Use this search box to find articles that have run in our newspapers over the last several years.
Date: 3/15/2023
WASHINGTON, DC — The United States Air Force Concert Band from Washington, DC, is preparing for a 12-day tour through the Northeast and Springfield is one of the stops.
The band will perform at 3 p.m. on March 26 at Springfield Symphony Hall. Tickets for the free concert, sponsored by MGM Springfield, are available at Pride convenience stores, Springfield Visitors Center at 1319 Main St., the security desk at One Financial Plaza, 1350 Main St., Springfield, or by sending self-addressed stamped envelope to Spirit of Springfield, 1350 Main St., Suite 1004, Springfield, MA 01103.
“We are excited to bring this world-class entertainment to Springfield,” said Spirit of Springfield President Judy Matt. “It is an affordable afternoon of entertainment, and a great way to expose young people to music performed by an orchestra.”
Master Sgt. Kristopher Westrich, a member of the band for the past 12 years, told Reminder Publishing the music selection for the concerts is being finalized and rehearsals have begun. He believes the program will include jazz, pop and Broadway tunes as well as a patriot medley at the show’s conclusion, which he said would honor veterans.
The concert usually runs 90 minutes with an intermission, he added.
The band conducts two two-week tours during the year traveling throughout the United States. The members are stationed at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling in Washington, DC. The Concert Band is one of six performing groups in the Air Force.
Westrich said he is sure the band has played in Springfield before, but not for around 10 years.
The 52-member orchestra will be “trying something new,” at the performance, Westrich noted. Instead of accompanying the 20-member singing group, The Singing Sergeants, the band will have two vocalists for the concert.
Westrich said when the band is not touring it presents a series of outdoor concerts in the summer near Washington, DC, as well as producing and recording an album each year. It also performs for a variety of government function.
Master Sgt. Matt Penland, who will be soloing on xylophone during the tour, said in a written statement, “Going on tour and connecting with live audiences is the best part of the job. I’m really looking forward to traveling on the East Coast and sharing the music we’ve been working on. I’m also honored to stand in front of this incredible ensemble whose members represent the best of the United States Air Force.”
For more information about the free concert by the U.S. Air Force Concert Band from Washington, DC, visit spiritofspringffield.org, email staff@spiritofspringfield.org, or call the Spirit of Springfield at 733-3800.