Band members, Kyrgyz babushkas share music

The U.S. Central Command Air Forces band, "Desert Ramblers," performs for elderly Kyrgyz women who have no families. Band members, who play traditional and contemporary Celtic music, and Airmen from nearby Manas Air Base, Kyrgyzstan, treated the women to lunch and a show at a local restaurant. The visit was part of the Manas Air Base Outreach Society volunteer program, which works with existing Kyrgyz organizations and provides community service support to 10 organizations that work with children, the elderly, handicapped and other disadvantaged groups. (U.S. Air Force photo/Capt. Michael Murray)

Band members, Kyrgyz babushkas share music

Maria, one of the local babushkas that Airmen from Manas Air Base, Kyrgyzstan, regularly take to lunch, leads some of the ladies in "Katyusha," a traditional Kyrgyz song. Their impromptu singing was inspired by the performance of the U.S. Central Command Air Forces band, "Desert Ramblers," at the luncheon. The five-person ensemble plays traditional and contemporary Celtic music. The Desert Ramblers visited Manas Air Base Oct. 17 to 19 and performed seven shows, including three community relations events. (U.S. Air Force photo/Capt. Michael Murray)

Band members, Kyrgyz babushkas share music

Published Oct. 23, 2007
By Maj. Adriane Craig
376th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

MANAS AIR BASE, Kyrgyzstan (AFPN) -- Members of the U.S. Central Command Air Forces band, "Desert Ramblers," were treated to an impromptu show themselves on Oct. 19.

The Desert Ramblers, a five-person ensemble that plays traditional and contemporary Celtic music, wrapped up a three-day visit here where they performed seven shows, including three community relations events.

Their last community engagement was arranged in conjunction with a Manas Air Base Outreach Society visit, and included a luncheon with babushkas, elderly Kyrgyz women who do not have any family members remaining.

After playing several songs for the ladies at a local restaurant, the group applauded and then several of the babushkas broke into song. The song was "Katyusha," which is the name of a girl. The song describes the girl coming out to the bank of the river to sing a song about her loved one.

The song is a very old melody most Kyrgyz have heard growing up. The women sang a few different songs before finally, and reluctantly, calling it an afternoon.

Using an interpreter, the women thanked the military members for coming. Maria, who led the singing, told the young women in attendance that when she was young, she loved to sing and even dance, many years ago.

It was an afternoon of music and camaraderie between the two different cultures and generations, linked this time by music.

"It was a nice change for them," said Olesya Kamakandakova, who accompanied the babushkas on the trip and served as their translator. "They don't get much entertainment."

The band also played at an on-base dinner honoring the local village mayors and for members of Kyrgyz Air Navigation, the air traffic control company the base works with at Manas International Airport, who happened to be celebrating their 10th anniversary that day.

"They all really seemed to appreciate the performance," said Tech. Sgt. Sherry Burt, NCO in charge of the ensemble. "It was awesome."

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Band members, Kyrgyz babushkas share music

Band members, Kyrgyz babushkas share music

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