Keep Old Glory Flying

Written by Bakersfield Magazine

Bakersfield is a very patriotic community. Never has that been more apparent than when looking at the complete success of last year’s Keep Old Glory Flying, the annual event produced by ACAP Productions, Inc. So how could ACAP (which stands for Americans Concerned About Patriotism) not move forward and put on another salute this year?

Scheduled for November 7, 2009, the “patriotic dinner and entertainment show will once again, for the fifth straight year, honor our armed forces, our veterans, our country, and, of course, our national symbol of pride and respect, the American Flag,” explained Joel Nord, a founding member of ACAP and a co-producer of the event.

Last year, as with years prior, ACAP showcased its Veterans Day salute at the legendary and world-famous Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace, before a crowd of nearly 600 guests. Participants and honored guests included Congressman Kevin McCarthy, California Assembly members Jean Fuller and Danny Gilmore, Mayor Harvey Hall, and Councilwoman Jacquie Sullivan, in addition to over 250 active duty personnel from all five branches of the armed forces and veterans from all over Kern County.

And just like 2008’s show, this year’s evening will once again include a rousing performance from finalists competing in ACAP’s talent show. Vocalists from all over Kern County will be given the opportunity to showcase their singing talents for the chance to wind up as a performer in this year’s production. And as the official print sponsor of this event, Bakersfield Magazine is proud to get the word out.

“The magazine was thrilled to be involved last year and everyone on staff is incredibly excited to see just what ACAP will do this year,” said publishers Les and Donna Corum. “It’s our privilege to bring more attention to such a great event and to try and recruit contestants for the county wide talent search.”

And because KGET-TV 17, another proud sponsor of the event, is once again broadcasting the show live, contestants will have the opportunity to perform their songs for home-viewing audiences. KGET-TV 17 has blocked out a 2 ½ hour slot for the show to air and the event will again be emceed by Robin Mangarin and Jim Scott.

This is always a large undertaking and ACAP is getting some help this year. “In this regard, we are extremely privileged to have the talent search produced and coordinated with Jesus Shack,” Nord continued. “Serving this community since 1997, Jesus Shack has been consistently recognized as the premier producer of community concerts and live performances and is known statewide for its innovation, superb production quality, and use of state-of-the- art sound systems.”

Nord, and everyone at ACAP, looks forward to bringing a quality show to guests and veterans this year. So ACAP is proud to announce that, in concert with Jesus Shack, Ms. Evelyn Coyle will once again contribute her enormous skills and abilities to work with, coach, and prepare the contest winners at all rehearsals for their treasured performances.

“ACAP takes great pride in having this production unanimously recognized as the premier event celebrating Veterans Day in our city, year in and year out, and we continually strive to maintain the highest level of entertainment for all guests and honorees,” said Rick Pierucci, co-producer of the event and a founding member of ACAP.

This year, in honor of this extraordinary anniversary, ACAP is expanding the show and bringing together new sponsorships for the gala evening.

“We have secured the Fox Theater to have a simulcast production of the show aired on the big screen,” Nord elaborated. “Thanks to the generosity of the Fox, we will have room for 1,500 more guests, honorees, and their family members to watch this spectacular tribute as part of a live audience and will have segments emanating from this location during the show as well. The Fox epitomizes an era of elegance, romance, and big screen entertainment with its majestic blend of Spanish Colonial and Art Deco.”

“We are proud to be able to join in this fantastic annual celebration by making our venue available to those who have so valiantly served our country when called upon in time of need. In appreciation for all of our current active duty forces and our esteemed veterans, we are delighted to host and support this Veterans Day salute,” reflected Theater Services Manager, Marcus Johnson.

While the venues may be expanding, some crowd favorites are scheduled to return to the stage. The show in November 2008 featured Rick Monday, the heroic gentleman who saved the flag from being burned by protesters during a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in 1976. Mr. Monday was honored by ACAP and applauded by guests when he appeared on stage with the flag he had saved.

“And Mr. Monday has agreed to return to our show and once again host a live auction for baseball and Bakersfield one-of-a-kind items,” said Pierucci. “These include trip opportunities, objects d’art, and precious memorabilia. Last year, through ticket sales and auction proceeds, we were able to donate to the Fisher House Foundation, an organization that provides shelter, clothing, and food for the families of injured service men and women during all of the treatment and rehabilitation they receive, an amount in excess of $17,000.”

“As a result of all of this planning, original new segments and videos, new partnerships, and innovative features, we are once again preparing to make history in Kern County with our annual production and we intend to produce the finest Veterans Day community-based tribute anyone has ever experienced,” Nord concluded. “And, as in the past years, we have some surprises for both the in-theater and at-home viewing audiences. We love this country and cherish the freedoms and liberties we enjoy, which are made possible only through the sacrifices that have been made by those we will honor this upcoming Veterans Day. We hope this night expresses our thanks and admiration to all of them.”

Currently, ACAP Productions is in the initial stages of planning this year’s event. Though the production won’t be taking place until November of this year, the community is encouraged to get involved now! Early support will help ensure that this production is the best yet and that guests and honorees are truly celebrated. Sponsorship opportunities are available for those who wish to donate to this tribute.

Please see ACAP’s ad in this issue of Bakersfield Magazine or call (661) 663-9765 for more information on this fantastic night.

Article appeared in our 26-1 Issue - April 2009