U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Pete Peterson invited Judy to Emcee
a number of official events celebrating the 224th anniversary
of the U.S. Independence Day (July 4) and the 5th anniversary of
the re-establishment of diplomatic relations between the United
States and Vietnam.
Judy was asked to select a band to take along, and she invited
Los Angeles-based rock band Possum, which had
been a guest on her daily music show Border Crossings.
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Life in the countryside near Ho Chi Minh City,
as women work on preparing rice for market. July 9, 2000 |
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At the same farm location near Ho Chi Minh City,
children from the village greet the band. Left to right: Judy,
band leader Rick Monroe, Judy's son Justin and band member
Scott Miller |
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Everybody works to set up the band for a performance
at the New World Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City. Left to right: Scott Miller, a Hotel Representative, Rick Monroe, Justin Massa, Jonathan Mitchell July 7, 2000 |
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Following a hot and humid afternoon
performance at Saigon Wonderland, where Rick sang the U.S. National
Anthem a cappella for the first time in public. Left to right: Judy, her son Justin (who gave his shirt to Scott before the show when Scott's flannel shirt became just too hot to wear), Scott Miller (who then soaked Justin's shirt with perspiration under the hot lights during the show), and an equally sweat-soaked Rick Monroe. July 8, 2000 |
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Judy interviewed Rick Monroe at the
Hong Kong International Airport before parting ways to return home - -
Rick to Los Angeles, California, and Judy to Washington, DC. July 11, 2000 |