Photo By Sgt. Joseph Knoch | The band "Gainfully Employed" hosts karaoke at Battle Of The Bands on August 10, 2019,...... read more read more
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Battle Of The Bands
Spc. Joseph E. D. Knoch
5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
ILLESHEIM, Germany (August 10, 2019) -- In support of soldier health and wellness a morale boosting concert titled “Battle of the Bands” was held this past Saturday night at 6 p.m., August 10, 2019, in Illesheim, Germany.
The concert featured performances by various musicians of all ranks and ages. Over the course of their time in Germany, these Soldiers have bonded over their love of music, often practicing in the post chapel.
“Working at the Chapel, I had so many Soldiers coming in and playing on the instruments available there,” said Cpt. Daniel Powers, the Brigade Chaplain for 1st Combat Aviation Brigade “They began putting together their own bands. It created a wonderful opportunity to do what I called ‘The Battle of the Bands,’ where we brought these guys in to perform in front of their own peers.”
The Battle of the Bands showcased five separate performances ranging from classic rock to hip hop and everything in between, many of which fit the contemporary rock and pop music genres. All of the bands and performances were comprised of Soldiers in the 1st CAB, currently on rotation to Illesheim in support of Atlantic Resolve.
“Music is my outlet,” said Spc. Shannon Mitchell, C-601st Aviation Support Battalion, 1st Combat Aviation Brigade. “I thoroughly enjoy singing my heart out and listening to music.”
Mitchell, a member of the bands “Harris and Mitchell” and “Gainfully Employed,” shared that the opportunity to play music while on rotation has been very meaningful to her, and that she was glad to be a part of the show.
“We do a lot of different types of music, mainly classical rock duets.” said Spc. Chance Harris, the other half of “Harris and Mitchell." “The show was a good way to build camaraderie, especially considering out here on rotation, it can be very stressful. It’s a good chance to have a bit of fun.”
Both Harris and Mitchell met at the chapel through singing and later found that they paired well together as a musical duo. This show was not their first time performing together.
“We did a fourth of July event a couple of months ago and it was great,” said Harris, a Soldier in Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Combat Aviation Brigade. “This by far knocked it out of the park. It was so much fun just seeing the smiles on peoples faces you know laughing, having a good time.”
Shows like this do not happen overnight, it takes a lot of planning and coordination. Chaplain Powers not only determined the Soldiers’ desires for an event to showcase their musical abilities, but he coordinated the event with all of the participants around the installation.
“I sent out the invitations for participation to all of the units in 1st CAB and we had Soldiers who signed up,” Powers said. “The MWR and all of the people on Illesheim came together as soon as we said that their were Soldiers willing to play. Everyone loved the idea and the next thing I know we had the stage and all of the equipment we needed to put on a great show.”
It was evident by the cheering crowd that they thought the show was indeed great as they requested an encore following the last song. In response, the bass guitarist began playing the main riff of the hit song “Seven Nation Army” by the White Stripes. During the encore performance the crowd sang along as to the popular song from the early 2000s.
“The show was an absolute blast,” said Mitchell. “There were way more people than I ever expected to show up. Our goal was to help people have a good time and have a chance to forget about their stresses.”
After everything was said and done Chaplain Powers had this to share about the event turn out and its success.
“I really want to thank all of the bands,” Powers said. “They did a great job, it was really an honor to work with these soldiers.”
| Date Taken: | 08.10.2019 |
| Date Posted: | 08.16.2019 04:36 |
| Story ID: | 335951 |
| Location: | DE |
| Web Views: | 59 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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