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Pacific Trends returns to Shiogama City

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Josh Voyles
  • USAF Band of the Pacific-Asia
SHIOGAMA CITY, Japan --  March 11, 2011 an earthquake hit Japan that resulted in a tsunami that hit the north-east cost of Japan with recent reports totaling 15867 deaths, 6109 injuries, and 2909 people missing.

In Shiogama City, one of the most affected areas, Mr. Tario Kanno, Shiogama UNESCO Association president requested the band following the successful performance last year.

"You can still see marks on the buildings as high as the second floor where the water had risen," said Senior Airman William Pressgrove, Band of the Pacific-Asia vocalist.

Pacific Trends, Band of the Pacific-Asia popular music ensemble, returned to continue strengthening the Japan-U.S. friendship and supporting the people affected by the tsunami at the Yu Hall, Shiogama City, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan on Aug 7, 2012.

"It's hard to describe the impact music has on people," stated Mr. Toshiyuki Sato, Yu Hall director, ..."but we want to empower and encourage them to move forward."

Pacific Trends performed approximately two hours and 20 minutes including music by Toto, Michael Jackson, Elvis Presley, and Guns and Roses. Furthermore, in addition to American tunes, Trends included four modern Japanese songs.

At the end of the performance, Mr. Akira Sato, Shiogama City mayor, presented the band with a gift and thanked them, translating his own gratitude into English for the band.

"We appreciate your support here following the earthquake and we would like to have you back again next year."