Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band hold benefit concert for Milwaukee theatre

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A Hollywood A-lister took to the stage Monday night at Henry Maier Festival Park, and it was all for a good cause.

“He shows up,” said Michael Unger, the artistic director for the Skylight Music Theatre. “He does so much for our first responders and our servicemen and women.”

Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band held a benefit concert for the Skylight Music Theatre in Milwaukee.

The music for a good cause all started because of a conversation between two old friends, Sinise and Unger.

“We were just talking about how theatre is a hard business, and after the pandemic and recovering from that, it’s been hard,” said Unger. “He says, well, I’ll be in Wisconsin, why don’t I keep the band over an extra day and do a benefit concert?”

Hundreds of people filled the crowd, singing and dancing along to Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band to support the Skylight Music Theatre. Some loyal fans flew in from as far as Florida.

“He puts on a great show and it’s just such a wonderful cause that he does,” said Doug Gaboury, who attended the concert. “He takes care of so many people and helps out so many families.”

Many veterans, like Jory Trutt, showed up to share their gratitude for Sinise and his foundation, which helps first responders and veterans like himself and his friend, who was injured while serving.

“He was given a hundred-percent home, him and his wife and his little guys, and the deed was free and clear, everything,” said Trutt. “He’s 100% for backing up the military and all the veterans that need help.”

As a thank you, Mayor Cavalier Johnson even proclaimed the day “Gary Sinise Day” across the city.

“I have my own day now, how fantastic,” said Sinise. “Yes, that was a surprise and a shock, but just lovely to be recognized.”