Lonestar dedicates performance to servicemembers

Published March 14, 2011

AFDW/PA -- Country music group Lonestar and The U.S. Air Force Band put on a two-hour concert March 6 at the Daughters of the American Revolution Constitution Hall in downtown Washington, D.C.

Performing for more than 900 fans, Lonestar entertained a crowd that included Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley, Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. Norton Schwartz, Air Force District of Washington Commander Maj. Gen. Darren McDew, and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy.

The Air Force Band's Col. George S. Howard Young Artist Competition winner, high school saxophonist Jordan Lulloff of Okemos, Mich., also performed.

"This was a tremendous turnout," General McDew said. "The hall was filled with enthusiastic fans of the Air Force Band and Lonestar. They also got a special treat hearing guest saxophonist Jordan Lulloff. He is an amazing talent."

This was the first time The U.S. Air Force Band streamed its work live online. Attendees and online viewers took in a concert that included instrumental pieces, such as the newly unveiled "Chief of Staff," a John Phillip Sousa - inspired march composed by the USAF Band's head arranger, Senior Master Sgt. Bob Thurston. The Singing Sergeants also took to the stage, riling an already boisterous crowd with their signature works.

"It's kind of intimidating, actually, to play with musicians like the Air Force Band," said Keech Rainwater, Lonestar's drummer. "Country musicians are known for being self taught, with a sort of rougher sound, so to work with people who are masters - many have PhD's - is a unique chance to integrate two distinct sounds."

Lulloff performed a concertino, marking his first collaboration with a military band.

"My family has about 100 years of experience playing the Saxophone," said Jordan, whose father and mother met in college as both were honing their skills on the saxophone. "I'm just still speechless about the chance to play with The U.S. Air Force Band...I could definitely see myself joining the Air Force to call myself an Air Force bandsman."

The show drew people from across the country. Many of the 900 fans were Capitol - area tourists. Jake Charles of Springfield, Ohio, brought his family to the concert as part of their trip to Washington, D.C. "The diversity they achieve in the selection is really quite mindblowing," said Charles. "I get to bring my kids to a great military band concert, see a young performer, watch Lonestar, and be in the same room as the secretary of the Air Force. This couldn't have been more entertaining."

Secretary Donley, the highest authority in the Air Force, took to the stage, presenting the guest artists with a token of appreciation. Lonestar received their eagle statue from Donley, and during the show thanked all men and women serving in uniform. The band dedicated the hit single "I'm Already There" to every servicemember currently stationed abroad.

The USAF Band Conductor and Commander, Lt. Col. A. Phillip Waite, found the performance of "I'm Already There" to be particularly meaningful. "I immediately started thinking of my great friend Col. John T Quintas, commander of the 48th Fighter Wing, Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, who recently lost an Airman during the Frankfurt shooting," said Colonel Waite. "I also have a son-in-law who is an Air Force Office of Special Investigations agent. He is put into danger on a regular basis, and there are thousands like him who need the type of dedication performed tonight."