ANG Band of the Midwest kicks off summer tour

Airmen with the Air National Guard Band of the Midwest perform during their annual summer concert series July 1, 2013. Audiences can expect a world-class show with exciting and dynamic music, all while hearing the story of the ANG and the hometown heroes who serve in it, said commander and trumpet player U.S. Air Force Maj. Bryan Miller. The annual concert series is the result of a year’s worth of training and practice, one that the band uses to celebrate patriotism with communities across the Midwest. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Todd A. Pendleton/Released)

ANG Band of the Midwest kicks off summer tour

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Amy Layhew and Master Sgt. Douglas Mattsey, instrumentalists with the Air National Guard Band of the Midwest, perform during the band's annual summer concert series June 30, 2013. Audiences can expect a world-class show with exciting and dynamic music, all while hearing the story of the ANG and the hometown heroes who serve in it, said commander and trumpet player Maj. Bryan Miller. The annual concert series is the result of a year’s worth of training and practice, one that the band uses to celebrate patriotism with communities across the Midwest. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Todd A. Pendleton/Released)

ANG Band of the Midwest kicks off summer tour

Airmen with the Air National Guard Band of the Midwest are seen between performances during their annual summer concert series July 1, 2013. Audiences can expect a world-class show with exciting and dynamic music, all while hearing the story of the ANG and the hometown heroes who serve in it, said commander and trumpet player U.S. Air Force Maj. Bryan Miller. The annual concert series is the result of a year’s worth of training and practice, one that the band uses to celebrate patriotism with communities across the Midwest. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Todd A. Pendleton/Released)

ANG Band of the Midwest kicks off summer tour

Published June 3, 2014
By Staff Sgt. Lealan Buehrer
182nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs

PEORIA, Ill. -- The Air National Guard Band of the Midwest is scheduled to kick off a free summer concert series at the Glen Oak Park Amphitheatre here June 7 at 7 p.m.

The Airmen of Peoria's 566th Air Force Band will perform jazz, rock and concert music for audiences in Illinois and Wisconsin as part of their community relations tour before a grand finale in Minnesota July 4.

Audiences can expect a world-class show with exciting and dynamic music, all while hearing the story of the ANG and the hometown heroes who serve in it, said commander and trumpet player Maj. Bryan Miller.

The annual concert series is the result of a year's worth of training and practice, one that the band uses to celebrate patriotism with communities across the Midwest.

"I am proud to have my job and to be part of the ANG, so I look forward to being able to showcase that pride each summer on tour," said Senior Airman Sarah Carlson, a euphonium and trombone player.

Senior Airman Justin Ahlberg, percussion and saxophone player, said that it is an opportunity for the band to put on a great performance and entertain the civilian and military communities, all while spreading the message of the ANG's and United States Air Force's services to the nation.

"These performances are typically outdoor concerts in the park and attract all age groups, including many veterans and their families," said Senior Master Sgt. Greg Koger, a bugler and the band manager. "Then we send them home with a rousing patriotic music set, ending the show with 'God Bless the USA,' 'The Armed Services Medley,' and of course, John Philip Sousa's 'Stars and Stripes Forever.'"

All are invited to attend the following performances:

June 7 at 7 p.m. - Glen Oak Park Amphitheatre, Peoria, Ill.
June 28 at 3 p.m. - City Park Summer Fun Fest, Oglesby, Ill.
June 29 at 6:30 p.m. - Grundy County Courtyard Lawn, Morris, Ill.
July 2 at 7 p.m. - City Park Band Shell, Rice Lake, Wis.
July 3 at 7 p.m. - Barker's Island Festival Park, Superior, Wis.
July 4 at 4:30 and 6:45 p.m. - Bayfront Festival Park, Duluth, Minn.

More information about the ANG Band of the Midwest can be found at www.BandoftheMidwest.ang.af.mil and on Facebook at ANG Band of the Midwest (566th AFB).