Pacific Trends Performs at Tanabata Festival Published Aug. 4, 2009 By SrA Andrew Jones USAF Band of the Pacific-Asia YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- Pacific Trends, the popular music ensemble of the USAF Band of the Pacific-Asia, performed a one-hour show at the 59th Fussa Tanabata Festival on Thursday, August 6, 2009. The show consisted of powerful renditions of classic pop songs sprinkled with a variety of new tunes. The crowd of Japanese fans and military families stretched across the decorated streets of downtown Fussa. Both children and adults danced in the streets while they sang along to songs dedicated to the "King of Pop" and stayed cool by eating shaved ice treats. TSgt(s) Rebecca Packard opened the show with "Proud Mary," which did not short-change the audience on energy. TSgt Vinnie Dublino, the newest member of the rock band, shocked both the audience and his fellow band mates with his innovative runs on the keyboard. The show was a great way to introduce Sgt Dublino to Japan! Rain threatened the celebration for several hours. However, the skies cleared for the evening show. The only major weather event was SrA Andrew Jones' emotional rendition of "Tsunami", a Japanese ballad surrounding a nostalgic sense of unrequited love. Onlookers wiped away tears and waved their hands in an agreeable sentiment. A university student from Nepal said, "I have had difficult times recently. However, the music I heard tonight made me feel like I can make something of myself. Thank you so much." Youth volunteers at the concert came out in front of the stage and did the twist with band members as Pacific Trends wailed on Ray Charles' "What I Say." Some fans received free copies of PT's latest album, "The Sounds of Friendship: A Gift to You." The Tanabata Festival--a celebration of the stars--was truly a night that will continue to shine in the memories of the community of Fussa.