“Chances are, you’ll stand up & cheer for a song like “Brave American Girl” because that’s what nationalism/patriotism tends to instill in the proud people of its country.” - Jer
Music
About the Song
Grammy-balloted, Lady Lake Recording Artist Unveils New Patriotic Song/Video to benefit local charity, Villagers for Veterans.
On the heels of the success of her widely-acclaimed, 21st studio album, “Portraits in Song,” independent country music star and Lady Lake resident Luanne Hunt announces the release of her new patriotic song/video, “Brave American Girl.”
Hunt was commissioned to write the tune by The Villages resident Marie Bogdonoff, who is the founder of the 501(c)3 Villagers for Veterans organization.
According to Bogdonoff, she has always wished for a song to be written that honors women veterans, who she says often go unrecognized and unappreciated for their service.
Hunt, a resident of Lady Lake, delivered exactly what she was looking for.
“I am very excited about Luanne’s new song and the impact it will potentially have on bringing more awareness to the plight of women veterans,” said Bogdonoff. “No one realizes what these ladies go through during their time in the service and long afterwards.”
The “Brave American Girl” video, which was filmed and directed by Michael Bogdonoff, is set to premier in Hunt’s original musical production in late August. The show is titled “For the Love of Country” and along with Hunt, it will feature a star-studded lineup of local talent.
The event will take place at 6 p.m., August 30 at North Lake Presbyterian Church, 975 Rolling Acres Road in Lady Lake. Tickets are $20 for the general public and $10 for veterans with ID.
Hunt, who recently moved from Las Vegas, NV to Central Florida, will perform a selection of her chart-topping, critically-acclaimed and award-winning songs in “For the Love of Country. The show also will feature several patriotic numbers performed by The Villages popular swing band, The Ambassadors, led by Bobby Jones. There also will be a guest appearance by Ocala singer/songwriter Scott Jackson, the 2020 winner of the Will McLean songwriting competition.
In addition, award-winning Elvis Presley tribute artist Ted Torres will entertain the audience with “American Trilogy” backed by The Ambassadors band. In 2021, Torres starred in the Tony Award-winning musical, “Million Dollar Quartet''. In 2016, he was crowned champion of the long-running “Images of the King” competition held annually in Memphis, TN.
“Ted has been supporting our veterans for years,” said Bogdonoff. “To find someone so talented, who has such a unique way of giving back, is nothing less than amazing.”
Beyond writing and producing countless live productions over her nearly three-decade career, Hunt has released 21 studio albums. The three-time, Grammy-balloted singer/songwriter also has scored 19 No. 1 hits and is the recipient of Six American Songwriting Awards, three CD of the Year awards from the National Traditional Country Music Association and three World Songwriting Awards. She also is a three-time Jose Music Awards nominee and was inducted into the Independent Superstars Hall of Fame in 2016.
Bogdonoff founded the 501(c)(3) Villagers for Veterans for the sole purpose of helping severely wounded veterans transition into civilian life with as much support as possible. She said her organization is vital, as veterans often struggle to secure financial help through established sources and governmental agencies.
“I feel so blessed to travel down this road, to serve our heroes and help them regain their independence,” said Bogdonoff. “It’s a small way of thanking them for their service and their sacrifice”
For more information or to purchase tickets for “For the Love of Country,” visit www.villagersforveterans.org. Visit Hunt at www.luannehunt.com