Air Force Jazz Ensemble Offers Big Band Sound
By Bernie Nguyen

The sounds of Glenn Miller, John Coltrane, and John Philip Sousa filled the sound stage at Mission Point Resort Auditorium for two performances on Sunday, May 7, and Monday, May 8. The United States Air Force Band of Mid-America's Shades of Blue Jazz Ensemble played a set of 12 songs, making it clear from the first song, a jazz version of "The Star Spangled Banner," that in addition to their military roots, the musicians know how to swing.

Approximately 60 people attended the performance, a good turnout especially since the band played for two nights. Many of the audience members had been in attendance at both performances, and the group kept its set fresh with new songs for those who had been at the previous night's show.

Besides their musical skills, band members held the audience with funny faces and smoothly coordinated movements. Most of the big band numbers they played included bright, complex solos from the trombone to the piccolo.

Senior Master Sergeant Mark Hansen kept the numbers compact with comical dialogue and lively conversation.

"We're all having a great time here on the Island," he said, "It's just a beautiful spot."

During the group's rendition of Major Glenn Miller's popular "In the Mood," Mr. Hansen urged the audience to dance, an invitation that was accepted only by two enthusiastic couples.

"Nothing says thank you like a photograph of me," joked MSgt. Hansen as he presented photographs of the band to Mission Point Resort General Manager David Sanderson and Tourism Bureau Director Mary McGuire Slevin.

"You want quality entertainment in a resort, and this was quality entertainment," Mr. Sanderson said. "I thought they were an excellent band."

The performance at Mission Point was included in the ensemble's tour through the Upper Peninsula, which included performances in Sault Ste. Marie and Marquette.

"We're touring all around the UP," MSgt. Hansen said. "We go from town to town, places that don't normally see the blue suit, and demonstrate what the Air Force can do."

The Shades of Blue Jazz Ensemble is comprised of five

saxophones, three trombones, four trumpets, and a rhythm section of piano, bass, and drums. Technical Sergeant Theo Ramsey was the vocalist and lent his talents to jazzy versions of "Can't Buy Me Love" and "America the Beautiful," along with two other numbers. The group also has its own audio engineer, Staff Sergeant Ethan Hall.

The evenings included a tribute to military veterans and the ensemble received a standing ovation, then played "The Stars and Stripes Forever" as an encore. Band members mingled with the crowd, answering questions and holding conversations about the performance and about the Island.

All members of the ensemble are on active duty, with the exception of Farid Baron, the piano player who has toured with the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra.

The USAF Band of MidAmerica is stationed at Scott Air Force Base in Illinois and shares the state of Michigan with the USAF Band of Flight, which plays the Lower Peninsula.