An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.
HomeMultimediaNewsArticle Display

The Stars Shine at Strathmore

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Julianna Arnold
  • The USAF Band
JOINT BASE ANACOSTIA-BOLLING, D.C. --  On May 12, The United States Air Force Strings, Airmen of Note, Singing Sergeants, Ceremonial Brass and Max Impact joined forces with a host of world-class guest artists at the Music Center at Strathmore in Bethesda, Md. The performance was the fourth annual concert gala, "America's Veterans--A Musical Tribute."

The event will be featured in an upcoming television broadcast on Veterans Day weekend this November. Guest artists included Jo Dee Messina, Arturo Sandoval, Ronan Tynan and Sabra Johnson. The evening also profiled the lives of notable veterans from each service which included Medal of Honor recipient, Col. Roger C. Donlon (Army); Navy Cross recipient, Rear Adm. Jeremiah Denton (Navy); Medal of Honor recipient, Col. Harvey C. Barnum (Marine Corps); Coast Guard Medal for Heroism recipient, Petty Officer Kristen Lunkley (Coast Guard) and Medal of Honor recipient, Col. George Everette "Bud" Day (Air Force).

Country superstar Jo Dee Messina was the first featured guest artist, captivating the audience with her performance of "God Bless America." Messina's meteoric rise to fame includes two Grammy Award nominations and five certified gold and platinum albums.

Six-time Grammy Award-winning jazz trumpeter, Arturo Sandoval, is known for expertly performing a mixture of jazz, classical, rock and traditional Cuban music. He thrilled the audience, along with the Airmen of Note and the Air Force Strings, with a rendition of "Tin Tin Deo" and "A Night in Tunisia."

International recording artist Ronan Tynan first came to fame as a member of the Irish Tenors and quickly became known for his unique voice and irresistible appeal. Among his selections for the evening included a stirring arrangement of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow."

Named "America's Favorite Dancer" from Season 3 of "So You Think You Can Dance," Sabra Johnson joined the Singing Sergeants on stage. She danced a beautiful solo to the backdrop of the Singing Sergeants a cappella version of the song "Peace."

Master Sgt. Shani Prewitt entertained the crowd with the world premiere of "Into the Sun," composed by the Band's own Master Sgt. Matt Ascione.

Now in its fourth year, "America's Veterans--A Musical Tribute" will be broadcast on public television on Veterans Day weekend. To find a local public television station in your area that will televise the event, please check our website in late October.