U.S. Air Forces in Europe Concert Band in Poland this October.

USAFE Concert Band performing in Kutno Cultural Center, Author: Artur Andziak (more photos)

October 2009 sounded with marches, overtures, the best of American popular classics, jazz and famous music from the stage and screen thanks to the United States Air Forces in Europe Concert Band, which toured Poland October 19-25, 2009. The USAFE Band toured Poland in celebration of the 90th anniversary of the establishment of U.S.-Polish diplomatic relations. As America’s Musical Ambassadors, the USAFE Concert Band reinforced the cultural ties between our two countries through music and entertainment.

The Band performed in Wrocław (October 20), Opole (October 21), Nowy Sącz (October 22), Radlin (October 23), Kutno (October 24) and Bydgoszcz (October 25). To see the concert repertoire please click here.

In Kutno and Bydgoszcz, the Band performed to a full house. President of Kutno Zbigniew Burzyński and USAFE Band Commander and Conductor Major Matthew Henry exchanged gifts on stage. Chief Dylan Hrncir of the U.S. Embassy Defense Attache Office delivered opening remarks emphasizing the 90th Anniversary of U.S.-Polish diplomatic relations as the context of the USAFE Band’s concert tour in Poland. Major Henry was interviewed for “Radio Victoria” local radio station. Internet portals www.ekutno.pl  and www.kutno.net.pl also covered the concert and posted a film clip and a photo gallery from the show. Please visit:
http://www.kutno.net.pl/?strona=wideo&film=46
http://www.ekutno.pl/?kutno=0&y=1&zoom=5193

The gift was also exchanged in Bydgoszcz between Vice-President of Bydgoszcz Wojciech Nowacki and the Band’s Commander Henry. Economic Officer Kimberly Valdes-Dapena from the U.S. Embassy in Warsaw delivered welcoming remarks highlighting common ideals and important moments in the history of Polish-American relationship. The message about the 90th Anniversary sounded strongly in Bydgoszcz as well. Commander Major Henry was interviewed by “Gazeta Wyborcza” regional issue in Bydgoszcz and by “Radio Gra” station. Inspektorat Wsparcia Sił Zbrojnych also posted an article about the concert at their website, http://www.iwspsz.wp.mil.pl/pl/1_730.html

The United States Air Forces in Europe Concert Band has been entertaining audiences of all ages and nationalities throughout Europe and Southwest Asia since 1944.  Based at Sembach Air Base, Germany, the band brings the sounds of America to Europe's finest concert halls, outdoor theaters and international music festivals. In addition to performing live concerts, the USAFE Band is heard through recordings and media broadcasts bringing the music of America to millions across the continent.