Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation (PCVF) will host its 26th Annual Veterans Day Gala to honor local veterans and active duty service members, 5-10 p.m. in the Star Spangled Hall at the Elks Lodge, 150 N. Kellogg Ave., Santa Barbara.

The evening will include live music, dancing, a meal, and patriotic presentations.

This year, PCVF will present Don Nichols, formerly with NASA and technical director for the Space Shuttle program at Vandenberg Air Force Base (Vandenberg Space Force Base).

Nichols has been on the leading edge of space technology and will share the history of the U.S. space program.

“Our hope is to create a fun night of patriotism and celebration to show appreciation to the men and women in uniform who serve and protect our country,” said John Blankenship, PCVF co-founding director.

Los Angeles band, Starwood will provide entertainment for the gala. Led by singer Mollie Weaver, Starwood musicians are: Herman Matthews (drums), Michael Mennell (bass/vocals), Gene Siegel (guitar/vocals), Bob Emmet (keys), Chuck Hughes (trombone), Matt Fronke (trumpet), and Mark Visher (saxophone/flute).

Individually, the band’s members have shared the stage with Stevie Wonder, Bruce Springsteen, Taylor Swift, Celine Dion, President Barack and Michelle Obama, Justin Timberlake, Rod Stewart, and Dolly Parton.

“We hope we can bring some music to this event that will bring joy and inspiration to the guests and we couldn’t be more grateful to be a part of celebrating this group of veterans,” said Mollie Weaver, Starwood’s director and lead vocalist.

This year the event will be less formal than it has in previous years although military dress and semi-formal dress code are encouraged. Dress uniform or black tie attire are optional.

Tickets to the Veterans Day Gala are $250 per guest. To learn more, buy tickets, or inquire about scholarships, visit https://www.pcvf.org/veterans-day-gala.

Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation is committed to honoring the men and women who have served in uniform at any time. PCVF does this by supporting veterans and active duty members, and related partner organizations, in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties, as well as preserving military history and legacy.

For more, visit pcvf.org.