Frog Alley Retreat & Performance

Operation Song®, along with Dominic & Nina Lemorta, and Frog Alley Brewing, conducted its first retreat/show in Schenectady, New York. The First day was a standard retreat held with three veterans, and one first responder — Jason Sabat (Active-Duty Soldier), Paul Brannigan (retired Police Officer, 31 years), Jack Clark (Veteran & Gold Star Father, Dave Wallingford (Vietnam Veteran). We met at Frog Alley, paired up the participants with songwriters — Skip Black, Keesy Timmer, Tom McElvain and Pete Sallis — and wrote four amazing songs.

Our performance was held on day two. Songs created and performed included “Earn It” (Jason/Skip), “If It Wasn’t For You” (Paul/Keesy), “It Won’t Rain Today” (Jack/Tom) and “Things I Don’t Speak Of” (Dave/Pete). Our Co-host, Frog Alley Brewing, donated the venue space, managed ticket sales, and served as exceptional hosts for the evening. There were more than 150 in attendance, including family and friends of our participants. Stories were told, songs were sung, and many tissues later, the night ended a roaring success, followed by a performance from local 80’s rock band Aquanet!

Our Local coordinator, Dominic Lemorta and his wife Nina, were phenomenal hosts who spoiled us at every turn. We are truly grateful for their support and love for Operation Song®, and we’re already planning next year’s show.