Djiboutians delight in the sounds of 'Hot Brass'

  • Published
  • By Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Regina Brown
  • CJTF-HOA Public Affairs
DJIBOUTI (AFPN) --  The U.S. Central Command Air Forces Expeditionary Band "Hot Brass" played for nearly 100 Djiboutians Dec. 6 at a community development center in Douda, Djibouti.

The Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa in Djibouti was the Airmen's first stop on their tour of the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. They performed various popular marches, television show tunes and upbeat movie theme songs that kept the villagers dancing until the last note was played.

Habibh Ahmed, a volunteer at the community development center, took pleasure in watching the children laugh and dance during the performance.

"What I enjoyed most was the fact that the band came to us in our place to play music for us and entertain our youth," said Mr. Ahmed. "This is the first time we are seeing something like this here."

The band can play a wide variety of music including jazz, pop, Broadway, holiday and TV show theme songs. Children and adults were tapping their toes and bobbing their heads to the upbeat sounds of the music.

"I think its best said that no matter what the cultural differences, the language differences, music transcends everything," said Senior Master Sgt. Todd Nicholls, the superintendant and saxophone player for the band. "It puts a different face on America for the people here."

The Airmen left their impromptu stage a few times to mingle with the audience, giving the children and adults alike a chance to see their instruments up close. The audience members laughed at the animated performance of trombone player, Senior Airman Kaz Kruszewski.

"I like the fact that they see us doing something they never expect from someone in uniform," said Tech. Sgt. John Rider. "We could only hope they come away happy, with good feelings."

The quintet plus drummer is touring throughout the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility to raise morale, perform in military ceremonies and to reach out to local communities fostering positive relationships between the U.S. and allies.

"Music is a universal form of expression," said Staff Sgt. Jason Plosch, the trumpet player. "Even though we can't speak the language we can entertain them for an hour, and there is no need for an interpreter. I hope that in some way we made a small difference in their lives, hopefully they remember us for awhile."

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