East Setauket Woman To Host Free Rock N' Roll Show For Veterans

EAST SETAUKET, NY — East Setauket native and musical performer Carolyn Benson will be showing some love for United States veterans with a free concert 3 p.m. May 3, which falls on a Sunday, at Ward Melville High School at 380 Old Town Road, East Setauket. The performance, titled "Anthem-American Rock n’ Roll," will be a patriotic musical tribute to veterans, all those currently serving in the armed forces and their families as part of May being Military Awareness Month, according to a news release.

Benson’s show will highlight famous and familiar patriotic songs, as well as some original songs that she has written. Her inspiration for the show comes from her father, a Marine who served in the Korean War.

"I think of this as a wonderful opportunity to join together my passion for singing with service to my country," she said in a statement. "I hope that everyone who attends will be inspired and filled with gratitude for those who have served our country and for the precious freedoms that we have."

Benson has partnered with The Journey Home Project on a special edition t-shirt honoring veterans, their families and the National Anthem. The Journey Home Project was founded by country music performer Charlie Daniels and his manager David Corlew. The fund assists not-for-profit causes which provide veterans with rehabilitation and re-integration opportunities as they transition back into civilian life. The sale of each $5 t-shirt will support the foundation’s efforts to help veterans and their families across the country. To find out more about the t-shirt project, visit the website of Carolyn Benson. The site also has more information about Benson and her concert.

"Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought that I would ever get to meet Charlie Daniels, but given the opportunity to help his foundation is a dream come true," Benson said. "We need to show veterans that we support them and that we have their backs. That is why the back of the t-shirt features the words to the national anthem and also the Battlefield Cross as it honors those who have died in combat."