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Air Force brings rhythm, blues to Sumter community

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Daniel Blackwell
  • 20th Fighter Wing
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  The Air Force Rhythm in Blue Jazz Ensemble performed at Alice Drive Baptist Church in Sumter, Feb. 19.

They played a varying arrangement of songs throughout the concert to include: jazz fusion, contemporary big band selections, patriotic tributes and musical works spanning decades and generations.

The Rhythm in Blue ensemble's mission is to communicate the Air Force core values, tell the Air Force story, instill patriotism in audiences across the world and foster and sustain the welfare and morale of service members.

They provide live musical support for approximately 300-plus events annually, and have produced more than 55 critically-acclaimed compact disc recordings.

The ensemble has also been the recipient of numerous military awards to include eight Air Force Outstanding Unit awards, five Air Force Organizational Excellence awards and three Colonel George S. Howard Citations of Musical Excellence for Military Concert Bands awards.

For performance listings and upcoming events of all Air Force Heritage Band ensembles, visit http://www.heritageofamericaband.af.mil/events/.