An USO veteran at VivaVino
The “Jungle Vine” column by Robert Lorimor
If you get a chance when you are at VivaVino’s Italian Restaurant over on Sukhumvit 22, Park Avenue@22 Hotel, have Freddy, the guitar player, come over to your table during his break and ask him about his USO (United Service Organizations) days during the Vietnam war. He has mostly fond memories of the experience despite the awful war going on around him.
He remembers when in 1962 he arrive in Vietnam fresh from the Philippines. A friend had tipped him about how he could make money as a musician. Beginning as a drummer, then later as a bass player, he performed along with American stars like Sunny James and Marty Robbins. They would load their show into the helicopters to visit the US troops through out Vietnam. At times it was dangerous work and he was so worried when their helicopters would fly so low over the jungle.
The Jungle Vine
- Robin Hood, Sukhumvit Soi 33/1 and O’reilly’s, Silom Rd., are looking for more bands for their venues. Tell them Bangkok Jungle sent you.
- According this story on the MCOT NEWS website, The Ministry of Justice and the Department of Corrections have received an award for creating the world’s largest choir made up of prison inmates.
- This year’s Miss Universe Beauty Pageant is being held in IMPACT Arena. Show dates are 25-31 May.
- It’s coming. The World Blues Festival featuring Coco York set for May 11-14 at Tokyo Joe’s Blues Bar on Sukhumvit Soi 24.
- Keyboard artist/vocalist Seri Gee is available for gigs in Bangkok. See the classified ad section for more details.
- Got some news? Just contact us and let us know.