Air Force Band performing free concert Tuesday

The U.S. Air Force Band of the Pacific, along with the Mat-Su Community Chorus, is presenting a free concert for the community next Tuesday.

The Air Force Band of the Pacific is the oldest active military unit in Alaska. Through the years, the band has performed in front of many presidents who have stopped over in Anchorage. The band has also played for the emperor of Japan in 1971 and Pope John Paul II in 1981.

"It's another little shot of patriotism for the community," said Bert Hall, one of the organizers. "We all can use that. It should be a really, really great concert."

The evening is planned as a follow up to the visit of the U.S. Army Field Band and Soldier's Chorus in October, which was received with rave reviews.

Band personnel will include both the Greatlands Showband and the Alaskan Brass, under the direction of their commander and conductor, Capt. Jeffrey Warner.

The event is planned for 7 p.m. at Wasilla High School on Tuesday, Jan. 29.

No tickets are being issued, and seating will be based on a first-come, first-seated basis. It is advised to come early to ensure getting a seat.

The evenings program includes the nation anthem and the Alaska Flag Song, followed by band selections of "Only in America," "Holding the Flag" and "Veterans of the U.S.A."

The Mat-Su Community Chorus, under the direction of Katherine Eaddy, will then perform "America," "If We Only Have Love" and "Battle Hymn of the Republic."

The band will round out the evening with performances of "Where the Stars and Stripes and the Eagles Fly," "Hero," "Last Full Measure of Devotion," "God Bless America," "America the Beautiful" and the "Armed Service Medley."

The program is sponsored by the Wasilla Chamber of Commerce, Wasilla High School and the Mat-Su School District, the Frontiersman and KMBQ.

For more information about the concert, interested people can call the Wasilla Chamber of Commerce at 376-1299 or Bert Hall at 373-4611.