They're back! Pacific Showcase returns to the Fussa-Yokota Friendship Concert

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Josh Voyles
  • USAF Band of the Pacific-Asia
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --  Pacific Showcase, Band of the Pacific-Asia's jazz ensemble, performed at the Fussa-Yokota Friendship Concert Aug. 28 as part of their first tour through the Pacific Region after a nearly five-year absence.

The people in Fussa City have been eagerly awaiting Pacific Showcase's return, said retired Japan Air Self-Defense Force Maj. Gen. Takeshi Ishikawa, Fussa-Yokota Goodwill Exchange Club advisor.

With new musicians at Yokota, the newly reinstated Pacific Showcase prepared a variety of big-band classics in preparation for their first tour which started with a performance at the Takasaki Culture Hall.

"Our capabilities here have been expanded and we are now able to provide a larger variety of music which we can use as a vehicle to strengthen our relations with not only Japan but other Pacific nations," said Tech. Sgt. Dwight Wiest, Pacific Showcase NCO in charge.

For the local performance on their tour, Pacific Showcase set up and performed for approximately 900 people at the local Fussa City Auditorium and included the classics "Hit That Jive, Jack," "Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White," and "Sing, Sing, Sing." Members of the group took turns soloing, "working" the stage and even marching in the audience for a rendition of "When the Saints Go Marching In" during the show's conclusion.

With their first tour now concluded, Pacific Showcase is looking towards what's next.

"We're excited to share our dynamic show of American and Japanese jazz classics," stated Tech. Sgt. Ricky Sweum, Pacific Showcase musical director. "[Our music] will strengthen our relationships here in Japan and throughout the Pacific Rim."

"[Pacific Showcase] came back to us!" wrote Mr. Hisato Nozawa, Fussa-Yokota Goodwill Exchange Club president. "With their return, we expect our friendship to be stronger and goodwill to be more vigorous."