Gary Sinise - IMDb IMDb Actor | Producer | Director Gary Alan Sinise was born in Blue Island, Illinois, to Mylles S. (Alsip) and Robert L. Sinise , A.C.E., a film editor. He is of Italian (from his paternal grandfather), English, Scottish, Irish, French, German, and Swedish ancestry. His family moved to Highland Park, where he attended high school. He was something of a rebel, playing in bands but ... See full bio » Born: 1000+ images about Gary Sinise on Pinterest | Patriots, Medical center and Tom hanks Forward Gary Sinise - This is a picture of him whit a soldier - Gary performs for soldiers - sailors - airman all over the world - Every time he visits a military base - somebody refers to him as Lt. Dan - from Forest Gump - He has a band and it's called the Lt Dan Band - he does USO tours when he isn't filming - he has an amazing talent See More Actor Gary Sinise Interview | Larry King Now | Ora TV - YouTube Actor Gary Sinise Interview | Larry King Now | Ora TV Want to watch this again later? Sign in to add this video to a playlist.

Need to report the video? Sign in to report inappropriate content. The interactive transcript could not be loaded. Loading... Rating is available when the video has been rented. This feature is not available right now. Please try again later. Published on Feb 4, 2013 Larry King interviews Gary Sinise. Actor & CSI: NY star Sinise discusses playing Lieutenant Dan in movie "Forrest Gump," his work with military vets, gun control, & when CSI: New York might come to an end. Watch this full episode of "Larry King Now" on Ora TV & Hulu: Gary Sinise is an American actor, film director, & musician. In 1992, Sinise directed & played role of George Milton in successful film adaptation of "Of Mice And Men." He was nominated for Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in 1994 for role as Lt. Dan Taylor in movie "Forrest Gump." Sinise won a Golden Globe Award for role in film "Truman" as Harry S. Truman.

In 1996, he played corrupt police officer Detective Jimmy Shaker in film "Ransom." In 1998, Sinise won an Emmy Award for portrayal of late George C. Wallace in television film "George Wallace." Since 2004, Sinise has starred in CBS's crime drama TV series "CSI: NY" as character Detective Mac Taylor. __________ Gary Sinise - Biography - IMDb Gary Sinise Biography Showing all 51 items Jump to: Overview (3) | Mini Bio (1) | Spouse (1) | Trivia (41) | Personal Quotes (4) | Salary (1) Overview (3) 5' 9" (1.75 m) Mini Bio (1) Gary Alan Sinise was born in Blue Island, Illinois, to Mylles S. (Alsip) and Robert L. Sinise , A.C.E., a film editor. He is of Italian (from his paternal grandfather), English, Scottish, Irish, French, German, and Swedish ancestry. His family moved to Highland Park, where he attended high school. He was something of a rebel, playing in bands but paying little attention to school.

Gary and some friends tried out for "West Side Story" as a lark, but Gary was hooked on acting for life by closing night. Gary credits his love for theatre to his drama teacher, Barbara Patterson. In 1974, Gary, Terry Kinney , and Jeff Perry founded the Steppenwolf Theatre Company in Chicago. Initially performing in a church basement, the company grew and gained stature in the Chicago area. In addition to acting in many plays, Gary also directed some of Steppenwolf's most notable productions, including Sam Shepard 's "True West". The company made its off-Broadway debut with that production, starring Gary and John Malkovich , and its Broadway debut with "The Grapes of Wrath" at the Cort Theatre in 1990. Gary's Hollywood career also started in the director's chair with two episodes of the stylish TV series Crime Story (1986), followed in 1988 by the feature Miles from Home (1988) starring Richard Gere . Gary's first feature film as an actor was the World War II fable A Midnight Clear (1992) in 1992.

That year also found Gary combining his acting and directing talents with the critically acclaimed Of Mice and Men (1992). His first real notice by the public came in 1994, however. He starred in the blockbuster miniseries The Stand (1994), rapidly followed by his bravura performance as "Lt. Dan" in Forrest Gump (1994). His portrayal of the disabled, emotionally tortured veteran earned Gary numerous awards and an Oscar nomination. Busy 1994 was followed by busy 1995, first reuniting with Tom Hanks in Apollo 13 (1995) and then starring in the HBO film Truman (1995) which earned him the Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild Awards and an Emmy nomination. - IMDb Mini Biography By: Lynn <lynnishmail-misc@yahoo.com> Spouse (1) (1981 - present) (3 children) Trivia (41) His Steppenwolf theater company, started by high-school grads in a Catholic-school basement, is now an institution housed in an $8 million theater.

Nominated for a Tony Award for directing a new version of Sam Shepard 's "Buried Child". [1996] Gary appeared on screen with his spouse, Moira Sinise , in Crime Story (1986), portraying a married couple. Moira had a small role in Miles from Home (1988), the first feature Gary directed, but Moira's role was left on the cutting-room floor. Moira appeared as the "Girl in the Red Dress" in Of Mice and Men (1992). Father of Sophie Sinise , McCanna Anthony Sinise and Ella Sinise with Moira Sinise . Won an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a mini-series or dramatic special for portraying George Wallace the very night the real George Wallace died. Gary Sinise was born on March 17, 1955. In the movie Apollo 13 (1995), Gary Sinise played original Apollo 13 pilot, Kenneth Mattingly . Mattingly was born on March 17, 1936. Received his first college degree in 2003 - an honorary degree from Amherst College.

Was considered for the starring role in To Live and Die in L.A. (1985). When he didn't get the part, he recommended that the producers hire William Petersen , which they did. Ironically, he is currently the star of CSI: NY (2004), the spin-off of Petersen's successful TV series CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (2000). In 1997, played George Wallace in George Wallace (1997). He re-prised the role, uncredited, in Path to War (2002).

Has been nominated for Tony Awards three times: in 1990, as Best Actor (Featured Role - Play), for portraying Tom Joad in "The Grapes of Wrath," a role he recreated in the television version of the same title, American Playhouse: The Grapes of Wrath (1991); in 1996, as Best Director for a revival of Sam Shepard 's "Buried Child;" and in 2001 as Best Actor (Play), for portraying Randle McMurphy in a revival of "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest." Kimo Williams first worked with Gary as composer for a Steppenwolf production of "Streetcar Named Desire". After learning of Gary's talents on the bass, Kimo encouraged him to do more playing and, over the years, they enjoyed the occasional jam session. As Gary began what has turned out to be an extraordinary commitment to the USO, these jams eventually led to gigs in the Chicago area, gathering local talent and performing for troops and their families. Shares a birthday with Rob Lowe , with whom he co-starred in The Stand (1994).

Founded Operation Iraqi Children ( in early 2004 with "Seabiscuit: An American Legend" author Laura Hillenbrand . While most of the CSI: NY (2004) cast is from New York, Sinise is one of three exceptions. The others are Melina Kanakaredes (who was born in Ohio) and Anna Belknap (who was born in Maine). However, Sinise, Belknap and Kanakaredes have all lived in NY at some point in time. The two episodes of Crime Story (1986) that he directed are the only times he has been credited as "Gary A. Sinise." Performed in a band called "Half Day Road" as a teen. Band broke up before their first album "Half Day Road" could be recorded. Formed the "Lt. Dan Band", a band consisting of several singers, guitarists, drummers and keyboardists. The band has a total of 12 members. Sinise plays bass guitar. The name is, of course, in homage to his character in Forrest Gump (1994), Lt. Dan".

On December 10, 2008, was awarded the United States of America Presidential Citizens Medal (which was established on November 13, 1969 to recognize U.S. citizens who have performed exemplary deeds of service for the nation. The medal is bestowed by the President and may be conferred posthumously. The Presidential Citizens Medal is one of the highest honors the President can confer upon a civilian, second only to the Presidential Medal of Freedom.) for his work with the USO and Operation Iraqi Children. He was awarded the 1980 Joseph Jefferson Award for Actor in a Supporting Role in a Play for "Getting Out" at the Wisdom Brige Theatre in Chicago, Illinois. He was nominated for a 1981 Joseph Jefferson Award for Actor in a Principal Role in a Play for "Balm in Gilead" at the Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago, Illinois. He was nominated for a 1982 Joseph Jefferson Award for Director of a Play for "True West" at the Steppenwolf Theatre Company in Chicago, Illinois.

He was nominated for a 1984 Joseph Jefferson Award for Director of a Play for "Tracers" at the Steppenwolf Theatre Company in Chicago, Illinois. He was nominated for a 1985 Joseph Jefferson Award for Director of a play for "Orphans" at the Steppenwolf Theatre Company in Chicago, Illinois. He was awarded the 1996 Joseph Jefferson Award for Director of a Play for "Buried Child" at the Steppenwolf Theatre Company in Chicago, Illinois. He was nominated for a 2000 Joseph Jefferson Award for Actor in a Principal Role in a Play for "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" at the Steppenwolf Theatre Company in Chicago, Illinois. Lives in Calabasas, California. He has played the same character (Detective Mac Taylor) on three different television series: CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (2000), CSI: Miami (2002) and CSI: NY (2004). His band, "Lt.

Dan Band", performed for more than 240,000 troops and their families in the U.S., Belgium, Japan, Korea, the Netherlands, Iraq, and Afghanistan, among others. They have performed in about 50 USO tours and 119 USO concerts. The band plays 30 to 40 shows each year, with 75 percent of those shows for charities, benefits or the USO. [June 2012] Along with his band, "Lt. Dan Band", he performed three shows in Alaska at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson near Anchorage, Eielson Air Force Base near Fairbanks, and at the Coast Guard Base Kodiak on Kodiak Island. This was there second show in Kodiak after first visiting in 2010. [June 2012] Is a Republican. He has Italian (from his paternal grandfather), English, Scots-Irish, Irish, French, German, and Swedish ancestry. Onstage at the Royale Theatre on Broadway as R. P.

McMurphy in "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest." [March 2001] (April - June 1997) Returns to Steppenwolf Theatre Company to star in "A Streetcar Named Desire" Set to star as Detective Mac Taylor in the series CSI: NY (2004). [September 2004] Slated to star as George Wallace in a TNT biopic based on 'George Frady''s book, John Frankenheimer to direct. Scheduled to air November 1997. [1997] As of 2014, has appeared in four films that were nominated for the Best Picture Oscar: Forrest Gump (1994), Apollo 13 (1995) and The Green Mile (1999). Forrest Gump (1994) won the award in the category. Coincidentally, all three movies star Tom Hanks in the leading role and were all released in the 1990's. Founder, "Gary Sinise Foundation".

Has appeared in spin-offs of "CSI" ("CSI: NY") and "Criminal Minds" (the upcoming "Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders"). His two most iconic characters have the same last name: Lt. Dan Taylor from Forrest Gump (1994) and Detective Mac Taylor from CSI: NY (2004). Narrates "Mission: Space" at EPCOT at Walt Disney World in Florida. Previously there was a "Mission To Mars" attraction at Disneyland Park(TM) in California and The Magic Kingdom. The attractions closed November 2, 1992 and October 4, 1993, respectively. Personal Quotes (4) Careers, like rockets, don't always take off on time. The trick is to always keep the engine running. Sometimes you're in great demand. Then suddenly your career hits the brakes. Wherever I go for the military, they always call me Lt. Dan. They just can't help it. [on his work ethic]: There's always the ongoing actor frustration of finding the great role to do next. I don't go to work a lot. I wait as long as I can until the money runs out or a great part comes along.

Salary (1) See the Cast of 'Forrest Gump' Then and Now REDDIT Paramount ‘Forrest Gump’ is a tale of a dim-witted but good-natured man who finds himself in the middle of many of the influential events of post-World War II America. The 1994 film was a huge hit, earning close to 700 million at the box office and winning six Academy Awards, including Best Picture. See what Tom Hanks and the rest of the cast are up to these days. Tom Hanks, Forrest Gump Paramount/Paul A. Herbert, Getty Images Then: John Travolta was the original choice to play Forrest, but when he passed the producers turned to Tom Hanks, who agreed to do the film as long as it remained historically accurate. This turned out to be the right choice, as Hanks snagged a Best Actor Oscar for the film, his second in a row after taking the statue the year before for ‘Philadelphia.’ Now: While his last two movies, ‘Cloud Atlas’ and ‘Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close,’ didn’t exactly set the world on fire, Hanks remains one of the top box office draws of all time.

2013 will see Hanks starring in ‘Captain Phillips,’ which is about the 2009 Somali pirate hijacking, and ‘Saving Mr. Banks,’ in which he will play Walt Disney. And he just made his Broadway debut in the Nora Ephron play ‘Lucky Guy.’ Robin Wright, Jenny Paramount/Sean Gallup, Getty Images Then: Robin Wright was Forrest’s beloved Jenny. Wright got her start on the nighttime soap ‘Santa Barbara’ and came to fame playing the title character in ‘ The Princess Bride .’ Now: Wright is Claire Underwood on the Netflix political drama ‘House of Cards.’ In 2011, she played a supporting role in ‘The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo.’ Wright had been involved in a tumultuous relationship with Sean Penn between 1989 and 2010 and is now reportedly dating actor Ben Foster. Gary Sinise, Lieutenant Dan Paramount/Frederick M. Brown, Getty Images Then: One of the more memorable characters from ‘Forrest Gump’ is Lieutenant Dan Taylor, who was portrayed by Gary Sinise with some help from some nifty, leg-removing special effects.

Sinise comes from a theatrical background but his starring role in 1992’s movie adaptation of ‘Of Mice And Men,’ which he also directed, opened Hollywood’s eyes to his acting talents. Now: For the last nine years Sinise has starred as Mac Taylor on ‘CSI: New York.’ The 58-year-old is one of the nation’s leading advocates for disabled veterans, and often uses his Lt. Dan Band to raise money for wounded warriors and other good causes. Sally Field, Mrs. Gump Paramount/Frazer Harrison, Getty Images Then: That was Sally Field playing Mrs. Gump, who would do anything for her boy Forrest. Field had been a star since the ’60s, when she was everyone’s crush on the TV shows ‘Gidget’ and ‘The Flying Nun.’ Like Hanks she is a two-time Oscar winner and her 1984 acceptance speech for ‘Places in the Heart,’ in which she famously told the audience that “right now, you like me,you really like me,” is among the award show’s most famous moments.

Now: Between 2006 and 2011 Field was Nora Walker on ‘Brothers & Sisters.’ Since then, she’s played Aunt May in ‘The Amazing Spider-Man’ and Mary Todd Lincoln in ‘Lincoln.’ Mykelti Williamson, “Bubba” Blue Paramount/Kevin Winter, Getty Images Then: Williams donned a prosthetic lower lip to portray Forrest’s shrimp-loving army buddy Benjamin Buford “Bubba” Blue. It was a role that had been offered to Dave Chappelle, who has long said he regretted turning it down. Before ‘Forrest Gump,’ Williams was primarily a TV actor and had been a regular on ‘The New WKRP in Cincinnati’ and ‘Midnight Caller.’ Now:Williams plays recurring character Ellstin Limehouse on ‘Justified.’ He is also known for starring in the final season of ’24.’ Michael Conner Humphreys, Young Forrest Paramount/Tumblr Then: In his movie debut, Michael Connor Humphreys played the young version of Forrest Gump. Hanks has said he modeled his accent in the movie after the way Humphreys talked.

Now: Despite getting good reviews for ‘Forrest Gump,’ Humphreys decided not to pursue acting and instead remain a regular kid in Mississippi. Between 2005 and 2010 Humphreys served in the US Army, including stints in Iraq. After his enlistment ended, he returned to Hollywood and starred in the 2011 World War II movie ‘Pathfinders: In the Company of Strangers.’ Hanna R. Hall, Young Jenny Paramount/IMDb Then: The little girl yelling ‘Run Forrest, run!’ was Hanna R. Hall, who played the kid version of Jenny. It was her film debut and she followed it up by starring in ‘Goldilocks and the Three Bears’ and as young Cecilia Lisbon in the 1999 drama ‘The Virgin Suicides.’ Now: Hall recently did an episode of ‘Criminal Minds’ and starred in the thriller ‘Visible Scars.’ Haley Joel Osment, Forrest Gump Jr. Paramount/Neilson Barnard, Getty Images Then: Before seeing dead people in ‘The Sixth Sense,’ Haley Joel Osment was Forrest Gump Jr. in ‘Forrest Gump.

The-then six-year-old was picked for the role after the casting director saw him in a Pizza Hut ad. Now: After keeping a fairly low profile over the past decade, Osment seems set to return to the spotlight in ‘The World Made Straight’ and ‘Heroes: The Legendary Trio.’ Geoffrey Blake, Wesley Paramount/IMDb Then: Probably as close to ‘Forrest Gump’ has to a villain was Wesley, Jenny’s boyfriend who gets rough with her and then faces Forrest’s wrath. Geoffrey Blake, who played Wesley, had previously guest-starred on shows like ‘Hunter’ and ‘L.A. Law.’ Now: Blake is recurring character Gerry Nelson on ‘Franklin & Bash.’ He will be in the upcoming Jeff Probst (yes, that Jeff Probst) directed drama ‘Kiss Me.’ Tom Hanks reunites with ‘Forrest Gump’ co-stars Gary Sinise and Mykelti Williamson Tom Hanks reunites with ‘Forrest Gump’ co-stars Gary Sinise and Mykelti Williamson Soraya Roberts Share View photos Life really is like a box of chocolates!

When Tom Hanks showed up to the Hollywood Salutes Heroes event in Los Angeles on Thursday, he didn't know he would get a "Forrest Gump" reunion out of it. The 57-year-old "Captain Phillips" star posted a photo on WhoSay of his reunion with co-stars Gary Sinise and Mykelti Williamson at the Paramount Pictures event. "Hadn't seen these old friends for too long," Hanks wrote . View photos In the 1994 film, Hanks played the title character, while Sinise starred as war veteran Dan Taylor and Williamson took on the role of Forrest's army buddy Bubba. Since Hanks won an Oscar for his role in the film, he has gone on to headline a variety of blockbusters, most recently "Saving Mr. Banks" as Walt Disney. Meanwhile, Sinise has been plying his trade on the small screen, playing Detective Mac Taylor on "CSI: New York" from 2004 to 2010. In fact, the CBS drama reunited the 58-year-old actor with Williamson, who showed up on the series as Chief Sinclair.

However, Williamson is perhaps more familiar to audiences as Special Agent Brian Hastings in "24" and Ellstin Limehouse in "Justified." The three-day Hollywood Salutes Heroes event was hosted by the Gary Sinise Foundation to thank the U.S. Armed Forces for their work. Guests were reportedly given a private screening of "Forrest Gump" and also serenaded by Sinise and his Lt. Dan Band, which he formed 10 years ago. "These few days were all about giving these heroes an incredible experience they will never forget," Sinise said on Thursday, according to the Daily Mail . "If we can help lift their spirits after they’ve sacrificed so much, we owe them that." Reblog Lt. Dan Band | Honor. Gratitude. Rock & Roll. Lt. Dan Band Honor. Gratitude. Rock & Roll. “In 2003, I could never have predicted that over twelve years later this band would have performed hundreds of shows for thousands of great people.” DEAR FRIENDS, Welcome to the Gary Sinise & The LT Dan Band website.

Back in 2003, I could never have predicted that over thirteen years later this band would have performed hundreds of shows for thousands of great people all over the world. Our performances for our service members on military bases around the globe have meant so much, and each time we play a concert that is open to the public I am amazed at the outpouring of love and kindness. In 2016 we have performed at some of the bases we have played in the past and some we were visiting for the first time. All in all, over 30 shows this year, mostly for military and veterans events. We will continue to support many organizations that are working hard for our veterans, our wounded service members and their families. Our shows at Skyball and Snowball Express in Dallas and, in partnership with American Airlines, USO Metro and MGM International, our Salute to the Troops event in Las Vegas, will once again be on the schedule. And in support of my foundation, The Gary Sinise Foundation ( ) and our many programs including our R.I.S.E.

program ( Restoring Independence Supporting Empowerment ), the band will be playing concerts to raise spirits, funds and awareness for severely wounded warriors, their families and all who serve. Also, this year, our GSF Invincible Spirit Festivals, with our GSF Ambassador, celebrity chef Robert Irvine, brought fun, food and music to military hospitals around the country, and we will continue with these festivals next year. Please check the BLOG page and You Tube Channel on the foundation website to see what these festivals are all about. As The LT Dan Band is a program of the foundation, your donations will help us to bring these much needed morale boosting events to our military hospitals throughout the year and help us to provide entertainment to military bases across the US and the world. Keep an eye open here on the band website for shows that are open to the public and come see us if we are in your area. Personally, I have made it a particular mission to do what I can to draw attention to our military and first responder communities and to make sure they know they are remembered and appreciated.

Whether through performing with the band, supporting a military charity or visiting the war zones and hospitals to shake some hands and take some pictures, all of it helps them know that there are people out there who are aware of, and appreciate, their sacrifices, and who understand the importance of keeping our military families strong in difficult times. It is important to remember that these defenders are volunteers. There is no draft. Military service is something that we all have a choice to do or not to do. And I am grateful that there are Americans that have made the choice to serve. Especially in such dangerous and uncertain times. What would we do if no one wanted to defend this great country? So I say thank you to our defenders and their families and suggest that if you see someone in uniform, just know that taking the time to thank them will mean a lot. They don't ask much at all. They are just doing what they signed up to do. But that little gesture of gratitude from a stranger will make their day. I want to let you know that although we read all the guestbook comments, due to the great number of entries we receive we cannot respond individually. Please know that we are grateful and that your comments mean a lot.

It gives us a sense that people are aware of what we have been up to, and knowing that is always a great incentive to keep going. Once again, thanks to all of you for your support of the Lt. Dan Band. I encourage you to check out the calendar on the website to see if we will be playing near you in the coming year and go to to see what the GS Foundation is all. Again, The Lt Dan Band is part of GSF, a non profit 501c3 foundation. So your support of the foundation will help ensure that we can continue to bring much about needed morale boosting entertainment to our troops and will help us raise additional funding and awareness through some of our concerts in support of our brave active duty service members, our veterans, our wounded, our first responders, their families and those in need. Hope to see you at one of our shows this year.

All the best, Salute to the Troops Open to the Public Gary Sinise and the Lt Dan Band will perform the following military support concerts this year: Naval Medical Center San Diego, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Oahu Pacific Command Gala, Barksdale Air Force Base, FT Bragg, Camp Lejuene, Guantanamo Bay Naval Base, Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, FT Meade, Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Joint Base Lewis McChord, Disabled American Veterans Convention New Orleans, FT Belvoir, Medal of Honor Convention Pueblo Colorado, Brooke Army Medical Center, FT Hood, Patrick Air Force Base, Eglin Air Force Base, Salute to the Troops, Skyball The LT Dan Band will perform a limited schedule in 2017 and cannot entertain booking requests through this website Latest News 8.30.2016 Invincible Spirit Festival: Walter Reed National Military Medical Center Check out our performance from the Gary Sinise Foundation's Invincible Spirit Festival at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center 5.24.2016 Invincible Spirit Festival: Los Angeles VA Check out our performance from the Gary Sinise Foundation's Invincible Spirit Festival at Los

 Angeles VA 2.22.2016 Invincible Spirit Festival: Naval Medical Center San Diego Check out our performance from the Gary Sinise Foundation's Invincible Spirit Festival at Naval Medical Center San Diego !

9.28.2015 Invincible Spirit Festival: Fort Belvoir Check out our performance from the Gary Sinise Foundation's Invincible Spirit Festival at Fort Belvoir ! Merchandise They Rock. BAND HISTORY In 1997, Gary Sinise and his pal and fellow Steppenwolf Theatre co founder Terry Kinney decided to do a production of Tennessee Williams A Streetcar Named Desire at Steppenwolf in Chicago. Sinise would play Stanley Kowalski and Kinney would direct. Kinney hired Chicago composer Kimo Williams to write the music and it was during the technical rehearsals for the play that Gary and Kimo began to discuss their love for music. Learning of Gary's talents on the bass, Kimo invited him to his home for a jam session. Over the next few years, whenever possible, the two would play together with other Chicago area musicians and in 2003, as Gary began what has turned out to be an extraordinary commitment to the USO , it became clear that those early jam sessions had laid the foundation for what would become The Lieutenant Dan Band.

In 2003, following one of his many trips overseas to visit those serving our country that year, Gary asked the USO if they would allow him to take a band with him on a tour. He wanted to entertain in the spirit of the Bob Hope tours in years past. As he had already gone on several handshake tours, the USO agreed. The band was pulled together, began rehearsing, and in February of 2004, Gary Sinise and The Lieutenant Dan Band hit the road on their first overseas USO tour to Korea, Singapore and Diego Garcia. From those early sessions at Kimo’s house, a few gigs for the troops in the Chicago area in 2003, and that first overseas tour, Gary and the band have played an average of 30-40 shows per year with a good 95% of those shows for USO, military charities, resiliency events or benefits. Over 300 shows since its founding. After forming his own military charity, Gary Sinise Foundation, the band was folded into GSF as a program of the foundation and continues its primary mission of support for military and veterans through Honor, Gratitude, Rock and Roll.

The Name ​"Lieutenant Dan" is the character Gary portrayed in the 1994 film Forrest Gump, a role for which he earned an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor. As Gary began visiting troops around the world, people (even little kids) who didn't know him as Gary Sinise, the actor, would recognize him as "Lt.Dan". Those in the miliary also seem to identify strongly with the character. And so the name for his group was an easy choice: Gary Sinise and The Lt. Dan Band! The Music The band covers everything from classics by Stevie Wonder, Journey, Bruce Springsteen, and The Police to contemporary songs by Bruno Mars, The Band Perry, Sara Bareilles, Dave Matthews Band, Beyoncé, the Zac Brown Band and much much more. Pop, Rock, Blues, Motown, Soul, Country, even tunes from the 40's big band era. There's something for everyone and each show highlights the musical diversity of the band, as well as the passion and energy each member brings to the stage. Whether performing for troops overseas or at a local club, the goal is to have fun and rock the house!

The Band Gary Sinise Electric Bass Gary Sinise was born in Blue Island, Illinois, to a family who supported his artistic endeavors, and encouraged his drive to create. At the age of 10 his parents bought him his first guitar and he played actively in bands into his 20s. Gary began acting during his sophomore year in high school in Highland Park. After graduating, at the age of 18, he co-founded Steppenwolf Theatre Company of Chicago along with friends Terry Kinney and Jeff Perry. He served as the company's Artistic Director for seven years. He has since starred in over a dozen productions at the renowned theatre including the role of Tom Joad in The Grapes Of Wrath, for which he earned a Tony Award nomination and a Drama Desk Award; True West, Balm In Gilead, Streamers and The Caretaker. He received a Joseph Jefferson Award for Marsha Norman’s Getting Out at Chicago’s Wisdom Bridge Theatre.

He starred as Stanley Kowalski in A Streetcar Named Desire, and Randle Patrick McMurphy in One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest at Steppenwolf, the Barbican Theatre in London, and then on Broadway, earning him another Tony nomination for Best Actor. Sinise Directed and co-starred with John Malkovich in the landmark production of Sam Shepard’s True West at Steppenwolf and off Broadway, where he received an Obie Award for Best Director. He also directed Sam Shepard’s Buried Child which kicked off Steppenwolf’s 20th Anniversary and continued with a successful run on Broadway where it was nominated for five Tony Awards, including one for Sinise for Best Director. His other Stage Directing credits include Tracers, Frank’s Wild Years, The Miss Firecracker Contest, Waiting for Parade, Action, Road To Nirvana and Landscape Of The Body. He received a Joseph Jefferson Award for his direction of Lyle Kessler’s Orphans, which also played off-Broadway and in London with Albert Finney. In 1994, Sinise's portrayal of Lt.

Dan, in the Academy Award winning film Forrest Gump, brought him mainstream attention and earned him nominations for an Oscar, a Golden Globe and the Screen Actors Guild Award. He received the Best Supporting Actor Award from the National Board of Review, and the Commander’s Award from the Disabled American Veterans for the role as well. He then went on to take starring roles in the acclaimed Apollo 13 opposite Tom Hanks; the thriller Ransom with Mel Gibson and Rene Russo; and Brian DePalma’s psychological thriller Snake Eyes with Nicholas Cage. He was last seen on the big screen in Columbia Pictures’ The Forgotten with Julianne Moore, and The Human Stain opposite Anthony Hopkins, Nicole Kidman and Ed Harris. He also provided the voice of Shaw in Sony’s animated feature Open Season. Sinise also made his mark as a feature film Director with Of Mice And Men, which he co-produced and co-starred in with John Malkovich, as well as Miles From Home starring Richard Gere and Kevin Anderson. Both were screened in competition at the Cannes Film Festival.

His other film credits include A Midnight Clear, Jack The Bear, The Quick And The Dead, It's The Rage, The Big Bounce, Gary Fleder’s sci-fi thriller Imposter, John Frankenheimer’s Reindeer Games, Brian DePalma’s Mission To Mars, Frank Darabont’s The Green Mile and Kevin Spacey’s Directorial debut Albino Alligator. Gary also executive produced the documentary film Brothers At War, a rare look at the bonds and service of our soldiers on the frontlines, and the profound effects their service has on the loved ones they leave behind. A four-time SAG Award nominee, on television, he acted in Path To War Directed by John Frankenheimer on HBO, Showtime’s adaptation of Jason Miller’s Pulitzer Prize winning play That Championship Season Directed by Paul Sorvino and gave award-winning performances in Truman (Golden Globe, CableACE and Screen Actors Guild) and John Frankenheimer’s George Wallace (Screen Actors Guild, Emmy and CableACE). He also starred in My Name Is Bill W with James Woods, in Stephen King’s The Stand, and in CBS/Hallmark’s Fallen Angel. Gary recently completed a nine season run as Detective Mac Taylor in the hit CBS series CSI NY.

He was the subject of the Fox News documentary, On The Road In Iraq With Our Troops And Gary Sinise, which highlighted his 4th USO tour to Kuwait and Iraq. He is also the subject of the feature length documentary, Lt. Dan Band: For The Common Good, a film that follows Gary and his band and is dedicated to remembering those who serve, those who are willing to lay down their lives for others, and those who are left behind. Sinise has also narrated several documentaries for television including When We Left Earth, World War 2 in HD, Game of Honor and Missions That Changed The War. Beginning in 2003, he has traveled the world performing for the men and women of the Armed Forces with his band, Gary Sinise and The LT Dan Band. Jeff Vezain Vocals, Acoustic Guitar Jeff Vezain is a singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist/actor/dancer, originally from Chicago, now residing in Los Angeles. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Northern Illinois University where he also performedwith the university chorus, vocal jazz group, jazz combo program, and university big band.

Over the past 20 years he’s performed with numerous bands from Chicago and Los Angeles. He has studied songwriting, written and recorded original material and showcased it with live shows ranging from solo-acoustic gigs to full-band performances. For seven years he worked as a dancer with an entertainment company that performed nationwide. Jeff has also studied acting at Chicago’s “Act One Studio,” “The Audition Studio,” and has received on-camera training in Los Angeles. He has appeared in national television commercials, print ads, and has lent his voice to radio spots. He played electric guitar in the four-piece, on-stage band in a rock-opera-style adaptation of the Greek tragedy, “Antigone,” by Sophocles, entitled “God and Country," which ran at Victory Gardens Theater in Chicago. A solid drummer as well as guitarist, Jeff was a finalist in his audition for the part of "Blue Man" in the hit theatrical show, “Blue Man Group” and workshopped for two days in NYC with members of the New York production.

He has also acted in short films, performed in showcases and played the role of Gaveston in a contemporary adaptation of Christopher Marlowe’s classic, “King Edward the II” at the Bailiwick Theater in Chicago. Ernie Denov Electric Guitar Ernie Denov has been playing guitar professionally for almost 30 years. Being the son of a professional symphony orchestra musician, he was exposed to music from an early age, and after starting out on piano for two years, decided that he wanted to play guitar and grow up to be a rock star. Somewhere along the way, reality set in and Ernie focused his efforts on being able to play convincingly within multiple musical genres. This endeavor proved to be fruitful, as he ended up becoming a member of various working rock, funk, jazz, blues, fusion, latin and pop bands, often finding himself playing a different style of music with a different band every night of the week. In 1986, Ernie, yearning to write and perform his own original material, founded and led a progressive rock/jazz fusion quartet called Bad Dog U. The group quickly developed a cult following of loyal fans in the Chicago area, many of whom were fellow professional musicians.

After 18 years of performing in clubs and making demo recordings, Bad Dog U finally released it's self titled debut in 2004. In the span of his career, Ernie has recorded or played live with Richard Marx, Dennis DeYoung, Sheila Jordan, Von Freeman, Terry Callier, Dave Valentin, Bobby Hart, Airto Moreira, Howard Levy, Darryl Jones, Liquid Soul, Ira Sullivan, Paul Wertico, Victor Bailey and many other musical artists. Ernie is proud to be one of the original members of The Lt. Dan Band, with whom he has performed for some of the largest and most receptive audiences and seen more of the world than he ever had in his lengthy career. Ben Lewis Keyboards Pianist Ben Lewis, “one of the best kept secrets in Chicago” (Mark Ruffin – Listen Here! Radio), is a nineteen year veteran of the Chicago music scene. His professional experience has run the gamut, from performing with such local luminaries as vocalist Grazyna Auguscik and trumpeter Tito Carillo to being a founding member and current Musical Director of the Lt. Dan Band. Ben brings to his playing a unique sense of power, humor and grace.

From "shimmering pianism" to "go-for-broke energy" (Howard Reich - Chicago Tribune), his music takes the listener for a wild ride. A graduate of Indiana University, Ben has toured through East Asia and West Africa as a Jazz Ambassador for the U.S. State Department, and was a featured solo artist at the 2006 Chicago Jazz Festival. While not traveling with the Lt. Dan Band, Ben continues to work as a full-time musician in the Chicago area with bands such as Rico and Psycles. Molly Callinan Vocals A singer/actor originally from St. Paul, MN, Molly Callinan started performing at an early age by knocking on her neighbors' doors and asking for candy/loose change in exchange for a song. Molly has since made Chicago her home, and has lead Chicago bands Catfight, Black Betty, and can currently be seen singing with Rock Candy.

Molly's passion for musical theater landed her memorable roles in shows such as Gypsy (with Patti Lupone), Rocky Horror Picture Show (Magenta), Hair, A Funny Thing Happened...Forum (Gymnasia), The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Esmeralda), and the National Tour of Dirty Dancing (Vivian Pressman). Molly is a fan of yoga, her family, red meat, and Krispy Kreme Doughnuts and is truly excited and honored to entertain alongside such talents as Gary Sinise and The Lt. Dan Band. Danny Gottlieb Drums Danny Gottlieb is one of the most popular drummers in jazz and contemporary music.

While best known as a founding member of the original Pat Metheny Group, Danny, during the past 40 years, has recorded or performed with Chick Corea, Bobby McFerrin, Gil Evans, Sting, John Mclaughlin, Gary Burton, Al Di Meola, Larry Coryell, David Byrne, Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, The Manhattan Transfer, Stan Getz, Gerry Mulligan, Clark Terry, The Blues Brothers Band featuring Steve Cropper and Eddie Floyd, Booker T and The MG’s, Bobby Rydell, Michael Franks, Maria Schneider, Dr. John, Bernie Williams, Jeff Berlin, Mark Egan, Muriel Anderson, and many more. Danny has been featured on over 400 recordings to date, including 4 Grammy Award Winners. Danny met Gary while performing with his wife, Beth, at the EPCOT Candlelight Orchestra at Walt Disney World, and has been a member of the LTDB since 2004. In addition to his performing and recording career, Danny is a tenured Associate Professor of Jazz Studies at the University of North Florida, in Jacksonville.

An avid music collector and researcher, Danny recently received a UNF Foundation grant to partner with the Carpenter Library in creating a UNF jazz archive. The archive will feature the collections of founder Rich Matteson, Professor Emertis Bunky Green, and more than 315 live New York Jazz concerts produced by Jack Kleinsinger ( digitalcommons.unf.edu ) In 2011, Danny released his bestselling “Evolution of Jazz Drumming” workbook (Hudson Music/ Hal Leonard) which has received world wide acclaim and is one of Amazon’s top selling percussion books. Danny is also featured in an educational dvd produced by True Fire (Jazz Drumming Masterclass), 10 instructional drum DVD’s for the Mel Bay Company, including 3 with his teacher, jazz legend Joe Morello (Dave Brubeck). He has also co-authored two drumming texts with Nashville based drummer Michael Green (Mel Bay). Danny explains: “From both a musical and personal standpoint, playing with the Lt. Dan Band has been one of the greatest experiences of my life.

Gary is one of the most talented and amazing people on the planet, and the experience of playing music to help people in need, raising money and supporting great causes-it’s changed the way I look at everything! When you see a community coming together in support of a local hero, it feels like you are part of something that is really making a difference. And I love and admire everyone in this band. We’re a great bunch of friends, and what a talented group of musicians! And Gary, as a bass player, is a great rhythm section partner who, as with his acting, has a great sense of artistry, organization and orchestration. From a drumming standpoint, I have always loved playing every style of music, and playing in the LTDB is very challenging. We play well over two hours, all classic songs by some of the word’s greatest popular musicians, and each song must be played with the correct stylistic approach and intensity of the original band. When we play an “Earth Wind and Fire” tune, I am trying to play with the intensity and feel of Sonny Emory. When we play Baba O’Riley, I am trying to have the intensity of Keith Moon.

It’s not such an easy task, being that my forte is playing jazz and trying to sound different each time I play! And to play and share it all, with my wife, Beth, is the greatest gift of all. We are great partners, musically and in life, and we get to add our collective intensity to the mix”. Danny and Beth also perform many concerts and clinics around the world as the "Gottlieb duo". They have performed in Norway, The UK, Denmark, Latvia and Switzerland. In June of 2013, they were featured in workshops and concerts in the Italian Music Conservatory of Pescara. They also continue to perform seasonally with the Epcot Candlelight Orchestra at Walt Disney World. Danny holds a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Miami, and has studied with Joe Morello, Gary Chester, Mel Lewis, Bob Moses, Ed Soph, and Jack DeJohnette. Danny plays Zildjian Cymbals, Remo Drum Heads, Hot Sticks, Eames Drum Shells, Mark Electronic Drums, Regal Tip Brushes, Hammerax Percussion, DW Drums and Hardware, Alternate Mode (Kat) Products, Shure Microphones and LP Percussion.

Danny has been on the covers of Modern Drummer, Downbeat, and Rhythm magazines, and in 2012, the covers of Strumenti Musicali (Italy), Electronic Drummer, Bergish Gladbach Magazine (Germany), and in 2013, an entertainment journal in Finland. He currently writes a monthly "Jazz Practice Pad" article for DRUM! magazine, and contributed an interview CD in the recent edition of Gary Chester’s classic drum book, “The New Breed”. He also contributed an article for the re-release of one of the great drum methods of all time, George Lawrence Stone’s “Accents and Rebounds” ( stonepercussionbooks.com ) Kirk Garrison Trumpet Kirk Garrison is an active performer, educator and composer in the Chicago area. A veteran of the Chicago jazz scene, Kirk attended Mankato State University in his home state of Minnesota from 1978-1982 before honing his skills in the United States Air Force Band. After leaving the Air Force in 1992, he completed his masters degree in Jazz Studies at DePaul University where he is now a member of the jazz faculty. He is also on faculty at Concordia University, Chicago.

Kirk has appeared with Clay Aiken, Louie Bellson, Michael Bolton, Kenny Burrell, Dave Brubeck, Nell Carter, Ron Carter, Pete Christlieb, Vinnie Colaiutta, Larry Combs, Joey DeFrancesco, Kurt Elling, Jon Faddis, Aretha Franklin, Steve and Eydie Gorme, Danny Gottlieb, Marvin Hamlisch, Herbie Hancock, Bob Hope, Rodney Jones, Pat LaBarbera, Russell Malone, Kevin Mahogany, Johnny Mathis, Brother Jack McDuff, Jim McNeeley, Bob Mintzer, Rita Moreno, Danilo Perez, Don Rickles, Dianne Schuur, Ed Shaughnessy, Bobby Shew, Bobby Short, Frank Sinatra, Jr., Michael W. Smith, Byron Stripling, Clark Terry, Frank Wess, Barry White, Joe Williams, Vanessa Williams, Nancy Wilson, Phil Wilson, Phil Woods, Stevie Wonder, The Four Freshman, The Temptations, and The Ravinia Orchestra. Kirk is in high demand as a composer and arranger.

He was recently commissioned to write arrangements for internationally renowned jazz saxophonist Phil Woods with big band and an arrangement of Nature Boy for orchestra and choir which premiered in 2010. He has written commissioned arrangements for DePaul University, Rob Parton's Jazz Tech Big Band, the Chicago String Ensemble, the Heritage Chorale of Oak Park Il, and the Millar Brass Ensemble at Northwestern University. Howard Reich, jazz critic for the Chicago Tribune wrote, "The spectacular trumpet solo that Kirk Garrison offered ... reminded listeners why the Jazz Members Big Band stands among the best repertory units in the country." Cadence Magazine's jazz critic Jack Bowers wrote "Kirk Garrison's marvelous trumpet work ... so moving it brought tears to my eyes." His trumpet artistry was described as "cool work" by John Von Rhein, music critic of the Chicago Tribune. John Killoch of Mainly Big Bands (UK) wrote in a review, "This guy nails the section with a big, accurate lead sound and when he flexes his chops ... the sound is again right down the middle, in tune, big and so high. Musical is a good way to put it.

An object lesson to anyone who aspires to be a top lead trumpeter." Kirk currently performs as a guest soloist and clinician/adjudicator at middle schools, high schools and colleges throughout the country. He uses Denis Wick precision mutes and mouthpieces and is a Denis Wick performing artist. Products and sponsorship provided by DANSR, Inc. the North American importer for Denis Wick. He also endorses AMT microphones and uses the AMT P800W. Beth Gottlieb Percussion Beth Gottlieb, percussion, is an internationally recognized performer, teacher, clinician, and soloist, whose experience covers the entire musical spectrum. Residing in Nashville, TN, Beth is a freelance percussionist in “Music City”. She has taught at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, AL, Rollins College in Winter Park, FL, and the Interlochen Arts Camp in Interlochen, MI. She is Principal Percussionist with the Walt Disney World Candlelight Orchestra and percussionist with many touring artists, shows, and recording projects.

She has performed and/or recorded with the Disney Company, Chick Corea, Steven Curtis Chapman, Andy Williams, Henry Mancini, Peabo Byrson, Celine Dion, Sammy Davis Jr., Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme, Natalie Cole, Shirley Jones, Milton Berle, Gil Evans Orchestra, Eddy Arnold, Donny Osmond, Pat Boone, Petula Clark, Chuck Owen’s Jazz Surge, Carol Channing, Joe Beck, Jeff Berlin, Lennon Sisters, Mitzi Gaynor, Rita Moreno, Marvin Hamlisch, Tony Bennett, Sandi Patty, Roger Williams, Kansas, Henny Youngman, Bobby McFerrin, Victor Wooten, Muriel Anderson, Johnny Mathis, the Irish Tenors, Regis Philbin, and many more. Having a long performance history with the Disney Company (Future Corps, Future World Brass, World Dancers Show Band, movie and theme park soundtracks, conventions and more), Beth met Gary Sinise while performing with the EPCOT Candlelight Orchestra and has been a member of the Lt. Dan Band since 2004.

Beth plays all styles of percussion, including hand percussion, classical percussion, show percussion, jazz/rock, and rudimental snare drum. She was a member of Tom Float's award winning Spirit of Atlanta Drum and Bugle Corps. Beth and husband Danny, "The Gottlieb Duo," perform many concerts and clinics around the world including Germany, Latvia, England, Italy, The Netherlands, Spain, France, Austria, Switzerland, Czeck Republic, Belgium and Denmark. They also love performing for children with their educational program, "The Rhythms of Music and Life". Active in music education, Beth has held many offices in the Percussive Arts Society, MENC, MTNA, and the Florida Bandmasters organizations, and hosted the PASIC 98 convention in Orlando. Beth has also authored a highly acclaimed book, “Masterworks for Mallets” (Row-Loff Productions). She holds a Master of Music degree from the Eastman School of Music where she studied with John Beck, and a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Alabama, where she studied with Larry Mathis.

She is a clinician/endorser for Ludwig/Musser, Zildjian cymbals, Innovative Percussion, Grover Pro Percussion and the Remo Corporation. Beth is an avid runner, having been featured in Runner's World, Glamour, and Woman's Day magazines. She is married to Danny Gottlieb and has two sons who are percussionists, Brian and Scotty Radock. Beth is extremely passionate about playing in the Lt. Dan Band. Her family has a very strong deep-rooted background in the military. Her grandfather was a Colonel under General MacArthur in WWII and father was in the CIC during the Korean War. She states: “Playing for the troops is one of the most moving experiences a musician can have, and I am so proud to perform for all those in need. Gary is the most passionate, giving, caring, talented man I know and it is an honor to perform and work with him”. Mitch Paliga Saxophone Saxophonist/composer Mitch Paliga is originally from the small town of Libby Montana but has made the Chicago area his home since 1990.

He attended Rocky Mountain College in Billings Montana (1980-81), received a bachelors of music degree from Eastern New Mexico University (1985) and a masters of music degree in jazz pedagogy from Northwestern University (1999). In 1993 he was awarded a National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Study Grant to study with David Liebman and in 2001 received a City of Chicago Community Arts Assistance Program Grant. Mitch is an adjunct music professor at Lake Forest College in Lake Forest Illinois and a member of the jazz faculty at North Central College in Naperville Illinois. Mitch has performed with Randy Brecker, Vinnie Colaiuta, Kimotion, the Nelson Riddle Orchestra, the Temptations, Marie Osmond, Danny Seraphine, Bob Newhart, and Victor Kraus and is honored to be a member of the Lt. Dan Band. He has also been active on the local Chicago music scene and is known for his unique and individual voice on the soprano saxophone. Lorelai Clarke of Jazzreview.com wrote "If you're not a fan of soprano sax playing, this album (Blithe Moments) may change some of your perceptions.

The high level of musicianship, and Paliga's skill at composing, make the album worth listening to in any case". Jerome Wilson of Cadence Magazine also wrote "Paliga is an interesting composer but he also may be the next great voice on soprano saxophone". Mitch has also recorded with Chicago artists and ensembles Kimotion, Ryan Cohan, Jo Ann Daugherty, Damon Short, Hard Art Groop as well as Texas singer/song writer Mike Dawson and is also a member of the Chicago Jazz Composers Collective. In 2006 Mitch released his first jazz recording of his original compositions "Blithe Moments" under his own name. Released in 2008 was "Fall Night" on the Origin label. Press Quotes: "Relatively few jazz musicians take up soprano sax compared to the rest of the reed family, but Mitch Paliga is one who has mastered his instrument." - Ken Dryden, All Music Guide, Billboard.com review "Paliga's adventurous spirit as a soloist is evident throughout the session with firm displays of solid technique and patient playfulness." -John Barron, All About Jazz "The melodies here are often like whispers.

One must pay attention so as not to miss some of the beautiful subtleties being offered up here in abundance (case in point might be Track 2, “QP Doll”)." -Ronald Jackson, Jazzreview.com "Mitch has a beautiful sound on the soprano and some very compelling compositions that I enjoyed a lot. A stellar band as well." -David Liebman Endorsements: Julie Dutchak Vocals Julie had her first taste of the stage at age five, singing with mother's band around the Chicagoland area. At age fifteen, after touring and recording professionally, she performed on Star Searchhosted by the late Ed McMahon. After high school, she attended the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) in New York city. She then toured Europe in the musical HAIR and traveled the world as a singer/dancer with Royal Caribbean International. You can see or hear Julie on many national commercials and jingles, and hear her as a guest on many Chicago musician's albums. She also lends her voice to Chicago-based band Hey Jimmy, and plays guitar and sings her material solo in clubs, festivals, and at corporate events. Julie is thrilled to be a part of the Lt.

Dan Band, and excited to bring her spirit and positivity to shows at home and abroad. Dan Myers Vocals, Violin Singer, violinist and multi-Instrumentalist Dan Myers hails from the north woods of Stevens Point, Wisconsin. He is a graduate of Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan with a degree in Jazz Studies and recently attained a Masters in Film Scoring from Columbia College in Chicago. His former original band, Down The Line, toured the country with legendary acts such as Peter Frampton, America, Colin Hay (of Men At Work), Lifehouse, Ben Folds, Marshall Crenshaw, Pat Benatar, and The Gin Blossoms to name a few. He now tours with his new indie-folk band, Stolen Silver, which has opened for the Lt. Dan Band on several recent occasions and can be found on itunes. Dan composes songs and music for film, television and the stage. His voice and instruments can be heard in many commercials and jingles. He is unashamed of having a hand carved wooden african rhinoceros collection. Dan is also very excited to be involved with the Lt. Dan Band.

Mari Anne Jayme Vocals Mari (pronounced "Marie") has been with the Band since 2004, although her performing career began as a child in Somerset, Kentucky, where she and her older sisters would give living room concerts for friends and family at her parents' house. She took piano lessons from kindergarten through high school, then went on to study vocal pedagogy and choral arts, graduating with a Bachelor of Science from Western Michigan University and a Master of Music in Jazz Studies & Vocal Performance from Roosevelt University. While living in Florida in the early 1990s, Mari Anne sang with jazz groups, funk bands, and Disney's Voices of Liberty. She also worked as a youth choir accompanist, church pianist, and voice teacher. After moving to Chicago in 1998, she sang in jazz, pop, rock, and R&B groups, original contemporary and experimental genres, and as a recording artist with Hard Art Groop, Kelly Brand Trio, Scottinho, Band of Joes, and akalibrio. From 2001-05 she taught Vocal Jazz Ensemble and Applied Voice at Columbia College Chicago, and accompanied the award-winning ensemble of actors and educators of Wavelength Inc.

Mari is a former Music Director at Bodhi Spiritual Center in Chicago. She was awarded a residency in 2004 by The Kennedy Center's Betty Carter Jazz Ahead Program for Young Jazz Composers. That same year she was selected as a semifinalist in the Thelonious Monk Institute's International Jazz Vocals Competition. As a jazz singer, Mari has performed with George Duke, Carl Allen, Steve Rodby, Kenny Werner, Bunky Green, Steve Million, Maureen McGovern, Cleo Laine, the lates Sir John Dankworth , Joe Williams and Mel Torme. Mari moved to Lexington, Kentucky in 2011 and is currently a practicing Licensed Massage Therapist. Also licensed in personal coaching, she facilitates courses in self-growth and practical spirituality at Ahava Center for Spiritual Living. Entering her first decade with the Band, she gratefully continues to enjoy honoring all who serve and have served. She is equally grateful to be a member of Lt. Dan Band, and most definitely appreciates any sleep she can get while on the road.

Gary Sinise - TV Celebrities - ShareTV [Complete List] BIOGRAPHY: Gary Sinise (born March 17, 1955) in Blue Island, Illinois. His family later moved to Highland Park, where he attended high school. He was something of a rebel, playing in bands but paying little attention to school. Gary and some friends tried out for "West Side Story" as a lark, but Gary was hooked on acting for life by closing night. Gary credits his love for theatre to his drama teacher, Barbara Patterson. In 1974, Sinise, 'Terry Kinney', and 'Jeff Perry' founded the Steppenwolf Theatre Company in Chicago. Initially performing in a church basement, the company grew and gained stature in the Chicago area. In addition to acting in many plays, Sinise also directed some of Steppenwolf's most notable productions, including Sam Shepard's True West. The company made its off-Broadway debut with that production, starring Sinise and 'John Malkovich' and its Broadway debut with The Grapes of Wrath at the Cort Theatre in 1990..

Sinise's Hollywood career also started in the director's chair with two episodes of the stylish TV series Crime Story (1986) followed in 1988 by the feature Miles from Home (1988) starring 'Richard Gere'. Sinise's first feature film as an actor was the World War II fable A Midnight Clear (1992) in 1992. That year also found Sinise combining his acting and directing talents with the critically acclaimed Of Mice and Men (1992). His first real notice by the public came in 1994, however. He starred in the blockbuster miniseries The Stand (1994), rapidly followed by his bravura performance as Lt. Dan in Forrest Gump (1994). His portrayal of the disabled, emotionally tortured veteran earned Gary numerous awards and an Oscar nomination. Busy 1994 was followed by busy 1995, first reuniting with 'Tom Hanks' in Apollo 13 (1995) and then starring in the HBO film Truman (1995) which earned him the Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild Awards and an Emmy nomination.

Sinise married 'Moira Harris', an actress and original member of the Steppenwolf company. They have three children, Sophie, McCanna, and Ella. Sinise's father is the film editor 'Robert L. Sinise', A.C.E. TRIVIA: Won an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a mini-series or dramatic special for portraying 'George Wallace (IV)' (qv) the very night the real George Wallace died. Formed the "Lt. Dan Band", a band consisting of several singers, guitarists, drummers and keyboardists. The band has a total of 12 members. Sinise plays bass guitar. The name is, of course, in homage to his character in _Forrest Gump (1994)_ (qv), Lt. Dan". He was awarded the 1996 Joseph Jefferson Award for Director of a Play for "Buried Child" at the Steppenwolf Theatre Company in Chicago, Illinois. Shares a birthday with 'Rob Lowe (I)' (qv), with whom he co-starred in _"The Stand" (1994)_ (qv). Was considered for the starring role in _To Live and Die in L.A.

(1985)_ (qv). When he didn't get the part, he recommended that the producers hire 'William Petersen' (qv), which they did. Ironically, he is currently the star of _"CSI: NY" (2004)_ (qv), the spin-off of Petersen's successful TV series _"CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" (2000)_ (qv). While most of the _"CSI: NY" (2004)_ (qv) cast is from New York, Sinise is one of three exceptions. The others are 'Melina Kanakaredes' (qv) (who was born in Ohio) and 'Anna Belknap' (qv) (who was born in Maine). However, Sinise, Belknap and Kanakaredes have all lived in NY at some point in time. Gary Sinise was born on March 17, 1955. In the movie _Apollo 13 (1995)_ (qv), Gary Sinise played original Apollo 13 pilot, 'Kenneth Mattingly' (qv). Mattingly was born on March 17, 1936.

Performed in a band called "Half Day Road" as a teen. Band broke up before their first album "Half Day Road" could be recorded. Related sites for this celeb 1000+ images about Gary Sinise on Pinterest | Patriots, New york and Of mice and men Gary Sinise, known for his patriotism and his support for the military through the Lieutenant Dan Band, was recently named an honorary U.S. Marine. See More

Question: Which actor, who stars as Mac Taylor in the TV series, CSI New York, played the part of Lt. Dan Taylor in the 1994 film, "Forrest Gump"?
Answer: GARY SINISE