MIHAIL KOGALNICEANU AIRBASE, Romania - The U.S. Army Europe Kaiser Brass Band brought U.S. service members and Romanian civilians alike musical entertainment during their visit to Mihail Kogalniceanu Airbase, Romania, March 28-29.
The six-piece brass section hosted their debut performance in the Mihail Kogalniceanu Park and played a set list that included a range of music from classic jazz tunes to Bon Jovi's "You Give Love a Bad Name." What began as a small crowd of children spectators at the beginning, grew to a large crowd that included Romanians of all ages, Romanian news crews and U.S. personnel from MK Airbase. Claps and smiles from the very young to the elderly made it apparent that everyone enjoyed themselves.
"I was born and raised near Mihail Kogalniceanu, and I am very happy to be at this concert," said Geta Bazuba, an elderly spectator from the crowd. "I worked for 25 years in the airport here and my husband was in the Romanian military. I am used to seeing soldiers here, and it is very nice when they come here to play music for us."
In between songs, members of the Kaiser Brass climbed off stage to show the gathered Romanian children their instruments. The crowd got a closer look at the trumpet, trombone, tuba and French horn. The band members also took those opportunities to express how happy they were to be performing in Romania.
"This has been great, and it is really awesome to see the local community come out to support us. We have the little kids up in front of the stage dancing... it is a real blast," said Staff Sgt. Daniel R. Ord, a trombone player with the Kaiser Brass and a native of Warner Robins, Ga. "We are all very grateful to be here and have the opportunity to play for such an awesome crowd."
The Kaiser Brass played for U.S. service members and Romanian military the following day at the MK Airbase dining facility. Transient military personnel coming from and going into Afghanistan and permanent party service members were serenaded as they ate lunch.
"I think all of the Soldiers and other service members really enjoyed hearing the band play during lunch," said Sgt. Maj. Michael A. Shilo, the 21st Theater Sustainment Command's Regional Support Element sergeant major and a native of Attapulgus, Ga. "The music gives them a taste of home while they are far away."
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