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Airmen of Note Celebrate 60 Years!

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Brian McCurdy
  • The USAF Band
BOLLING AFB, D.C. --  The USAF Band's Airmen of Note celebrated 60 years with members past and present for a weekend of amazing artistry! The alumni weekend also kicked off the 2010 Jazz Heritage Series which continues on October 1 and November 5.

Some of the most distinguished performers in the "Note's" 60-year history were featured, including retired Master Sgts. Ken Smukal, Rick Lillard and Tracey Wright, retired Senior Master Sgt. Bobbie McCleary, and retired Chief Master Sgts. Rick Whitehead, Peter BarenBregge and Joe Eckert.

The evening was full of highlights. However, the most unforgettable moment was when retired Master Sgt. Sammy Nestico, the legendary arranger and former leader of the Airmen of Note, was brought on stage to conduct a brand new composition. His youthful enthusiasm could still be seen that night and heard in his music, just as it was during his "Note" days over 50 years ago.

The 2010 Jazz Heritage Series continues on Friday, October 1, as one of the world's finest contemporary jazz performers and composers, guitarist Kurt Rosenwinkel, joins the Airmen of Note.

The series concludes on Friday, November 5 with seven-time GRAMMY award-winning vocalist Al Jarreau as the "Note's" special guest. This multi-faceted performer has earned the highest honors in the industry for his work in jazz, R&B and pop styles, including a star on the Hollywood "walk of fame."

All concerts in the Jazz Heritage Series start at 8 p.m., and are free and open to the public. No tickets are needed. Lisner Auditorium is located at 730 21st Street Northwest, on the campus of George Washington University. The nearest metro stations are Foggy Bottom and GWU.