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2010 Jazz Heritage Series

  • Published
  • By Senior Master Sgt. Joe Jackson
  • The USAF Band
BOLLING AFB, D.C. --  The United States Air Force Band is proud to present the 2010 Jazz Heritage Series featuring the Air Force's premier jazz ensemble, the Airmen of Note. This year's series features jazz singer Al Jarreau on November 5, jazz guitarist Kurt Rosenwinkel on October 1, and an Airmen of Note 60th Anniversary celebration with seven of the "Note's" distinguished alumni on September 3. All performances will be held at George Washington University's Lisner Auditorium and will start at 8 p.m.. They are also free and open to the public - no tickets are needed.

Opening the 2010 Jazz Heritage Series will be the "Note's" 60th Anniversary Gala celebration at Lisner Auditorium on Friday, September 3. Featured on the concert will be distinguished performers from the band's history:

Trumpeter, Master Sgt. (Ret.) Ken Smukal
Guitarist, Chief Master Sgt. (Ret.) Rick Whitehead
Vocalist, Senior Master Sgt. (Ret.) Bobbie McCleary
Trombonist, Master Sgt. (Ret.) Rick Lillard
Saxophonist, Chief Master Sgt. (Ret.) Pete BarenBregge
Saxophonist, Chief Master Sgt. (Ret.) Joe Eckert
Vocalist, Master Sgt. (Ret.) Tracey Wright

Last but not least, the five instrument-playing alumni will join the "Note" on stage for the world premiere of a new commission, composed and conducted by former Airmen of Note leader and arranging legend, retired Master Sgt. Sammy Nestico!

On Friday, October 1 at Lisner Auditorium, one of the world's finest contemporary jazz performers and composers, guitarist Kurt Rosenwinkel, will join the Airmen of Note. A native of Philadelphia, Rosenwinkel has proven to be one of the most innovative forces in modern music, smartly interweaving elements of jazz, hip hop, funk and a vast array of guitar sounds into his sublime musical soundscapes. We invite you to join us as we team the amazing music of Kurt Rosenwinkel, the Airmen of Note and arranger Master Sgt. Alan Baylock for a musical night to remember.

Concluding the 2010 Jazz Heritage Series we will feature one of the great jazz vocalists of our time: seven-time GRAMMY award-winning vocalist Al Jarreau. 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." Airmen of Note arranger Master Sgt. Alan Baylock will give some of Jarreau's biggest jazz and funk hits the "Airmen of Note touch" for what is sure to be an exhilarating concert at Lisner Auditorium on November 5.

This fall, George Washington University's Lisner Auditorium is the place to be for thrilling jazz of all flavors. Once again, these concerts are free of charge - no tickets are needed. So, don't miss one exciting "note" as The United States Air Force Band's Airmen of Note team up with these legendary performers for the 2010 Jazz Heritage Series!