| Friends since their high school days in Northern Virginia, the members of Virginia Coalition have played music together for years, and will play for troops during a lengthy tour with Armed Forces Entertainment. From January 25 to February 20, Virginia Coalition will entertain service members in Germany, the United Kingdom, Belgium, the Netherlands, Italy, Egypt and Turkey.
The threesome includes lead singer Andy Poliakoff (lead vocals/guitar), Paul Ottinger (keybord/guitar/vocals/percussion), and Jarrett Nicolay (bass/guitar/vocals). After they graduated from high school, the friends kept in touch and continued to come together to play during holidays and vacations, making Virginia Coalition a fitting name.
“The concept behind what we do is that we all really respect each other and like to play really positive music,” says Poliakoff. “When I get up on stage, I don’t like to troll over negative subjects; it’s all about love and good things in life.”
More than a fuzzy sentiment, Poliakoff’s point of view is also reflected in Virginia Coalition’s identity, personified in their stage performances and vocalized in their music. The band’s familiar blend of uncomplicated pop rock has made them an ideal complement to some famous names they’ve opened for, including Dave Matthews Band, Counting Crows, and most recently O.A.R. Virginia Coalition’s latest album, Home This Year, will especially resonate with troops who are missing home. Being away from friends and family is notion that’s instantly identifiable, and Poliakoff believes that singing about something sad can make it better.
Transcending misfortune through music is something Poliakoff learned to do from a young age. His mother passed away after a long battle with cancer when he was 14. “That tragedy set me on a path of being thoughtful,” he says. “I was lucky enough to pick up a guitar and start writing music and be creative in a way that was positive.”
Now, the band wants to spread some of those good vibes and make a difference to some troops. As they hail from the shadow of the nation’s capital, military presence isn’t new to Virginia Coalition, making a tour with Armed Forces Entertainment an exciting prospect for the band.
“Sitting here in Virginia, we’re not really thinking about the fact that there are American service people working in other places besides Iraq or Afghanistan,” says Poliakoff. “What we do is nothing compared to what the troops do, and we’re really looking forward to bringing a little bit of American music and a little bit of home on this tour.”
“Virginia Coalition is set to go on a fairly long tour, and we know they’ve got it in them to bring a fresh and entertaining show at every stop,” says Navy Lt. Jarod Trujillo, Armed Forces Entertainment circuit manager for Europe and the Mediterranean. “They project a fun, laid back and comfortable attitude that our audiences will enjoy.”
"What’s wrong with a good time?” asks Poliakoff. “We just hope our audiences are able to forget their troubles for a while.”
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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.
To learn more about Virginia Coalition visit www.virginiacoalition.com.
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