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Night Flight jazz ensemble presents Big Band Legends Concert

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Andrew Duncan
  • AF Band of Flight
Posted 2/15/13 --  2/15/2013 - WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- The U.S. Air Force Band of Flight's Night Flight Jazz Ensemble will celebrate the distinctly American art form of big band jazz on March 2 at the National Museum of the United States Air Force.

In contrast with years past, this year's show will take place inside the Modern Flight Gallery. Ticket distribution began Feb. 6 but closed less than 48 hours later due to enthusiastic response.

While tickets for the event have been distributed, interested patrons may wish to contact the National Museum of the United States Air Force for information about possible overflow seating at http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/news&events/concerts.asp .

In "Big Band Legends", Night Flight will create the definitive sounds of some of the big band era's greatest musicians. In addition to performing hits from the Glenn Miller Band, Night Flight will also play the music of luminaries such as Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Stan Kenton, Maynard Ferguson, and others.

"As part of Night Flight's performance we will pay tribute to Maj. Miller's legacy along with other Big Band legends that he helped to inspire. The night will end with a tribute to our career field veterans along with veterans from all branches of service," said Tech. Sgt. Eric Frank, Night Flight noncommissioned officer in charge.

This year, Night Flight will feature some of its own musicians as soloists. Airman 1st Class Luis Rosa, saxophone, will be featured on the Duke Ellington Band's classic, "Chelsea Bridge." Staff Sgt. Andrew Duncan, trombone, will present an updated version of Tommy Dorsey's "I'm Getting Sentimental Over You." As a tribute to Maynard Ferguson, lead trumpet Airman 1st Class Andrew Fowler will lead the band on Chick Corea's "La Fiesta."

"The annual Night Flight Jazz Ensemble concert seems to be a true favorite among our military and civilian community," said Teresa Montgomery, chief of the museum's Special Events Division. "The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force appreciates the opportunity to partner with the Air Force Band of Flight to present the classic sounds of the Big Band era to our friends from the Miami Valley and surrounding states."

This program is one in an annual series presented by the Band of Flight at the National Museum of the United States Air Force. The next concert in the series is planned for April 6, when the band will present an all-new product that will feature the new 14-member ensemble that will form the future of the Band of Flight.

For more information about upcoming performances by the United States Air Force Band of Flight, visit www.bandofflight.af.mil and click the "Appearances" tab.

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For concert videos and exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, check out the Band of Flight YouTube Channel at http://www.youtube.com/user/bandofflight