SPRINGFIELD, IL (06/04/2014)(readMedia)-- PEORIA, Ill. - The Air National Guard (ANG) Band of the Midwest is scheduled to kick off a free summer concert series at the Glen Oak Park Amphitheatre at 7 p.m., June 7
.The 566th Air Force Band based in Peoria, Illinois, 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, while hearing the story of the ANG and hometown heroes who serve in it, said Maj. Bryan Miller of Naperville, Illinois, commander and trumpet player.
The annual concert series is the result of a year's worth of training and practice, one 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 of Brookfield, Illinois, a euphonium and trombone player.
Senior Airman Justin Ahlberg of Galesburg, Illinois, percussion and saxophone player, said it is an opportunity for the band to put on a great performance and entertain the civilian and military communities, while spreading the message of the ANG's and United States Air Force's services.
"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 of Streamwood, Illinois, the band manager and bugler. "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, Illinois.
June 28 at 3 p.m. - City Park Summer Fun Fest, Oglesby, Illinois.
June 29 at 6:30 p.m. - Grundy County Courtyard Lawn, Morris, Illinois.
July 2 at 7 p.m. - City Park Band Shell, Rice Lake, Wisconsin.
July 3 at 7 p.m. - Barker's Island Festival Park, Superior, Wisconsin
July 4 at 4:30 and 6:45 p.m. - Bayfront Festival Park, Duluth, Minnesota.
More information about the ANG Band of the Midwest can be found at www.BandoftheMidwest.ang.af.
For additional information, please contact the Illinois National Guard Public Affairs Office at ng.il.ilarng.list.staff-pao@
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