This past Independence Day The Source Magazine teamed up with Lerer Media and Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Marketing to honor US troops by putting on a free show at Brooklyn’s own Fort Hamilton Army Base, which featured performances from Atlantic Records recording artist B.O.B. and Grammy Award winning R&B singer Monica. Television host Wendy Williams made a special appearance to announce one of the evening’s headlining artist, as well as to honor military veterans and retirees.
B.O.B. came out and performed hits from his latest album “The Adventures of Bobby Ray”, which included songs Nothin On You, and Airplanes. Prior to hitting the stage B.O.B mentioned that although he has performed in New York City, it was his first time performing in Brooklyn. Later that evening B.O.B. also performed at another event in Brooklyn at the Brooklyn Music Festival at The Aviator Sports Complex.
When asked what was special to her about performing for the troops singer Monica, stated, “Part of being here today was just to bring some love and happiness into their lives.Our country is still fighting every single day,and us at home we don’t think about it as much as there family’s do when there here on the base and their watching them come and go everyday. So for me I just wanted to come bring some fun, some laughter and not to even have to think about the reality of the state of the world,because they face that for us each and everyday. These are courageous people and I’m just here to make sure they have a good time.” As for the personal message that she wanted to send out to the troops on Independence Day Monica said,“I would like to tell them to stay encouraged,know that God is able and they’re fighting for a country that loves and believes in them no matter what they read or hear.”
Monica closed out the evening’s performance by performing hits from each of her albums beginning with her first single 1995’s “Don’t Take It Personal(Just One of Them Days)” ending with her hit single from her latest album “Everything To Me, giving fans a preview of what to expect when she heads out on tour with Trey Songz next month for their Passion, Pain and Pleasure Tour.
Prior to the performances, soldiers and their families were treated to a free barbecue as well as had the opportunity to meet and take pictures with B.O.B. and Monica and guest host Wendy Williams. This was the second year that The Source Magazine, Lerer Media and Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Marketing teamed up to put on a holiday show for the troops.
