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Afterburner rocks Russian Drama Theater

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Lynsie Nichols
  • 376th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affiars
TRANSIT CENTER AT MANAS, Kyrgyzstan --  The U.S. Air Forces Central Band Afterburner finished their nine-day tour with a performance for more than 600 people at the Russian Drama Theater Feb. 7.

With songs by artists such as Pat Benatar, Guns N' Roses and Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, the concert was a big hit. Every seat were filled and local media was there to capture it.

"The concert was very good. I was excited that they came to perform," said Timur, a local student. "I had a really great time."

During the performance, which lasted about an hour and a half, Tech. Sgt. Kimberly Lively, Afterburner vocalist, ran through the crowd singing and dancing with willing participants.

"I had a great time," she said. "We love to make people happy, and when people are happy, we are happy."

Tech. Sgt. Jeff Saunders, Afterburner sound technician and keyboard player also wowed the crowd with his covers of "Use Somebody" by Kings of Leon and "Sunglasses at Night" by Corey Hart.

"The crowd was absolutely amazing," he said.

Airman 1st Class, Adam Porter, Afterburner tuba player, agreed.

"It's always fun to play music for the new crowds," he said. "They are so appreciative of our music."

All the members of Afterburner are deployed from Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass. They visited Kyrgyzstan and performed for military personnel at the Transit Center at Manas and various schools in the Bishkek area.

"I really enjoyed playing for the children [at all the schools]," Lively said. "They were wonderful and very happy to see us."