Falconaires to Play Monterey Jazz Festival Published Sept. 12, 2008 By MSgt Steven M. Przyzycki The USAF Academy Band 9/12/08 -- The United States Air Force Academy Band's premier jazz ensemble The Falconaires from Colorado Springs, Colorado will be in California in September and will be performing for the first time ever at the world renowned Monterey Jazz Festival. They will be featured on September 20th at the Bill Bailey Night Club Stage at 4:00 p.m. The Falconaires is a world class big band that has a rich tradition in many jazz styles dating back to its conception with the great Army Air Corps band leader Glenn Miller. The USAF Academy Band is one of only nine Department of Defense directed premier bands in the country, and one of only two premier bands in the Air Force. The band travels across the country and overseas in support of Air Force community relations and Air Force Academy recruiting. They have worked with jazz luminaries around the country, receiving great critical acclaim. Trombonist Phil Wilson called the Falconaires "one of the greatest big bands in the world today," and vocalist Diane Schuur stated, "Working with the Falconaires was a truly wonderful experience...their enthusiasm and energy were contagious." The band has appeared at many jazz festivals nationwide to include the Telluride Jazz Festival and the Clearwater Jazz Festival. "We are really excited to play the Monterey Festival. This is the longest consecutive running jazz festival in the country. It attracts the best of the best when it comes to performers, and it always draws a great crowd that is knowledgeable about all styles of jazz," stated the Falconaires Tour Manager and trumpeter Technical Sergeant Joe Ferrone. Other performances on this tour include concerts in Alameda, Palo Alto, San Francisco and Yountville. For further information about any of these performances you can contact the band at (719)556-9929. All concerts are free and open to the public so be sure to get your tickets early. You surely won't want to miss any of these very special performances.