On September 13, a celebrated cadre of musicians will take part in “A Tribute to 9/11” at Memorial Hall in Plymouth with all proceeds from the night to be donated to the Massachusetts Fallen Heroes of Iraq and Afghanistan Memorial fund.
On the 13th Anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, performers will come together to remember the shocking loss of innocent lives which took place in New York, Washington DC and a remote field in Pennsylvania. Along with thousands of civilians, over 343 firefighters and 75 police officers would be killed responding to the airplane strikes into the World Trade Center.
In the years that have passed since 9/11/01, hundreds of young men and woman have enlisted in our Air Force, Army, Navy, Coast Guard and Marines, deploying across the globe in defense of freedom. This night is a salute to their sacrifice and that of their families.
Local talent Pauline Wells is the driving force behind this tribute. Speaking about how this event came about, Wells explains "In November 2010, we did a Veterans Day concert at the Wilbur Theatre. It was very well attended and some of the people that run Mass Fallen Heroes attended. The next month we were invited as the guests of a Gold Star family, Steve Xiarhos of Yarmouth. His son Nick a Marine, was killed in Afghanistan. When I attended their event it was just so moving."
Wells added "We all read the paper every day and watch about the war. Very few people know just how many Massachusetts parents have had a son or daughter killed in Iraq or Afghanistan. Thousands have served and over 150 from Massachusetts have been killed. When I met these people and saw just how committed and giving they are, I was wanted to do something to help. Not just financially, but to also give awareness to the sacrifice of these American heroes."
A Cambridge Police Lieutenant, Wells has lent her voice to many charitable and civic events in the Greater Boston area. This May, she performed before an audience of 25,000 police families and survivors at the National Police Memorial Candlelight Vigil, in the US Capitol, Washington DC.
Speaking about her charitable efforts, she humbly says "We all have ways of contributing to society. For me, lending my voice has just been the path I could take to help others. I have a good job and if my singing has helped the cause of important civic efforts and charities, than I am happy. There are many wonderful people I have met and worked with."
The singer is excited about the upcoming tribute evening and said "The feedback about this concert has been great. We have a great lineup of music and some wonderful tributes."
Joining her will be the Boston Police Gaelic Column of Pipes and Drums who Pauline, shares a close affinity with. Wells had the privilege to travel with the group to New York City to perform twice at the NYPD Anniversary 9/11 concerts. She has also partnered with the local band DEVRI Irish, who have collaborated with her on many worthy causes.
Pauline is very pleased to be joined for this concert by her friend Brian “Bugsy” Moran of New York City. Brian has been musical director of the highly popular “Andy Cooney Band” for many years and Wells describes him as a "great pianist."
Also, special guests on the evening will be the legendary New York City Police Pipes and Drums. Each of these NYPD officers had a very personal role during the horrific events of that critical day and this musical collaboration will be the fifth time that both the Boston Police Gaelic Column and the NYPD band have commemorated this date together. Wells said about the groups appearance "We are all exited that they are coming. They are a very talented band."
Wells has performed with the globally recognized pipe and drum band numerous times throughout the years but one occasion in particular stands out for her more than most. In 2011, the singer was asked to join the NYPD band and perform in front of the 2,500 victim's families of 9/11 at the 10th anniversary in New York. The Milton based singer describes this performance as her "most favorite appearance ever."
The 13th anniversary tribute concert will be held at the Memorial Hall in Plymouth on September 13 and promises to be an evening of inspiration and pride. Wells believes the hall is an ideal location given the history of the town and all that it stands for, saying “When you enter this historic hall, there is a moving display honoring many sailors and soldiers of the region that have given their lives in service to America. Plymouth is the Hometown of America, so this seemed like a fitting location."
For tickets www.brownpaperticket.com (search 9/11 Tribute) or go direct to www.paulinewells.com. Concert begins at 8 p.m. All proceeds for the Massachusetts Fallen Heroes of Iraq and Afghanistan Memorial (www.massfallenheroes.org). For additional concert information: pauline@paulinewells.com
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