Minnesota rockabilly band plays for Guard in Bosnia (Let troops have some fun)

www.stripes.com ^ | By Ivana Avramovic, Stars and Stripes

[bogdanPolska12]

EAGLE BASE, Bosnia and Herzegovina — When Capt. Tim Hagen was back home in Minnesota, he used to go out every week to see his favorite band, Jack Knife and the Sharps.

He thought he would have to give that up during the six-month rotation in Bosnia and Herzegovina with the 34th Infantry Division of the Minnesota National Guard. That was until he heard a small band from the States perform at Eagle Base as part of the Morale, Welfare and Recreation entertainment program.

He wondered if Jack Knife and the Sharps could do the same.

He asked around, contacted AKA Productions, an organization from California that brings entertainers to troops, and soon Rick Hollister, Jeff Bjork and Scott Christenson, the three members of the band, got a call.

Although they did not expect to play in Bosnia before the 34th ID ended its rotation this month because of a backlog of entertainers heading overseas, the three musicians submitted some of their music to AKA Productions and were soon on their way to the Balkans.

The musicians first took their show to Camp Bondsteel and Monteith in Kosovo, and then Camp Morgan, Camp Butmir and Eagle Base in Bosnia.

“I wouldn’t have missed it for the world and I’ll never forget it,” Hollister said.

The trio — Hollister on guitar, Bjork on drums and Christenson on bass — plays original rockabilly music and cover songs from artists ranging from Frank Sinatra to Johnny Cash. It filled Triggers club at Eagle Base during its performance there.

Though the idea of visiting troops overseas had occurred to them before, the band members never pursued it because they could not handle the logistics of such a trip, Hollister said.

“We’ve been able to stay busy in the five-state area [Minnesota, North and South Dakota, Wisconsin and Idaho] so there’s been enough work for us close to home,” Hollister said.

But after performing in the Balkans, the band plans to visit U.S. troops in Japan later this year.

As for Hagen, he is just delighted the band made it to Bosnia.

“It’s awesome that I could go 5,300 miles from home and still see my favorite band,” Hagen said. “God bless America.”

[WorkingClassFilth]

Minnesota BUMP!

Nice to see that band-scene types are patriotic enough to support the troops. Goes to show that X and Y'er generation types can't be classified as easily as boomers.

[Spruce]

I've seen these cats a few times. Old fashioned R&R. They have a drummer with 3 skins, a bass player on a huge bass fiddle, a guitarist with a Les Paul, and a decent singer. And a LOT of energy. A fun show.

[bogdanPolska12]

No matter where troops are they need to know we are behind them and support them. They need this so much.

[bogdanPolska12]

What I love about USA is that people are so nice and full of good heart. Except few like Kerry and others who don't like this country. Difference between us and them is so astonishing.

[WorkingClassFilth]

Agreed!

My favorite bar band 'Dumpster Juice' would be honored to perform...if they could remember where they are...for the troops.

Good for these kids!

[Spruce]

You said:...What I love about USA is that people are so nice and full of good heart...

That is because we truly do wish the best for all. But being one's best starts with you. The debate is all about how to achieve that.

[bogdanPolska12]

My friend joined US Marines and he is Polish. He is now part of rotation going to Iraq. And he is so proud of being in Marines. He is one of many of these great soldiers to help Iraq to get on its feet.

[HiJinx]

He should be proud...please let your friend know that we, too, a so very proud of him. Tell him 'Thank You' from us, please!

[bogdanPolska12]

The debate is all about how to achieve that ----- To achieve that is not being selfish and proud. To achieve that is to love your enemy as your self. After all we are all sinners. We all have problems and faults. But we all have heart to show love to those who don't love us. And that is what Passion of Christ is all about. He gave His love for us though we sometimes don’t want to love those who don’t like us because is so heard for us to understand. To achieve love means to understand Love on Cross.

[bogdanPolska12]

I surely will. Thank you. God Bless you all. I will tell him that you keep him in his hearts and others who serve this country with pride and love.

[Wumpus Hunter]

Jack Knife and the Sharps - great name for a band!

Reminds me of a band we used to have called "Phil Dirt and the Dozers"