Celebrate the music of local favorite country rock band GOODnGONE at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 23.  The group will perform a mix of classic, red dirt and Texas country tunes at the Allen Christian Church, located in Allen Heritage Village, 450 E. St. Mary Dr.

GOODnGONE offers ballroom ballads, twanging shuffles, and a hint of rock. The group also offers its fair share of love songs, including first and eternal loves. Hailing from Collin County, Texas, they penned a song about the first legal hanging in Collin County, “The Ballad of Stephen Ballew.” 

With Jimmie Davidson on lead vocals, Tom Brandish on lead guitar, Richie Davis on drums, and Chris Bangma on bass guitar, they bring a fresh and modern edge to country music. Since forming in 2009, they have played at venues across North Texas and Oklahoma, including The House of Blues, River Ranch at the FW Stockyards, Allen Event Center and numerous city festivals.

Sponsored by the Allen Public Library, the concert is free.

Celebrate Veterans Day with Captain Allen Clark, author of Wounded Soldier, Healing Warrior, and a musical performance from the Allen Community Jazz Band.  The program will be 7:30 p.m. Monday, November 11, at the historic Allen Christian Church, 252 E. St. Mary Dr., Allen Heritage Village. 

The Allen Community Jazz Band will open the program with a medley of patriotic songs featuring Mark Woodard on Alto Sax.  Highlights of the concert will include a unique version of Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy featuring Jeannie Baxter, Shayla Smith and Diana Brooks on vocals. Professionally attorneys in Collin County, these talented ladies enjoy singing on the side.  The band will conclude with Battle Hymn of the Republic.                                                                                                                     

On the last day of his tour of duty in Viet Nam before returning to the United States, Captain Clark confronted horrific tragedy. A mortar round landed behind him, resulting in both legs needing to be amputated below the knees. Captain Clark’s recovery was long and arduous, but the emotional wounds of despair continued to grip his being. An inspiring book, Wounded Soldier, Healing Warrior chronicles his spiritually renewing journey.

A West Point graduate, Captain Clark earned the Silver Star, Purple Heart, and Combat Infantryman’s Badge for his Army Special Forces service in Vietnam. Later, he served as an assistant secretary in the Department of Veterans Affairs and subsequently as director of the National Cemetery System.

President Ronald Reagan declared, “There are a host of heroes to whom this country owes a debt it can never repay.  Allen Clark lost both his legs while serving his country in Viet Nam.  When he came home, his body was broken, but his spirit never faltered.”

Sponsored by the Allen Public Library, Allen Community Jazz Band, VFW 2195, Bernardo de Gálvez chapter DAR, the concert is free.  Call 214-509-4911 for further information.

Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it. It flies with last breath of each soldier who died protecting it. --Author unknown.  

Enjoy a Memorial Day concert with the New Horizons Band at 2:30 p.m. Friday, May 24, at the Allen Public Library, 300 N. Allen Dr.  Under the direction of Lorenzo Parker and with vocals by Billy Bonner, the audience will be treated to The Black Horse Troop March by John Philip Sousa, Grant Them Rest by Barbara Buehlman, Texas Star March by David Lovrien and many more. 

In addition, the solemn presentation of the colors will be offered by VFW Post 2195. 

This concert is sponsored by the Allen Senior Recreation Center and the Allen Public Library.   Many thanks to the Flower Cottage and Ridgeview Florists for the floral wreaths, Blue Cross Blue Shield and Quality Healthcare Choices for flower bouquets.   Allen Quilters Guild have offered “Welcoming Quilts.”   

Admission to the program is free, and the presentation will also be streamed live.  Find viewing options at Watch ACTV or view online at ACTV.org or YouTube.com/AllenCityTV.

Call 214-509-4911 for additional information.