Enjoy these Videos and images from the show
Ian Anderson and the Best of Jethro Tull Helping the Heroes. On October 5, 2015 progressive rock legend and founder of the band Jethro Tull, Ian Anderson donated his time and talents in a concert at The National Theater in Richmond, Virginia to honor active duty, military, first responders, and raise funds for programs to help them and their families. The show opened with a guest performance by the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) Commanders under the direction of Colonel John Brodie.
Over the past two years Mr. Anderson hosted a number of wounded veterans, police, and fire fighters during his U.S. Tours as he helps raise awareness of the IED issue and the needs of veterans and first responders globally.
In coordination with the Richmond, Virginia Chief of Police, Fire Chief, Blinded Veterans Association and other program partners, honored police, fire and veteran heroes were hosted as pre-show “meet and greet” with Ian Anderson.
Before and during the show, guests had the opportunity to experience art created by veterans using art therapy to recover from visible and invisible wounds of war. This moving experience provided guests profound insight into and an appreciation of our military and their experiences defending our country under the most arduous conditions. The art was (and is) for sale, with the proceeds going to help these brave men and women as they recover from the experiences of war.
Major sponsors and special guests mingle and enjoy a light pre-show fare at a special VIP reception inside the National Theater catered by a local Richmond restaurant with access to the VIP bar during the show. Marriott International provided special accommodations for our honored heroes and discount rates for concert attendees.
The show opened with a guest performance by the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) Commanders under the direction of Colonel John Brodie. The VMI “Commanders” were first formed in 1917, and since then they have provided music for dances and social events at VMI and throughout Virginia.. Most recently the band has played in Paris, France [March 2006], at the U.S. Ambassador’s residence and at the Ecole Polytechnique.
The concert and related events include other dignitaries from Virginia and beyond including Commonwealth of Virginia Lieutenant Governor Ralph Northam. The Governor of Virginia recognized Helping the Heroes with a formal Certificate of Recognition.
If you are interested in supporting the next Helping the Heroes concert, please donate online. If you would like to host our next event at a location of contribute with good and services, please contact us.
Platinum Level Sponsors
Luck Companies Foundation (Richmond, Virginia) – Cash Donation
The Luck Family and the Luck Family of companies has a long history of supporting local communities. Members of the Luck family spanning several generations are proud alumni of the Virginia Military Institute.
NewMarket Group (Richmond, Virginia) – Cash Donation
The NewMarket Group is recognized worldwide as the well-balanced holding company for some of the most respected and successful companies within the petroleum additives industry. Members of the Luck family spanning several generations are proud alumni of the Virginia Military Institute.
Gold Level Sponsors
Silver Level (+) Sponsors
The following Sponsors donated above the silver level threshold to support our heroes
Individual Sponsors
GEN (Ret.) Stanley McChrystal – In-Kind Donation
GEN McChrystal is a combat veteran, Army Ranger, and former commander of the 75th Ranger Regiment and Commander, International Security Assistance Force (ISAF)
Event Support Sponsors
Media Sponsors
Public-Private Partners