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Air Force Jazz Band performs 15th Annual Vacaville Jazz Festival

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Robert Barnes
  • USAF Band of the Golden West
Travis AFB, CA --  On Sunday September 21st, The Commanders Jazz Ensemble from the U.S. Air Force Band of the Golden West will perform at Nut Tree Plaza at 5:30 p.m. as part of the Vacaville Jazz Festival. The concert is the grand finale of a three day event featuring 300 musicians performing jazz, Dixieland, blues, big band, swing, funk, pop, and gospel.

The Vacaville Jazz Festival began in 1999, and The Commanders have participated in the festival for the last five years. Featuring local high school performers and other regional groups, the festival gives the community an opportunity to experience jazz in the local area.

Keith Stout, president of the Vaca Jazz Society and festival organizer, believes The Commanders performance is the perfect way to end the festival on a high note.

"The Air Force Band has been a tremendous asset to the non-profit Vaca Jazz Society, performing during the military tribute over the last five years," says Stout. "They've brought a great response from the public, military, active duty, and veterans."

The Commanders will perform music of the great big band era and a lot more, such as "Satin Doll" and "La Fiesta".

Staff Sgt. Brandon May, band pianist and jazz soloist, enjoys the small-town feel of the Vacaville Jazz Festival.

"I look forward to playing the Vacaville Jazz fest every year. It is a great chance to give back to our community," says May.

The mission of the Band of the Golden West is to build partnerships with the local community and tell the Air Force story. As a part of Air Mobility Command, the band represents the excellence of Mobility Airmen who provide humanitarian airlift, aerial refueling, and cargo support all over the world.

For more information on the United States Air Force Band of the Golden West, including upcoming performances, please visit the website at bandofthegoldenwest.af.mil or follow us on facebook at bandofthegoldenwest or twitter at BandGoldenWest.