News>They're back! Pacific Showcase returns to the Fussa-Yokota Friendship Concert
Photos
Senior Airman Mark Shoun, Band of the Pacific-Asia trombonist, leads Pacific Showcase through the aisles at the Fussa-Yokota Friendship Concert, Fussa City, Japan on Aug. 28, 2012. Showcase played "When the Saints Go Marching In," in the midst of the audience for their encore. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Josh Voyles)
Retired Japan Air Self-Defense Force Maj. Gen. Takeshi Ishikawa, Fussa-Yokota Goodwill Exchange Club advisor, poses for a photo at the Fussa-Yokota Friendship Concert, Fussa City, Japan on Aug. 28, 2012. Ishikawa handed out concert programs as people entered the hall and began to line up for the show. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Josh Voyles)
Staff Sgt. Tom Salyers, left, Band of the Pacific-Asia trumpet player, Tech. Sgt. Justin Allen, center, Band of the Pacific-Asia vocalist, and Senior Airman Mark Shoun, right, Band of the Pacific-Asia trombonist, sing and snap thier fingers to "Hit That Jive, Jack" at the Fussa-Yokota Friendship Concert, Fussa City, Japan on Aug. 28, 2012. Pacific Showcase's musicians added to the concert by playing many musical roles throughout the night. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Josh Voyles)
Pacific Showcase, Band of the Pacific-Asia jazz ensemble plays at the Fussa-Yokota Friendship Concert, Fussa City, Japan on Aug. 28, 2012. Approximately 900 Japanese and American people attended the 2-hour concert. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Josh Voyles)
Tech. Sgt. John Garcia, right, Heritage of America Band trombonist, joins the Band of the Pacific-Asia at the Fussa-Yokota Friendship Concert, Fussa City, Japan on Aug. 28, 2012. Garcia played the trombone for Pacific Showcase to ensure a complete horn section while the Band of the Pacific-Asia awaits the last musician to arrive to Yokota. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Josh Voyles)
Tech. Sgt. Justin Allen, right, Band of the Pacific-Asia vocalist, interacts with Senior Airman Dennis Lambert, Band of the Pacific-Asia pianist, at the Fussa-Yokota Friendship Concert, Fussa City, Japan on Aug. 28, 2012. Allen interacted with many band members during the show to add to his stage presence. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Josh Voyles)
Mr. Hisato Nozawa, Fussa-Yokota Goodwill Exchange Club president, receives a certificate of appreciation at the Fussa-Yokota Friendship Concert, Fussa City, Japan on Aug. 28, 2012. Nozawa was publically thanked by the Band of the Pacific-Asia for his role as sponsor for the concert. (U.S. Air Force photo/Josh Voyles)
by Staff Sgt. Josh Voyles
USAF Band of the Pacific-Asia
8/30/2012 - YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- Pacific Showcase, Band of the Pacific-Asia's jazz ensemble, performed at the Fussa-Yokota Friendship Concert Aug. 28 as part of their first tour through the Pacific Region after a nearly five-year absence.
The people in Fussa City have been eagerly awaiting Pacific Showcase's return, said retired Japan Air Self-Defense Force Maj. Gen. Takeshi Ishikawa, Fussa-Yokota Goodwill Exchange Club advisor.
With new musicians at Yokota, the newly reinstated Pacific Showcase prepared a variety of big-band classics in preparation for their first tour which started with a performance at the Takasaki Culture Hall.
"Our capabilities here have been expanded and we are now able to provide a larger variety of music which we can use as a vehicle to strengthen our relations with not only Japan but other Pacific nations," said Tech. Sgt. Dwight Wiest, Pacific Showcase NCO in charge.
For the local performance on their tour, Pacific Showcase set up and performed for approximately 900 people at the local Fussa City Auditorium and included the classics "Hit That Jive, Jack," "Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White," and "Sing, Sing, Sing." Members of the group took turns soloing, "working" the stage and even marching in the audience for a rendition of "When the Saints Go Marching In" during the show's conclusion.
With their first tour now concluded, Pacific Showcase is looking towards what's next.
"We're excited to share our dynamic show of American and Japanese jazz classics," stated Tech. Sgt. Ricky Sweum, Pacific Showcase musical director. "[Our music] will strengthen our relationships here in Japan and throughout the Pacific Rim."
"[Pacific Showcase] came back to us!" wrote Mr. Hisato Nozawa, Fussa-Yokota Goodwill Exchange Club president. "With their return, we expect our friendship to be stronger and goodwill to be more vigorous."
