Contributed Photo/Courtesy The Jets: The Jets return to Eastern Arizona College this Saturday with a “Family First” message.
By Kris McBride/EAC
THATCHER — Tickets are still available to The Jets concert this Saturday, June 24, at 7 p.m., at Eastern Arizona College’s Fine Arts Auditorium.
The Jets are a family band made up of the Wolfgramm siblings who took the R&B and Pop charts by storm in the 80s with hits like “Crush on You,” “You Got it All,” and “Make it Real.” After fame took its toll, the Wolfgramm family members fell apart and then came back together again.
Originally comprised of five brothers and three sisters, the family split into two bands after the height of their fame and irreconcilable differences.
The band appearing at EAC on Saturday is composed of siblings Eddie, Moana, Elizabeth, and Kathi, along with their younger sister Natalia, born after the band’s initial success.
Moana Wolfgramm Feinga says that fame ate away at what the Wolfgramms wanted the world to know they cherished most – their family.
“We had big homes, cars, and lots of things but we really weren’t a family,” said Moana. “After many years, we’ve swapped it, and now know that if you put family and the Lord first, everything else will fall into place.”
During their concert at EAC, Moana and her siblings will emphasize the significance of placing family first.
“We had to decide that family was more important than money and we want to share that message with everyone we know,” said Moana. “In the early 90s, we weren’t performing in the big showrooms anymore. We had differences of opinions about the way the show should go and that’s why we ended up dividing.”
The Jets were raised to always put family first but admit they did not know how to fix their own.
“It reached a point that we were being replaced by other siblings to put the business first,” said Moana. “We put the music industry and the business before our family and it felt like we were being traded off.”
The situation became so bad that Moana and her siblings faced a lawsuit initiated by their other siblings. Eventually, the lawsuit was dropped.
“We finally realized that it had to stop,” said Moana. “There was no reason for our family to do this to one another. We decided if we can’t be a family, then the music isn’t worth it. And eventually, we settled. We are now in a much better place. We respect each other, even though we may not agree with the way we want the group to go.”
Last year, after their performance, The Jets graciously rushed to the front of EAC’s Fine Arts Auditorium to meet and take photos with those who attended. Moana expressed her excitement at the opportunity to connect with everyone again.
“We were overwhelmed by the warmth and kindness of everyone we met last year,” said Moana. “The Gila Valley holds a special place in our hearts. We want to feel your spirit again and will bring the spirit of aloha back to you.”
Click here to get tickets to The Jets live at EAC’s Fine Arts Auditorium this Saturday, June 24, at 7 p.m. All proceeds from the concert will benefit Eastern Arizona College student scholarships.
Enroll Today in EAC Fall Classes: Classes begin on August 21. Call EAC’s Financial Aid Office at (928) 428-8287 for details. Register by calling EAC’s Records and Registration Office at (928) 428-8270, or online at www.eac.edu.
About Eastern Arizona College
Eastern Arizona College – the first community college in Arizona – has helped students claim their dreams since 1888. With campuses in Thatcher, Globe, and Payson, EAC’s qualified and caring instructors prepare students for the most in-demand careers and advanced study at universities. EAC offers more than 80 certificates and degrees, including the #1 nursing school in Arizona, a fine arts program featuring the only marching band in Arizona, and an engineering program that brings students up to speed for success at universities and top-tiered firms. Students thrive at EAC, making friendships that last a lifetime. EAC’s vibrant student experience includes on-campus housing, more than 30 clubs and organizations, active intramurals, and nationally ranked athletic and e-sports teams. At EAC, most students leave with $0 debt. Let EAC provide an affordable way for you to claim your dreams. Contact admissions@eac.edu or call (928) 428-8272 today.
