FORT RUCKER, Ala. (April 26, 2012) -- People were taken back in time as Fort Rucker's 98th Army "Silver Wings" Band brought its summer concert series, Music Under the Alabama Stars to Howze Field April 20 with its rock band, Crossfire, playing songs from different decades.
More than a hundred people gathered in the field to enjoy the concert. Some brought lawn chairs, blankets and food to enjoy with their Families, while others brought their pets to play with as they listened to the music.
"It's good to get outdoors, hear live music, and be able to get out and relax in open air," said W01 Christopher Nicholas, B Company, 1st Battalion, 145th Aviation Regiment. "It's a really nice way to spend a Friday afternoon.
"This was [Crossfire's] first concert for this year and it was awesome," he said. "I feel like it's only going to get better from here."
Christopher attended the concert with his wife, Staff Sgt. Virginia Nicholas, who is a member of the 98th Army Band, and their two children, Michelle and Joshua.
"I think it was great and the crowd was really into it," said the staff sergeant. "I could tell that [the band members] were having a lot of fun because the crowd was really engaged."
Julie Stevenson, civilian who attended the concert, came with her husband, Phil, and their two sons, Jake and Robert, and said that it was nice to be able to bring her Family onto the installation and enjoy live music.
"There aren't too many places in the area that you can go to take your Family to enjoy some good live music," she said. "It's nice to be able to come out here, let the children play with other kids and just have a good time."
"It's good to be able to find something to do that the entire Family can come to," added Phil. "It's something for the adults and the kids to enjoy, and the music was great -- it really took me back."
Crossfire's first MUTAS concert was canceled because of rain, so the band members were hoping for a good turnout for the show, said Staff Sgt. Mario Evans, vocalist for Crossfire and the 98th Army "Silver Wings" Band.
"I was actually surprised at the turnout today because I know it's Friday and there is a lot going on. People could have been anywhere they wanted to be," said Evans. "I was glad to see they came out -- it made me very happy."
The 98th Army Band will be having concerts throughout the summer featuring its different talents and band makeups, according to Evans.
We're going to have a mixture of stuff throughout the summer," he said. "We're the rock band but we're going to be having more concerts that will feature our jazz band and our stage band. We'll have all different varieties of music -- we want to have something for everybody."
More concerts are scheduled for May 17 and June 22, but no concert will be held in July due to Freedom Fest, but the concert series will resume in August.
"I want people to walk away from our shows with a feeling of nostalgia," said Evans. "Maybe a song that resonated with them a long time ago or maybe even now. Just something to make them feel good and forget their troubles, even if for just a little while."
For more information, visit the 98th Army "Silver Wings" Band Facebook page.
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