By Kai Oliver-Kurtin
Beach concert for charity to feature Gary Sinise’s band
To celebrate the stars and stripes this Flag Day, Hotel del Coronado will host Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band for a rock ‘n’ roll concert, beach barbecue and paratrooper air show on June 14.
Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the Gary Sinise Foundation to support servicemembers, veterans, first responders, and their families.
More than a thousand guests are expected to join the festivities, while the 12-member Lt. Dan Band play hit cover songs from popular artists such as Adele, Kelly Clarkson, Stevie Wonder, and Zac Brown.
“Performing for men and women who serve our country is great no matter where it is,” Sinise said. “But when we do go to military communities like San Diego and Coronado, there’s so much military around there, you do feel a great sense of support and gratitude.”
A talented musician, Sinise is an actor best known for his movie roles in “Apollo 13,” “Forrest Gump” — where he played a character called “Lt. Dan” — and “The Green Mile” among others, along with a reoccurring TV role on “CSI: NY.”
His foundation’s programs are designed to help wounded servicemembers acclimate to new challenges, build a community for those in recovery, provide meals to those traveling (often before deployments), boost morale among military members, recount stories of service to inspire and educate others, provide financial support for first responders, bring free entertainment to veterans, host festivals at military hospitals, and more.
Juan Dominguez, a triple amputee injured in Afghanistan while serving in the Marine Corps, is now an ambassador of the Gary Sinise Foundation.
The foundation was able to construct a specially adapted home for Dominguez in Temecula, where he chose to live, and organized a fundraising concert there in his honor.
“Obviously Dominguez has some special challenges going forward and we were privileged to provide a special home for him,” Sinise said.
Candidates applying for foundation support are selected based on the severity of their injuries, their family and current living situation, and level of community support.
“I’ve been coming to the Hotel Del for many years and bringing my family down from the Los Angeles area since they were kids,” Sinise said. “At the Hotel Del, I can sit on the balcony and watch the jets, helicopters and military training that goes on right off the beach.”
Despite Sinise’s many personal visits, the concert will be the Lt. Dan Band’s first appearance at “The Del.” The stage will be set up to face the ocean and wounded veterans will be situated in the front row of the Flag Day concert.
“We are delighted to have Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band perform for our guests and even more excited to be able to give back to the foundation,” said Andre Zotoff, The Del’s general manager. “With our close-knit Coronado community so deeply rooted in the armed forces, we couldn’t have a better celebration to kick off summer.”
The hotel’s north beach area will open at 11 a.m., food will be served beginning at noon, a disc jockey will play music until the concert begins at 5 p.m., and paratroopers will close out the concert with a sunset jump at approximately 7 p.m.
Food stations will be on hand during the event offering burgers, barbecue and seafood options, as well as gourmet sides and children’s selections. A full bar including special Flag Day cocktails will also be available. Beach chair rentals can be reserved for $10.
Concert tickets are $75, or $35 for military members. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit hoteldel.com/events/flagday.
—Kai Oliver-Kurtin is a local freelance writer. She enjoys covering events, restaurant news, culture and entertainment. Contact her at [email protected].
