Proceeds from the show will provide support for a food pantry, holiday baskets, hospitality and entertainment, children's parties, and Internet service for military families.
Cher, Rod Stewart, Carrie Underwood, Neil Diamond, Madonna, Tom Jones and other big names will be helping to raise funds for the Pioneer Valley USO on Sunday in a Las Vegas-style revue at the Hu Ke Lau in Chicopee.
But they don’t personally know about it.
However, the tribute artists performing as these superstars at the Holiday Legends Show do know all about it and will be singing their hearts out in support of the many service men and women serving our country.
In addition, Engelbert Humperdinck and Shania Twain will be there along with legends Bobby Darin, Elvis, Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin.
“This is one of the major fundraising activities of the Pioneer Valley USO which enables them to provide various services to troop members and their families,” said Ann Murphy, public relations coordinator for the event.
“Holding a fundraising concert for the USO seems especially fitting since they have been affiliated with so many entertainers like Bob Hope who have entertained the troops,” she added.
She noted proceeds from the show will provide support for a food pantry, holiday baskets, hospitality and entertainment, children’s parties, and e-mail and Internet service for military families.
Host Jimmy Mazz will guide audience members on a musical journey featuring tribute artists Lisa Carter, Patrick Tobin, Rick Larrimore, Eva Tereso, Charlie Lask, and Atoa Ripley, with featured selections by Ted Hamel and Joe Pereira.
“Raising funds for the Pioneer Valley USO is an honor. The members of the USO work very hard to support our troops and their families throughout the year, and it is especially fitting at the holidays to recognize those who give so much for our country,” noted Mazz.
Mazz’s father is a veteran and many of the performers at Sunday’s concert have family and friends who served or are serving in the military and “realize how important it is to have the USO,” said Murphy.
Tribute artist Eva Tereso of West Springfield, who will perform as Carrie Underwood and Shania Twain, agrees with Murphy and became very emotional in an interview with The Republican when talking about Sunday’s show.
“I am fortunate to have my family with me for the holidays, and I do have family and friends who have served and others who are now serving. You definitely appreciate what they are doing for us. But being away from your family around the holidays, I can’t even imagine how difficult that must be for them,” said Tereso. “I also spend my spare time singing at retirement communities and nursing homes.”.
An accountant by day, Tereso’s work as a tribute artist satisfies her love of singing.
“You know how the story goes….I started singing at age two,” she said. “I kind of just fell into doing a tribute to Carrie Underwood, which I debuted at the last Legends Show for the USO back in April. But with Shania, I heard she is planning a comeback next year in Las Vegas and she recently recorded the song ‘White Christmas’ along with Michael Buble on his new Christmas album, and I’ve always like her music,” added Tereso about adding the popular country/pop performer to her repertoire.
She plans on performing both Christmas songs and hits by both performers during the show.