Last night I had the honor of singing the "National Anthem" at the Northwestern VS Arkansas State men's basketball game in Evanston, Illinois, and I had the time of my life.

As I drove into the gates of Welsh-Ryan Area I was greeted by a gate-guard who asked for $10.00 in parking fee's. As I reached for my money, he asked why I was there so early (I was the only car in the parking lot at 5:45 PM.) I explained that I was singing the "National Anthem" for the game and was asked to report early; he waved me in and I saved $10.00!

I was escorted to, and greeted by Beth Cunningham (what a professional) at the scorers table, and I swear, she made me feel important. All I really wanted to know was where to stand and what microphone was I suppose to sing into. Beth and her staff made me feel like Bob Hope himself, was singing at their game. I was seated right behind the scorers table after I was briefed. I watched both teams warm up. That in itself was a thrill. It seemed every player on both teams could slam-dunk the basketball. Hell, I was at a Big Ten basketball game.

After a few minutes the Army Color Guard reported to Beth. After Beth explained to them where they were to enter and exit from, I introduced myself. I found that all four members of the color guard had served in either Iraq or Afghanistan, and better yet, I learned that I had entertained the soldier who was to carry the American-flag, at Camp Anaconda in Iraq in 2004.

At exactly 7:00 PM the buzzer sounded and the announcer introduced the Army Color Guard; the crowd respectfully fell silent as they marched into the arena ... then I was introduced as a "Chicago native who entertained the troops in Iraq and around the world." As I walked out to center court, the crowd, who was already standing, began to cheer. I thought to myself, how nice they were, ... they didn't have to cheer, ... I really know they wanted the game to start as soon as possible.

As the applause died down, I began to sing. Although there was a huge flag hanging above center court, I sang to the flag being held by the Army Color Guard. I didn't try anything fancy, I just tried to keep myself in key.

"The Star Spangle Banner," is not the easiest song to sing, especially without my band-mates behind me or a musical accompaniment. The music reaches inside 3 octaves, but the song is so important in our history. (see below) 

As I was singing, I found myself looking at the four brave soldiers standing in front of me; trying to imagine what they have done and seen. At the end of the song, the crowd cheered and I looked at the Color Guard and yelled into the microphone, "ARMY STRONG!" - which brought a smile to all four faces. As I handed the microphone back to Beth and walked off the court, the Arkansas State head-coach shook my hand; ... Damn, I was about to cheer against him!!!!

GAME TIME - Although the Northwestern Wildcats started out the game losing 11- 1, ... they rallied to tie the game. With one-second left on the clock in the first half, Baran sunk a three-point shot. The NU Wildcats took the lead with their first possession of the second half and never looked back. In fact they set a NU Wildcats record by hitting 15-THREE POINT SHOTS during the game.

"Thank you," to everyone who was listening to the game on WGN-radio last night and called or sent emails.

Thanks to all the NU fans for coming up to me and the Color Guard after the "National Anthem;" thanking them for their service to America, and complimenting me, ... Ohhhh, and the cutest, nicest troops of Boy and Girl Scouts were also guests of NU. Some of them came up to me while they filed back and forth to the concession stand (like I used to do when I was a Boy Scout) saying things like, "Nice singing mister!" so I slapped them all a high-five!

A special thanks goes to the Chicago Army Office of Public Affairs for recommending me. Col. Amberg, Chris Gray, Master Sgt. "Mac" and Brandi Schiff (you little doll!), I love you guys, ... and again to Beth Cunningham and her staff at Northwestern University for remembering our great troops.

Northwestern University, you rock!

Everything you ever wanted to know about the Star Spangled Banner:

Click here: Star Spangled Banner