ANG Band of the Midwest to perform free jazz concert

Instrumentalists with the Air National Guard Band of the Midwest perform for audiences during annual training at the Bayfront Festival Park, Duluth, Minn., July 4, 2014. They performed 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. The annual concert series was the result of a year’s worth of training and practice, one that the band used to celebrate patriotism with communities across the Midwest. (Courtesy photo/Released)

ANG Band of the Midwest to perform free jazz concert

Published Sept. 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 perform a free public concert at the Glen Oak Park Amphitheatre September 6 at 6 p.m.

Harmony in Blue, the unit's jazz ensemble, will perform classic dance band tunes as well as modern jazz compositions, from entertainers such as Count Basie, Glen Miller, Stan Kenton, and Steely Dan.

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 of Naperville.

"The Band of the Midwest maintains a rigorous schedule of around 150 performances a year for military functions and civilian outreach," said Tech. Sgt. Paul Holzen of O'Fallon, Missouri, the non-commissioned officer in charge of the performance. "We're pleased to present Harmony in Blue to honor the rich jazz heritage in the United States and in the Air Force bands."

The Band of the Midwest supports the global U.S. Air Force mission in war and peace by preserving national heritage through professional musical services for military, recruiting and community relations events.

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).