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JBSA News
NEWS | Dec. 23, 2013

USAF Band of the West spreads holiday cheer through music

By Staff Sgt. Marissa Tucker 502nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs

The United States Air Force Band of the West serenaded members of the Joint Base San Antonio community into the merriest time of the year during their Holiday in Blue concert Dec. 17 at the Bob Hope Theater.

The second of two concerts of their annual holiday program at JBSA-Lackland, the event included several classic pieces and a sing-a-long portion. Attendees included members of JBSA and 502nd Air Base Wing leadership, community members and retirees, some of whom look forward to the event every year, said David Sligh, a chief inspector with the U.S. Marshall Service.

"I've been going to the Band of the West Christmas concerts for about 10 years," said Sligh. "It's phenomenal; it brings out the kid in you."

The band received a standing ovation at the end of their performance, which included their very own rendition of holiday standards. Evelyn Santos, a healthcare provider who attended the event with her family, said it was a nice change from the usual holiday concerts.

"I liked it all, especially the sing along and the interaction with the audience," she said. "I also like the fact that it wasn't the same [as typical holiday songs] and had variations, which made it interesting."

The USAF Band of the West conducts performances year-round throughout Texas, New Mexico, Louisiana and Arizona providing performances to military and civilian audiences, according to their mission statement. To learn more about the band, or to see a schedule of their future performances, visit their website here.