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The 2013 Guest Artist Series wraps ups!

  • Published
  • By Chief Master Sgt. Jenn Pagnard
Washington, D.C. --  The third and final concert of The United States Air Force Band's 2013 Guest Artist Series was a wonderful event with inspiring performances by country legend Lee Greenwood, the Air Force Orchestra, and the Concert Band and Singing Sergeants, led by Col. Larry Lang. The concert was hosted by the assistant vice chief of staff of the United States Air Force and former Air Force District of Washington commander, Lt. Gen. Frank Gorenc and his wife Sharon.

Following the concert opener with the precise presentation of the national colors by the United States Air Force Honor Guard, Gorenc offered eloquent and heartfelt remarks. The Concert Band got the crowd into a patriotic mood with "American Salute" and "Daughters of Texas." Senior Master Sgt. Christine Germain and Master Sgt. Ryan Dolan thrilled the crowd with their rendition of "Wheels of a Dream" from the musical "Ragtime" with lyrics that speak of the American Dream. The Concert Band's "Hoedown" was the perfect transition to a country music medley featuring soloists from the Singing Sergeants. This medley included the songs "Life is a Highway," "Born to Fly," and the inspiring Trace Adkins tune "Arlington."

After a short intermission, Lee Greenwood and the Air Force Orchestra took the stage opening with a tribute to the Statue of Liberty and the Pledge of Allegiance. Throughout his extensive set, he performed many of his hit songs, like "Please Come to Boston," "McDonald's and You" and "Wind Beneath My Wings." An accomplished saxophonist, he interspersed his singing with instrumental interludes. He also added wonderful stories and folksy conversation between each number, giving the attendees a real sense of his background and amazing career. He closed the concert with "Where the Stars and Stripes and Eagle Fly" and his iconic "God Bless the USA." The Singing Sergeants joined him on the final song, as well as an inspiring parade of 25 U.S. flags by Honor Guardsmen with the crowd on their feet.

With the closing of this series, the Band looks forward to its Summer Concert Series which runs June, July and August. These concerts will take place at various performing venues throughout Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C. For details about these and other U.S. Air Force Band performances, please call our 24-hour concert line at 202-767-5658 or visit our website.