Air Force jazz band arrives in Carson City

The USAF Commanders Jazz Ensemble will perform a free concert at the Governor’s Mansion on August 28 at 3 p.m.

August in Carson City is dedicated to “all that jazz”, and although the official Jazz & Beyond Carson City music festival officially ends on Sunday August 21st, the Carson City Chamber is pleased to announce that the United States The Air Force Commanders Jazz Ensemble allowed us to extend the jazz fun in our city for another free concert on Sunday, August 28 at 3 p.m. in the beautiful courtyard of the Governor’s Mansion.

American composer John Philip Sousa, known for his prolific US military marches, was prophetic when he said, “Jazz will last as long as people hear it through their feet instead of their brains. As a former member and bandleader of the United States Marine Band (1810-1822), he would have been proud of commanding officers, because if you’ve heard this fine ensemble play in the past, you’ll know those feet of the yours will be anything but still.

Declared a national treasure by Congress in 1987, jazz is America’s only indigenous art form, and The Commanders Jazz Ensemble keeps this historic flame alive by playing both classic big band favorites as well as compositions and modern arrangements while they are busy filming. West performing and giving music clinics.

“Jazz musicians are the coolest people on the planet. Can I have some cool? “, asked comedian Jon Stewart. Yes, Jon, you can cool off if you bring your personal lawn chair to enjoy a relaxing late afternoon concert in the beautiful Governor’s Court.

Our very own Mark Twain ghost, McAvoy Lane, will introduce the thirteen “cool musicians,” who are part of the much larger USAF Golden West band based at Travis Air Force Base. Led by SrA bandleader and music director Nathaniel McKay, you’ll be treated to some of the coolest jazz around. Mark Twain was passionate about music and is known to have been an avid guitarist, singer and pianist.

A1C vocalist Natalie Angst will delight audiences as she puts her own spin on songs we all love as three saxophonists (Alto Sax – TSgt Marco Munoz; Tenor Sax – A1C Kai Hammond; Bari Sax – A1C Colin Gordon); two trumpeters (A1C Henry Gergen and SrA Nathaniel McKay); two trombonists (A1C Jeff Sharof and TSgt Ben Huseby); a drummer (A1C Stephen Morris); three guitarists (A1C Tom Antonic; SrA Alex Valdez; A1C Eric Nakamoto); and a pianist (A1C Will Comer) accompany him as sound engineer Warren Lynch makes everything sound great.

Commanders represent the men and women serving in Air Force Air Mobility Command and promote military recruiting and community relations goals. They honor those who have served in our armed forces, inspire American citizens to increase their patriotism and service, and connect with

local communities on behalf of the US Air Force. The excellence demonstrated by these Airman musicians mirrors the excellence displayed by Airmen serving around the world.
The concert is sponsored by the Carson City Chamber of Commerce and is free to anyone who loves good music. Bring your own chair, blanket or pillow and some snacks and drinks. What a great way to end the month of August. Make it a great late summer outing and invite the whole neighborhood!