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NEWS | June 5, 2017

Airmen of Note complete southern tour

By Senior Airman Delano Scott 11th Wing Public Affairs

The U.S. Air Force Band’s Airmen of Note, the premier jazz ensemble of the USAF, wrapped up their four-day summer tour through Georgia and Florida, May 28, 2017.

 

The band performed four concerts for audiences throughout Athens, Augusta and Savanna, Ga., all leading up to their final concert at the Jacksonville Jazz Festival.


The tour began in the grand halls of The Classic Center Theatre in Athens. The theater was packed with more than 1,400 audience members who were treated to a two and a half hour set featuring contemporary jazz pieces, all having a distinctive military tie.

“Each destination was unique with great turnouts and enthusiastic audiences,” said Chief Master Sgt. Kevin Burns, USAF Band Airmen of Note flight chief. “We absolutely love coming and visiting different communities across the U.S.”


The next legs of the tour were stops at the Davidson Fine Arts School, followed by the Fine Arts Auditorium in Savannah. These smaller venues, each housing 1,000 people, allowed for a more intimate performance. The festive sounds of the brass, wind and string instruments bounced off the walls, filling the theater. It was clear that both performances left an impression on the many audience members who, as soon as the band took a bow, came to the stage to speak with the men and women behind the music.        

That's the beauty of going on TDY to various performance locations across the country,” Burns said. “We truly get to connect with the American public directly and bring a significant positive impact for the Air Force to a wide range of audience members.”

Finally, the tour culminated at the Jacksonville Jazz Festival with a crowd of more than 5,000 people. There, the band was able to perform and interact with a large audience, allowing them to spread the band’s mission of honoring those who have served and inspiring patriotism.

“Being able to get out on the road these past four days and see the joy and excitement on people’s faces has been amazing,” said Tech Sgt. Grant Langford, Airmen of Note tenor saxophonist. “Especially around Memorial Day when we honor all of those who served to keep us safe.”