attendance at the concert. The songs performed were all handpicked by veterans, holding a deeper meaning for those in Southeast Asia. The  musical stylings of Chuck Berry, Elvis, The Beatles, and especially the Creedence Clearwater Revival, became the unofficial anthems for those in battle or in protest.

Furr describes the music as a “link back to existence” that kept soldiers pushing in Vietnam, and helped create a community of soldiers. Every song played was met with various audience members excitedly reminiscing on the memories the song brings to mind- many “ah” and “oh, yeah” could be heard as the intro of each song began.

The WingNuts kick off their performance by covering “Paint It Black” by The Rolling Stones, then covered “Louie, Louie” (The Kingsmen), “Fortunate Son” (Creedence Clearwater Revival), “Give Peace a Chance” (John Lennon), “We Gotta Get out of This Place” (The Animals) and “The Letter” (The Box Tops). WingNuts group member, Teresa Carden, said her favorite song to sing is “Back in the U.S.A.” by Chuck Berry.

Over $5,000 and counting has been raised to benefit the St. Clair County Veterans Outreach. Look out for The WingNuts, hopefully performing again at the annual CEPA Veterans’ Day event 2018.