FORT RUCKER, Ala. (June 27, 2014) -- Freedom Fest is right around the corner with its enticing funnel cakes, bouncy houses and fireworks show, and the musical aspect of the day is warming up horns and drums to ensure the show is one to remember.
Members of the 98th Army Silver Wings Band say they are ready to put on a spectacular show July 3 on the festival fields for all to enjoy, and they hope people will have as much fun as they will, because they love what they do.
"We have been preparing for this for several months, making decisions on not only what to play, but our lighting and our staging aspects," said Staff Sgt. Davin Vance. "It's going to be a big deal and the fireworks afterward will be a spectacular ending to the show."
Vance said that live entertainment really sets the mood for an event and that people like seeing live performances because it gets them involved and performers encourage them to dance.
"Anyone can set up a (compact disc) player, but people are entertained by live shows. It really makes it a party and a celebration," he said. "We just want people to have a good time. We want to keep people motivated and get their spirits up during the event so they are rejuvenated."
The band has a multitude of things planned for Freedom Fest, including three separate sets that will last 40 minutes each.
"We wanted to hit a lot of different music styles. Last year we found that the audience responded a lot to country style. So, this year we have went in the direction of a little more southern rock, but we still have pop, 80s rock, 70s soul and a number of other genres for everyone to enjoy," said Vance. "We are just going to try to make it a good party for everyone."
Crossfire, the band's rock group, will start out the show, followed by their Latin group, Sabor Tropical.
"Then, when they finish, and after some awards have been given out by (Brig. Gen. Michael Lundy, U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence and Fort Rucker commanding general), we will play a mix of popular patriotic music," continued Vance.
The band will hit the stage at 6 p.m., rain or shine. If there is rain that pushes Freedom Fest indoors, as it has in years past, then the band will move its concert indoors to the post theater.
"It will have to continually rain (for the event to be cancelled or moved indoors)," said Annette Styron, Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security plans and operations specialist.
According to Styron, Col. Stuart J. McRae, Fort Rucker garrison commander, will make the initial weather call at 8 a.m. for the sponsors and the event. The initial fireworks weather call will be made at noon and the concert weather call will be decided at 4 p.m.
"We still plan to launch the fireworks at 9 p.m. unless it is totally flooded out," she added.
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