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Vector performs farewell concert in Kyrgyzstan

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Matt Benedetti
  • 376th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
Maevka Village, Kyrgyzstan --  The courtyard of the House of Culture in Maevka Village, Kyrgyzstan became a hub of American music, July 27, 2012, as the U.S. Air Forces Central band, Vector, performed a charged set for approximately 200 spectators.

The concert was the final show in a nine-day tour of the Kyrgyz Republic for the group. The nine-member ensemble is deployed from the Channel Islands Air National Guard Station, Calif.

A rain shower early on delayed the opening number but failed to dampen the spirits of the band or their new fans. The clouds soon dissipated and the sun shined on Vector as they played a mix of genres that included salsa, country and classic rock. The crowd swelled as the music reverberated throughout Maevka Village.

It was a thrill for the band members to play at the House of Culture. "It was great performing for the people here. They were hard to bring in at the beginning but as soon as the young kids started dancing everyone followed," said Senior Airman David Rodriguez, lead singer and native of Southgate, Calif.

Rodriguez, who appeared to channel James Brown during, 'I Feel Good,' fed off the energy of the crowd. "The people really responded to that song and we had a great time performing," he said.

Staff Sgt. Samantha Renner volunteered to perform as a singer with Vector in Maevka Village. Renner is a member of the 376th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron at the Transit Center at Manas and serves as a resource controller. An accomplished singer, she is deployed from Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., and has performed the U.S. National Anthem at every major sporting arena in the Phoenix area.

"I think it was fantastic. I was so glad that I had the opportunity to be part of the concert. [The audience] loved the music and we loved their energy," said Renner, a native of Fremont, Neb.

After the performance, Vector band members interacted with the audience allowing them to play with different instruments.

"The music was super and we liked the Black Eyed Peas. Thank you for playing here," said Norbek Asiminov, 17.

Alia Konev, 15, agreed, "I have no words, it was amazing. It was a chance to dance and have fun. We wish they would come again," she said

Vector will continue their tour of the area of responsibility but also now be able to reflect in the fond memories and partnerships they've built during their tour of the Kyrgyz Republic.

"It is awesome to have people that they are so appreciative. To interact at this level is so much fun. We absolutely loved playing for the people of Kyrgyzstan," said Senior Airman Simon Thomsen, a native of New York City who is deployed from Channel Islands Air National Guard Station, Calif.