Encore Center for Performing Arts (ECPA) welcomed veterans, community leaders, supporters, and nationally recognized Nashville songwriters to Elmhurst on May 28 for An Intimate Evening with Freedom Sings USA, a powerful event that transformed veterans' personal stories into original songs performed live before a packed audience.
Produced by ECPA and featuring Freedom Sings USA, the event paired local veterans with professional songwriters for a unique songwriting experience designed to foster connection, reflection, and healing through music. Throughout the day, veterans shared personal stories of military service, resilience, sacrifice, and life beyond the uniform. By evening, those stories had been transformed into original songs and performed live for family members, friends, and community supporters.
The event featured award-winning and Grammy-nominated Nashville songwriters Steve Dean, Bill DiLuigi, Bobby Tomberlin, Bill Whyte, and Wil Nance, who worked one-on-one with participating veterans to create deeply personal musical tributes.
"Bringing Freedom Sings USA to Elmhurst reflects our mission to use the arts to connect, inspire, and uplift our community," said Laura Michaud, founding board member of Encore Center for Performing Arts. "The courage of the veterans who shared their stories and the extraordinary talent and compassion of the songwriters created an unforgettable experience for everyone in attendance."
Among the evening's memorable moments, Emily Wolfe opened the evening with a moving rendition of the National Anthem. Veteran and VFW Post 3873 Commander Staci Boyer joined Freedom Sings USA founder Steve Dean to perform an original song reflecting on how military service strengthened her resilience. Veteran Marcus Simonetti was honored through an original song performed by songwriter Bobby Tomberlin that reflected on his military service and the importance of teamwork.
The veterans themselves spoke to the impact of the evening.
Christine Seagrave, a Desert Storm Army veteran, recounted, "Knowing that supporters of the arts would put together such an event touched me deeply. I will never forget the experience. It was truly healing. I can't thank ECPA enough for this opportunity."
Staci Boyer, a Navy Hospital Corpsman and Persian Gulf War veteran, said it best. "Today for me, was a very healing moment. I have struggled with what this song provided. This experience was unbelievable as it allowed me to feel and I needed to. This ECPA project is remarkable in how it connects with men, women, different ages, different situations, where we're all trying to heal."
The event also highlighted broad community participation. Elmhurst Mayor Scott Levin attended the evening alongside local residents, veterans, and civic leaders. Members of local Boy Scout troops escorted veterans into the event and led attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance.
"Programs like Freedom Sings USA demonstrate the power of the arts to bring people together and create meaningful opportunities for understanding and connection," said Mark George, President of Encore Center for Performing Arts. "We were honored to provide a space where veterans could share their experiences and where our community could listen, learn, and bear witness to their stories."
Freedom Sings USA is a national nonprofit organization that pairs veterans with professional songwriters to help them share their experiences through music. Since its founding, the program has helped veterans write more than 600 original songs. The program continues to demonstrate how storytelling and creative expression can foster healing, connection, and mental wellness.
Encore Center for Performing Arts remains committed to presenting innovative arts programming that enriches the community through music, theater, storytelling, and cultural experiences.
Encore Center for Performing Arts gratefully acknowledges the support of Explore Elmhurst, a community initiative dedicated to promoting local events and cultural experiences in Elmhurst.
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About Encore Center for the Performing Arts
The Encore Center for Performing Arts is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization actively fundraising to build a state-of-the-art venue for live music, theater, dance, comedy, and events to serve the western suburbs. Once built, Encore is projected to generate $8.2 million in annual economic impact for the community. ECPA will be a vibrant cultural hub, bringing the energy and vibe of a city arts scene to the heart of the suburbs.
Visit www.encorepresents.org to learn more on how to get involved.
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