Kathy Shayna Shocket has the inside scoop on the stories that make headlines.
Kathy's behind the scenes notes on Jordin Sparks at the Prescott tribute concert and surprise appearance of Jon Voight.
Despite the 20 minute, strong monsoon rains that interrupted the tribute concert in honor of the 19 fallen firefighters and residents who lost their homes in the Yarnell Fire; the thousands of concert goers took it in stride.
Yes, many people got drenched, but the attendance of 10,000, stayed STRONG. This was the Prescott Strong concert!
The event at Whiskey Row in Prescott, was also STRONG with star power. Jordin Sparks, donning a T-shirt with the number 19, and the fallen firefighters’ names, belted out an emotionally charged performance of Amazing Grace and the National Anthem.
The enormous crowd stood with their hands over their hearts in silence. The award-winning singer who frequently tops the charts from Phoenix said it was a very rewarding and emotional day for her.
Movie star Jon Voight made a surprise appearance. The veteran actor who is currently starring alongside Liev Schreiber and Elliot Gould in Showtime’s "Ray Donovan", received a thundering of applause in response to his heartfelt passion for helping those effected by the Yarnell Fire.
(Jon Voight poses with concert-goers.)
Jon flew into Phoenix from Los Angeles very early in the morning, (was driven to Prescott) and stayed for the entire event from about 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. He mingled with the crowd, and was then driven back to Phoenix to catch his flight back to Los Angeles. The concert line up also included Chino Valley resident Drew Ryniewicz (X-factor) and the bands, Mogollon, Canyon Walls, Jared & the Mill, Crown Kings and the Cheektones.
(Matt Brussard, Charlie Arnold, Davie Michelson and Sanford Cohen)
The event was free, but a donation of $5 per person was suggested. However, many people handed over hundred dollar bills and more to the tellers of the secured bank trailer on site.With only two weeks to pull it all together, the architects of this event (Charlie Arnold of the Prescott City Council, Dave Michelson, owner of Prescott Restaurant and Saloon and Matt Brussard of Matt’s Saloon) and the community came together to raise an estimated $300,000.
Kathy Shayna Shocket is a freelance Writer, Photographer and TV -Field Producer based in Phoenix, AZ. She's a former TV Reporter who's written for publications such as TIME Magazine, Money Magazine, PEOPLE Magazine, The Hollywood Reporter and The NEW YORK TIMES. You can reach her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
