Little House of Funk Brings the Blues to Benefit Tucson Veterans

When Tucson native Dan Osterman and his fellow pickleball player Barry started talking about ways to give back to veterans, Barry said “let’s do more.” That simple challenge sparked what has become the USA 4 Veterans Foundation — and on Sunday, July 12th from 6-9PM at Monterey Court, Tucson gets to experience the result: a night of live blues music, great food, a silent auction, and heartfelt community support for local Tucson veterans.

The USA 4 VETERANS Benefit with Little House of Funk – Blues Edition is a fundraiser benefiting the Arizona Coalition for Military Families, which will direct all proceeds to Tucson veterans in need. With advance tickets at just $25 (or $35 at the door) and kids always free, this is one event you won’t want to miss. We sat down with Dan to find out more about what’s behind this special evening.

Can you tell us about the USA 4 Veterans Foundation and what inspired you to get involved with this benefit concert series?

I lived in AZ over 50 years, graduated from Salpointe and the University of Arizona. I met Connie in about 2017 or 18 when I lived in Tucson. Connie and I collaborated on my first song, To Those Who Served, as we have on our second song to be released on July 12 at the event about the Unseen Heroes of the Revolutionary War.

Two thirds of the 50 years was spent in Phoenix and the balance in Tucson, my favorite place. I still stay in contact with my graduating class of 1969, was President of the Tucson Model A Club & USGBC; and a member of the Romeos, a lunch group that meets 2x a month at Monterey Court (I still call in on Zoom).

Monterey Court is the first place I saw Connie perform as well as other venues in the Tucson metro.

Which specific Tucson veterans organizations will receive the proceeds from this event, and what programs or services will the funds directly support?

The Arizona Coalition for Military Families will direct all the proceeds they receive to local Tucson metro Veterans that comply with their mission. They have a website you can check out as well. 

What kinds of items will be available in the silent auction, and how can local businesses or individuals donate items?

The highlight of the silent auctions are a beautiful abstract painting donated by Adair Karlin with a retail value of $645, a golf foursome at Tubac Resort, and Sunday brunch for 2 at Hacienda del Sol. We will also have Veteran only and attendee only raffle items.

If anyone wants to contact me they can email at dan@usa4veterans.org, and I can pick items up on 7/10-7/11 when I’m in Tucson. If you can’t make those dates bring it to the event on 7/12; however, I can’t guarantee it will get in the program if not delivered by 7/10. I actually arrive the night of 7/8 bit that’s in Phoenix.

How much has the Foundation raised for Tucson veterans in past events, and what has that money made possible?

This is our first event in Tucson, and the first outside Minnesota. We’re still in the process of raising money, and will have a check to issue to the Arizona Coalition for Arizona Families on July 12.

Beyond buying a ticket, how can community members, sponsors, or businesses get more involved with USA 4 Veterans Foundation?

Spread the word to get people to attend, and possibly sponsor. The more activity generated on July 12 will create an opportunity for a return trip.

What are your goals for this event in terms of attendance and funds raised, and what’s next for the Foundation after July 12th?

Our original goal for attendance was 200, right now we’d be happy with 125-150.

Original goal was for every $10,000 raised: $7,600 to the Arizona Coalition for Military Families supporting Tucson Veterans, and a $760 check to each of the 3 Oldest Veterans in #1. Ultimate goal was to get 10 of these to donate  $76,000 to The Arizona Coalition…, and 10 checks to Veterans at $760 each. Right now that’s tough to do with 2-$2,500 sponsors.

Next event will be a pickleball tournament in MN or TX in November, 2026.

Come Out and Show Your Support!

Whether you’re a blues fan, a Tucson veteran supporter, or simply someone who loves a great night out in Tucson, the USA 4 VETERANS Benefit with Little House of Funk is the Tucson veterans benefit concert you won’t want to miss — a chance to have fun and make a real difference for the men and women who served our country. Dan and the team are hoping to welcome 125-150 attendees on July 12th — let’s help them pack the house!

Tickets are $25 in advance or $35 at the door — kids are always free. Reserve your spot at Monterey Court and come ready for an evening of blues, great food, and community spirit.

Want to donate a silent auction item before July 10th? Contact Dan directly at dan@usa4veterans.org. To learn more about the USA 4 Veterans Foundation and the story behind their mission — including a moving family photo that says it all — visit www.usa4veterans.org.