TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. -- The Combat Center Band captivated local residents until the sun went down during the Spring Concert Series at Luckie Park April 30, 2011.
The Spring Concert Series is a free annual event spanning several weekends and featuring a different band at each one.
This year featured the musical stylings of Wake the Bard, who specialize in Celtic music; Reflexx, a new wave 80’s-style band; the Combat Center Band’s concert and brass ensembles, bringing patriotic and Dixieland tunes; and Southbound, who will finish off the series May 7 with their southern rock stylings.
The Combat Center Band is considered a highlight of the series every year and drew a larger-than-anticipated crowd for their performance Saturday, said Robert Geddis, a Twentynine Palms resident.
“I liked them, [the crowd] always likes them,” said Sam Smith, an on-air talent on weeknights and a production director with local Z107.7 FM radio station. “We had a really good crowd tonight. It was probably one of the biggest ones they’ve had so far this year, and the Combat Center Band always brings a big crowd. It is just a staple of what we do out here. We appreciate them.”
Halfway through the patriotic-themed performance, the brass band, who call themselves the “Bandini Band,” re-energized a somewhat-waning crowd with their Dixieland tunes, even stepping away from the stage and commingling with the crowd as they performed their numbers.
“I always enjoy the Marine Corps Band,” said Gordon Rice, a Twentynine Palms resident. “I have been here 27 years and every time they perform [locally], I come and watch them. They always perform well, look good, sound good, and it just brings out a patriotism feeling.”
Although the Combat Center Band’s part in the series is over, there’s one more chance to join in on the summer festivities. Don’t miss the final performance by Southbound next weekend, starting at 6 p.m. at Luckie Park.
For more information on the Combat Center Band, visit the Combat Center’s website at http://www.marines.mil/unit/29palms or search “Combat Center Band” on Facebook.