Gary Sinise Brings Lt. Dan Band To Collins Center With The BSO

Award-winning Forrest Gump actor/veterans advocate Gary Sinise is bringing his 'Lt. Dan Band' to the Collins Center in Orono this November, just days before the Veterans Day holiday, for what's being called a "one-of-a-kind concert event and book launch."

Aside from his work in Hollywood, Sinise has spent decades championing causes to support those who serve, even starting his own Gary Sinise Foundation about 15 years ago.

"You may know me as an actor, but my life’s work has been to honor and support our nation's veterans, first responders, wounded heroes, families of the fallen, and those enduring invisible wounds. I launched the Gary Sinise Foundation to expand that mission."

Sinise added the title of best-selling author to his list of accomplishments in 2019 when he published his memoir, Grateful American: A Journey from Self to Service.

Now he's written another book, this one about his son, Mac, called Graceful Warrior: The True Story of a Son, a Father, and a Family Who Carried Each Other Through.

"Mac was one of our own – an integral part and continued inspiration to the Gary Sinise Foundation. This book is the journey their family walked together through love, faith, courage, grace… and grief. It is a story that will resonate with anyone who has experienced loss, and a reminder that hope endures, even in the darkest storms."

Graceful Warrior is expected to launch November 10th of this year, the day before Veterans Day.

To celebrate the book and his work with our nation's heroes, Sinise has teamed up with the Bangor Symphony Orchestra and will perform a pair of Veterans Day Special concerts at the Collins Center for the Arts. While there will be lots of music you recognize, this concert will also feature new music created to honor Sinise's son, Mac.

"Inspired by his late son Mac's music, most of which was discovered shortly after Mac's passing at a young age from a rare spinal cancer on January 5, 2024, Gary has curated this concert to honor the power of music and healing. The concert features the Bangor Symphony Orchestra in the first half, including Gary Sinise narrating Aaron Copland's 'Lincoln Portrait', and Gary Sinise & The Lt. Dan Band in the second half, with Mac's music transcribed by Oliver Schnee, a musical composer and old college friend of Mac's who is also helping bring Mac's music to life. There will be personal stories, powerful music, and accompanying video elements. "

The performances will take place Saturday, November 7th at 7 PM and Sunday, November 8th at 1 PM.

There will also be a book launch accompanying these concerts. The Graceful Warrior book will be available for sale at the Orono events.

Tickets for this event will be available for sale starting August 6th through the Collins Center Box Office. For Bangor Symphony season ticket holders, this will be an add-on to the subscription package.

Veterans, active military members, and first responders can get two tickets for free by calling the box office at (207) 581-2787.