Join us at Grove Park on Saturday, September 23, at 7:00 p.m. to hear the debut of Sons of Heroes. Sons of Heroes is a lively acoustic duo composed of two childhood friends, Paul Moore and James Collier. Although this is the Sons of Heroes’ first performance under this moniker, they have extensive musical experience. The free concert, sponsored by Hot Springs Village Parks and Recreation, is the next to the last for the 2023 Rock Porch season.
Twenty-plus-year former Hot Springs Village Tech employee Paul and fellow musician James have known each other all their lives because their now-deceased fathers served on the Hot Springs Police Department together and were also lifelong friends. Paul said, “James and I always had a brotherhood connection and played music together.”
The two fathers kindled the musical passion of their sons, laying the foundation for the music they love to play. Eventually, Paul’s father went on to serve and retire from the Hot Springs Village Police Department, while James’ father finished his law enforcement career with Hot Springs.
Paul and his brother Adam grew up strumming guitars while father Henry (Hank for short) sang. Their band, called Tribe of Five, also featured Walter Schwartz playing bass and now deceased Shane Graves on drums. Walter began his musical career with the Tribe at the age of 17. Tribe of Five was a long-lasting group of twenty-five years.
Paul said he and James have enjoyed playing with other bands, also. Currently, Paul is the lead guitarist with Colt and the Old 45s.
The Sons of Heroes September 23 performance is a tribute to the music and values their fathers raised them on. Paul said, “Our fathers are heroes in our eyes – not just professionally, but personally as the type of fathers and human beings they were to the very end.”
Paul said, “It is not just our fathers that deserve appreciation, but our families, also.”
At Grove Park on Saturday, September 23, expect to hear the music the two Sons of Heroes band members grew up with. James will play lead guitar and sing backup, while Paul will be the lead singer and play guitar. Paul said in addition to the tribute to their fathers, the main goal for Saturday is that everyone come and relax and have a good time. “We do not take ourselves too seriously,” shared Paul.
Saturday’s music will be an eclectic mix, heavily based on ’60s and ’70s acoustic music. The duet plans on doing an acoustic version of “Benny and the Jets.” Paul said, “You will know all the songs.”
“At the end of the performance, I want everyone to feel good and happy that they came,” enthused Paul.
Grove Park is located at 1105 DeSoto Boulevard. Bring your friends, coolers, and lawn chairs, and prepare to enjoy the evening listening to a fantastic performance by Sons of Heroes. A food truck will be on-site, and a dance platform will be set up if the weather permits.
By Cheryl Dowden; photography provided by Paul Moore
