Gary Weinlein, the lead musician and director of the Vietnam tribute band, Groovin, spent the night practicing for one of their first gigs in a while.

“After eight or nine months, we haven’t been together at all, so this is a real treat,” said Weinlein.

Gary wanted to make sure the show went off without a hitch. All for one important reason: Supporting U.S. troops.

The band works in partnership with Blue Star Mothers of America Capital Region Chapter president Donna Vickery. Vickery makes care packages containing toiletries and other necessities to send to local troops who are overseas. Proceeds from Friday night's ticket sales helped with postage to get the what she calls “Freedom Boxes” shipped to them.

“As everybody knows, COVID has stopped everything. All our events were canceled so we couldn’t get donations. And this event may be the turning point for the Blue Star moms, and our mission to never forget our troops and make sure they get our packages,” said Vickery.

And it’s also why the band's entire line-up is nostalgic of the Vietnam era.

“It was so much a part of my life with the Vietnam War. The music had so much energy and messaging,” said Weinlein.

The band dresses in complete character, so that night, audiences got a taste of John Fogerty, John Lennon, Eric Burdon, and of course, Jim Morrison, aka Gary Weinlein.

The Blue Star Mothers of America Capital Region are still taking donations. You can vist www.capitalregion2bsm.org.

If you’d like to book Gary Weilein and his band, visit www.groovin-amusicaljourney.com.