| On behalf of the all the troops serving overseas, Armed Forces Entertainment acknowledged Minneapolis-based Rock/Powerpop band, Catchpenny as the first-ever Entertainer of the Year recipients. The award was given at the Sonicbids official South by Southwest party presented by Armed Forces Entertainment at Maggie Mae’s in Austin, Texas on Friday, March 20.
The Entertainer of the Year Award is the highest honor associated with touring for Armed Forces Entertainment. Catchpenny was selected based on specific criteria that evaluated their performances and interaction and support of military personnel stationed in Kuwait, Iraq, and UAE on their August 2008 tour.
Catchpenny lead singer Christian Schauf accepted the award on behalf of the six-member group. The award is a custom-crafted bronze statuette, which is fashioned after the bowing icon that represents Armed Forces Entertainment.
“We are just very grateful for the opportunity to give back in this way. Playing for the troops was an experience of a lifetime,” said Schauf. “Besides performing for great audiences, we got to ride in helicopters, drive tanks and shoot guns—it’s the coolest things we’ve ever done.”
”We are proud to give this award—as it’s a symbol of appreciation we can provide to our entertainers who have selflessly volunteered their time to support the US military,” said Chief of Armed Forces Entertainment, Air Force Colonel Edward Shock. “And Catchpenny toured their butts off playing for troops in the Middle East, bringing them a much needed break from the action. It was the smiles on the faces of these troops that played a big role in the decision to make Catchpenny the recipients of the award.”
Armed Forces Entertainment will annually recognize a touring act as Entertainer of the Year.
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Formed nearly five years ago, Catchpenny has still not signed with a record label but has realized great success by industry standards. "From Where You Are," their second release, has sold well over 20,000 copies and the group has toured the US and world playing half a dozen countries and some of the United States’ most legendary venues.
For more information on Catchpenny visit www.catchpennyband.com
Armed Forces Entertainment is the lead Department of Defense agency for providing entertainment to U.S. military personnel serving overseas, with priority given to those in contingency operations and at remote and isolated locations. The Department of the Air Force is the executive agent of Armed Forces Entertainment. Founded in 1951, Armed Forces Entertainment brings a touch of home to more than 500,000 troops annually, embracing the best of Americana that stretches across all genres of entertainment. Visit www.armedforcesentertainment.com for more information.
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