Arts and Entertainment Bay Ridge

Fantasia to perform in free concert at Fort Hamilton

June 20, 2016 By Paula Katinas Brooklyn Daily Eagle
Music superstar Fantasia says she is honored to be singing for the troops. Photo by Matt Sayles/Invision/AP
Music superstar Fantasia says she is honored to be singing for the troops. Photo by Matt Sayles/Invision/AP
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Grammy Award-winning singer Fantasia is giving a special gift to troops at the U.S. Army Garrison at Fort Hamilton just in time for the Fourth of July weekend. The “American Idol” winner will headline an “Independence Day Salute to the Troops” concert at the army base on July 1.

Hosted by Shar Jackson, the show will also feature performances by Titanium and Season 13 “American Idol” finalist Stephanie Petronelli. The concert will begin at 6 p.m. on Fort Hamilton’s Bluff near the Community Club.

Immediately following the concert there will be a fireworks display.

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The invited guests will include active duty, reserve and National Guard service members from all branches of the military, as well as West Point cadets, government employees, veterans, retirees, first responders, and their families.

“Many of us connected to the military in some way family, friend or a neighbor, so it is important for us as Americans to show our love and of our heroes,” Fantasia said in a statement.        

Fantasia, whose full name is Fantasia Barrino, gained worldwide fame when she won Season 3 of “American Idol.” In 2007, she starred on Broadway in “The Color Purple.” Her autobiography “Life is Not a Fairy Tale” was a bestseller. The book was the basis for a Lifetime movie, “The Fantasia Barrino Story: Life is not a Fairy Tale,” in which she played herself.

Mission OneVoice, a non-profit organization, will sponsor the free July 1 concert in association with Fort Hamilton’s Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation (FMWR) program.

“I am honored to be working with FMWR and Mission One Voice as part of this Independence Day celebration,” Fantasia stated.

“My parents served our country, so I can really appreciate the work of Mission One Voice.” Jackson said. “It is an honor to be an Ambassador of Mission One Voice and to join the amazing Fantasia in saluting the troops for all they do for our country.”

The Fort Hamilton community is excited about the concert, according to Bob Vogt, director of Fort Hamilton’s Family, Morale Welfare and Recreation.

“Fort Hamilton would like to thank Fantasia, Mission One Voice and the opening acts for their support to our army family and Brooklyn neighbors. Independence Day is a holiday that allows us to give back to those who have served and sacrificed defending our nation. All are welcome to join us as we celebrate America’s birthday,” Vogt said in a statement.

Alycia Lerer, founder of Mission One Voice, said the organization has organized numerous concerts for the troops featuring such performers as Patti LaBelle, Jamie Kennedy and Wendy Williams. “It is an honor and a pleasure to continue our mission to raise awareness to the issues faced by those who make such a commitment to our country,” she said.

While the event is free, pre-registration is required. For more information, visit http://hamilton.armymwr.com/or www.MissionOneVoice.org or call the fort’s Family, Morale, Welfare, and Recreation office at 718-630-4772.


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