As over 100 folks sat, lawn chair beneath them, in the beauty of Swan Valley, Camp Ponderosa in the Swan Mountains buzzed with the electric hum of nostalgia and heartfelt camaraderie. On July 12th and 13th, the sprawling lawn of this veterans’ retreat became a stage for an unforgettable celebration, headlined by world-renowned Elvis tribute artist Ben Klein. Just picture it: there were families sprawled on lawn chairs, and the scent of pine mingling with the summer breeze as the crowd waited for the music to ignite the night.
Ben Klein, is no stranger to channeling the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. With a career spanning over a decade, Klein has dazzled audiences across the U.S., and has earned accolades like the 2019 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist title at Graceland’s own competition. His performances are way, way more than impersonation, they are a total throwback, more like stepping into a time machine. Decked out in shimmering jumpsuits or the sleek GI Blues uniform, Klein captures Elvis’s swagger. With soulful croon and magnetic charm; his shows blend meticulous vocal mimicry with a passion for Elvis’s legacy, often weaving in stories about the King’s life to pull audiences deeper into the experience. Its irrelevant as to whether he’s belting out “Suspicious Minds” or a tender gospel hymn.
Klein’s got a rare ability to make every note feel in touch and personal. Day one kicked off at 6 PM with “Red, White, and GI Blues,” a high-energy tribute to Elvis’s early hits and his iconic role in the 1960 film. Over a hundred people filled the lawn, their cheers echoing off the surrounding peaks as Klein commanded the outdoor stage. The entire Klein family joined in, delivering pitch-perfect tributes to Patsy Cline’s soulful twang and Johnny Cash’s raw, rumbling grit. One young lady, blushing, actually spilled her drink after Ben came out polished up after a costume change, he looked so in character! The medley of classics had folks tapping their feet, singing along, and swapping stories, which went on until the shadows lengthened and everyone was happily tired. Day two shifted gears with a gospel concert, where Klein’s renditions of Elvis’s spiritual anthems like “How Great Thou Art” brought a reverent hush to the crowd, followed by waves of applause. The setting, Camp Ponderosa’s serene riverside grounds, framed by the rugged beauty of the Swan Mountains, made every song feel like a moment of connection.
Camp Ponderosa, isn’t just a backdrop; it’s the heart of this story. Founded by Allen and Linda Erickson, the Northwest Montana Veterans Stand Down and Food Pantry has been a lifeline for veterans since 1999. The Ericksons, with Allen’s background as a Vietnam-era Navy veteran, turned a 79-acre former correctional facility into a haven for healing. The camp offers housing, job training, and mental health support, all aimed at helping veterans transition to civilian life. It’s a place where community can thrive while playing horseshoes games by the bunkhouse or laughter over cornhole; maybe even, you make plans for river or lake trips on nearby Flathead Lake. The experience is backed by a 30-year lease from the Montana Department of Natural Resources, while the mission at Camp Ponderosa is to provide a “helping hand up” to the nearly six thousand veterans in the Kalispell area alone.
This event was the perfect example of that commitment, bringing people together through music and shared purpose. A big shoutout goes to Yogi and Joe Dolio, who built the stage. Joe, host of the Tactical Wisdom Podcast, added his emphasis for community with a dash of his unique charm to the mix.
But let me tell you, the weekend wouldn’t have happened without the incredible sponsors: Army Navy of Kalispell, First Interstate Bank, Sensible Auto, Glacier Ace Hardware in Evergreen, Agave Cantina and Grill, State Farm Insurance, DCS Digital Communications Systems, Swan Mountain Outfitters, Glacier Wholesalers, Big Bucks Sports Bar and Grill, Shield Arms, and Cenex of Kalispell. Special props to Glacier Ace Hardware for donating a the grand prize Blackstone Grill that everyone was hoping to nab.
As Ben Klein’s final gospel notes drifted away into the warm Montana night, the crowd stayed, soaking in the magic of Camp Ponderosa. It wasn’t just a concert, it was a testament to what music, community, and a shared mission can achieve.
