The Greatest War
THE GREATEST WAR: WORLD WAR ONE, WISCONSIN, AND WHY IT STILL MATTERS
Presenting new music inspired by the First World War, this rock 'n' roll history show will explore the conflict and the effect it has had on Wisconsinites then and now.
I (Ken Fitzsimmons) and my friends Sean Michael Dargan and John Wedge share a deep passion for the First World War. We have been moved by the stories of the mothers, fathers, sons, and daughters who experienced this immense conflict—and especially by those who lived right here in Wisconsin.
We’ve put together a truly original show to commemorate World War One.
It’s a live concert backed by a giant video screen. Much of the music is newly composed and the screen will display pictures and films of the war. We will read from letters and diaries of Wisconsinites and others who lived at the time. More than a military history, we will explore issues that still have resonance today such as America’s attitudes toward women, African-Americans, and immigrants.
But we need your help.
We are professional musicians who are used to being scrappy and getting by with tight budgets. We’ve done a lot with very little, but we feel strongly that the scale of this show matches the immensity of the event it covers. And it couldn’t be more relevant today when the very democracy that World War One was fought in the name of, feels at risk.
This show is also about remembrance, and so it will take place on November 11, 2018--100 years to the day after the Armistice that ended WWI. We want to honor not only those who served and died in the war, but everyone who had (and has ever had) the courage to do what they felt was right, no matter how scary.
Can you please give a donation?
No amount is too small. $10 is great, as is $50 or $100. And if you have the means, $500 or $1,000 can have a huge impact on this important project. Expenses include:
Film - Some WWI film is available for free from the National Archives, but most of the truly powerful, poignant, impactful film is not free. $500 gets about three significant film clips.
Tech crew - We have an amazing lighting system and a huge video display. $1,500 helps pay the tech crew to set it up and operate it.
Performers - We have nearly 20 fabulous musicians performing along with speakers and actors. $2,500 goes towards paying all the performers.
Venue - The Barrymore Theatre is the perfect venue for this show, but it is large and not inexpensive. $3,000 takes a significant dent out of the rental cost.
We are immensely grateful for any contribution you’re able to give. Thank you, and we hope to see you on November 11.
Sincerely,
Ken, John, and Sean
For the full story about the show go to: www.thegreatestwar.org
To purchase the admission ticket ($15), go here .
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An impromptu performance of "The Best That You Can." Music by Ken and words by Helen Bulovsky who grew up on Few St. in Madison, WI and served as a nurse in the war.
