Patriot Fest 2017: Tribute to those serving America
By Robb Lingley, 21st Space Wing
/ Published September 13, 2017
PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Linkin Bridge, Thompson Square, and 3 Doors Down performed at Patriot Fest 2017 on Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado, Sept. 9. Patriot Fest is a celebration and tribute to all those, military and civilian, who live their lives in service to America.
The sunny and warm afternoon allowed for a festival village with bubbles, bounce houses, kayaking, magic shows, pony rides, mechanical bull, a maze, water gun fights and food trucks.
The opening act, Linkin Bridge, appeared on Season 11 of America’s Got Talent and advanced to the Judge’s Cuts before being eliminated in 2016.
Thompson Square, a country music duo composed of husband and wife Keifer and Shawna Thompson, have released two albums with six top ten music chart singles of which two have reached number one.
“Both of our dads were in the military and we’ve been touring bases for years,” said Keifer Thompson, Thompson Square front man. “Base concerts are something we’ve always wanted to do.”
“It’s our way of serving people who serve us,” said Thompson.
Gen. Jay Raymond, Commander of Air Force Space Command, made a guest appearance with Thompson Square playing drums on their hit song “Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not.”
The crowd braved a short rainstorm to watch 3 Doors Down, a rock band from Escatawpa, Mississippi. Formed in 1996 the band rose to international fame with their first single, Kryptonite, which charted in the top three on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart.
“We’ve been doing military concerts since 2000.” said Chris Henderson, 3 Doors Down rhythm guitarist. “I can trace my family back to being involved in every military conflict ever.”
“It’s nice to be able to do something for the Department of Defense and their families,” said Henderson. “Most servicemen have to be away from home and go live other places to work and a lot of times they have to uproot their families to do it so it’s cool to come out and spend some time with them.”
Approximately 7,500 service members and their families from Peterson AFB, U.S. Air Force Academy, Schriever AFB, and Fort Carson attended Patriot Fest 2017.