This first performance of the 2012 Guest Artist Series, held under the auspices of our gracious host, Maj. Gen. Darren W. McDew, began with a bang, as the band warmed up the crowd with high-energy performances by all involved. Inspired by Jarreau's virtuosity in a wide range of styles, Folliard led the ensemble through a myriad of genres including funk, smooth jazz, swing, and Latin. The enthusiastic crowd was on its feet and ready for more, eagerly awaiting the appearance of our special guest artist.
To the delight of all, Jarreau took the stage singing some of his greatest hits, adroitly arranged by the talented members of The U.S. Air Force Band arranging staff. Jarreau's music has a truly global appeal, and he used his compositions as a vehicle to transport the audience during the performance, invoking villages of South Africa with his lilting "Jacaranda Bougainvillea" to the complex Spanish rhythms of Chick Corea's "Spain." Jarreau, a longtime supporter of our nation's military, offered thanks and praise to the brave men and women serving in today's global force, and closed out the show with a stirring rendition of "God Bless America" that brought the house to its feet.
Don't miss the next installment of the 2012 Guest Artist Series, when jazz piano superstar Keiko Matsui joins The U.S. Air Force Band for the Feb. 26 Guest Artist concert. Guest Artist Series concerts take place at D.A.R. Constitution Hall, 18th and D Streets, N.W., Washington, D.C. Performances begin at 3 p.m. and are free and open to the public; no tickets are needed. Doors open at 2 p.m. For details about these and other U.S. Air Force Band performances, please call our 24-hour concert line at 202-767-5658 or visit the calendar section of our website.
