Photo By Sgt. Robert Reeves | Jen Goncalves left, the lead singer of Hip Kitty, sings to the crowd during the band's...... read more read more
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By Cpl. Robert J. Reeves
CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan - Servicemembers came together to be rocked and share in morale boosting music by an alternative rock ‘n’ roll band from Nashville, Tenn., Hip Kitty, at the town hall aboard Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, Jan. 1.
Hip Kitty played classic songs from entertainers such as Bush, Nirvana, Joan Jett along with a few originals. They said they were honored to play for the troops.
“We all have friends and family out here, somewhere,” said Jen Goncalves, the band’s lead singer. “We just really love playing our music, and we stand behind (the military). It’s really the least we can do. We really like seeing what you guys do.”
The band kicked off the concert with “Rock and Roll All Night,” by Kiss and “Machinehead,” by Bush causing everyone in attendance to start bobbing their heads and tapping their feet by the end of the second song.
The deployed servicemembers enjoyed the New Year’s Day entertainment.
“(They were) amazing and outstanding. I don’t normally say this much, but it actually touched me in a way,” said Lance Cpl. Jose Esparza, a flight equipment specialist with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361, and a native Nacogdches, Texas. “I love their song ‘Hero.’ It shows that people really do care about us.”
“This is the first time I’ve heard them, and I’m quite surprised. They were really good,” said Lance Cpl. Jason Estes, flight equipment specialist, HMH-361, and a native of Maumee, Ohio. “Personally, I listen across the spectrum to all sorts of music, but I prefer this kind of music with a good female lead who can actually sing well.”
In addition to being dedicated to their music, the band is also devoted to working with the military and their families. Hip Kitty works with Cell Phones for Soldiers, an organization that recycles cellular phones to provide calling cards for deployed troops.
”We’ve collected a lot of phones,” said Goncalves. “It works out well that we do this because we take the calling cards we get from the recycled cell phones and can pass them out when we are over here. We also have deals at our shows where we hook up our fans with backstage passes and autographed pictures when you bring a phone to recycle.”
The concert, which was sponsored by Armed Forces Entertainment, was a welcome break for Camp Leatherneck servicemembers. For Esparza, it was the first time hearing his new favorite band.
“As a solo or as a headliner, I would be in line waiting to get in the door,” Esparza said. “I can’t wait to see them live back in the states.”
| Date Taken: | 01.01.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 01.03.2013 07:12 |
| Story ID: | 99870 |
| Location: | HELMAND PROVINCE, AF |
| Web Views: | 447 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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