Operation Encore: Concert & Fundraiser for TASP, 1/29!

21 Jan Operation Encore: Concert & Fundraiser for TASP, 1/29!

The Telluride Adaptive Sports Program (TASP) is pleased to present Operation Encore, A Veteran Music Project, which stars veteran and active duty singer-songwriters. The event takes place Saturday, June 29, 2022, 7 p.m., at Telluride’s historic Sheridan Opera House. (Doors, 6 p.m.). Tickets for general admission, $25; limited VIP tables for 4 guests, $200. All proceeds from the event will benefit TASP, the local non-profit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of people with disabilities. Tickets available here.

Here is a three-hour Spotify playlist of original music by talented veterans.

Scroll down to watch a video of the finale of the 2019 Operation Encore show in Mill Valley, CA.

TASP in action!

Founded in 2013, Operation Encore seeks to help bridge the gap between reality and the public perception of veterans through the powerful medium of original music. The nonprofit specifically works with active duty and veteran military artists to help them take their careers to a professional level through networking, education, live performances, talent development, studio time, and distribution.

Operation Encore now includes a group of 25 talented singer/songwriters, all of whom have served in the U.S. military, including tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. These artists create original music focused on topics straight out of the trenches: the loneliness of being away from home; the joy of returning to loved ones; and the pain of the loss of a friend.

The Master of Ceremonies for Telluride Adaptive Sports Program’s upcoming benefit concert  is none other than ATZ Kilcher, (Jewel’s dad), a Vietnam veteran and co-star of “Alaska: The Final Frontier” on Discovery.

Performers from Operation Encore include three Army veterans and a military spouse.

Andrew Wiscombe is an award-winning, Berklee College of Music-trained singer-songwriter and former Army sniper with multiple combat tours. Andrew returned home with shrapnel remaining in his shoulder, a mild case of PTSD – and a passion for writing. Recurring themes in his music include the need to give himself permission to feel joy again and the trials of the common working man. Preview his sound here.

Tyree Woods is a US army veteran, who served in Afghanistan and currently lives in Steamboats Springs. His bluegrass band, Buffalo Commons, tours with Yonder Mountain String Band and has opened for Lil Smokies, Keller Williams and Billy Strings. Listen to his sound here.

Tyree

Rachel Harvey-Hill was born in Kentucky and brings the Bluegrass State’s history of folk, gospel, bluegrass to her sound. Rachel’s husband is a colonel in the US Air Force with 22 years of service, including flying an A-10. The couple lives in Nashville. A preview of her sound is here.

John Evans is another Army veteran, combat-medic and first-responder, who served in Iraq. John and his music describe his struggles with his transition out of the military, how he became sober (since July 2, 2007!) and how his life-journey led him full circle to help those struggling with addiction. A taste of his music is here.

In the spirit of collaboration and supporting our troops, please join TASP and Operation Encore at the Veteran Music Project and help open the doors to provide life-changing adventures for disabled veterans.

“In addition to being great musicians, our Operation Encore artists come from a background of ‘service.’ We often partner with local non-profits to help fundraise and build awareness. Also, many of our vets have combat injuries and have participated in adaptive programs, so working with and supporting TASP is a natural fit,” said part-time Telluride local and Operation Encore board member Guy Jaquier.

TASP, more:

Telluride Adaptive Sports Program (TASP) is non-profit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of people with disabilities by providing therapeutic recreational opportunities that develop life skills and encourage personal growth.

For more information or to get involved please contact TASP at 970-728-3524 or go to the website, www.tellurideadaptivesports.org.

Footnote: Stephen Covell, an Army combat-medic living in Austin, TX, won Operation Encore’s 2019 songwriting competition with his song, “Her Cold Hands,” about his personal struggles with suicide and how it can be a dark and tempting mistress who often returns.

Operation Encore produced and released the song and then went on to produce a choreographed music video, subsequently selected for 30 international film festivals. “Her Cold Hands” went on to win several awards, including Best Music Video, Best Director and Best of Fest.